6 Feb 2023

Nagaland Post

FOLLOW

US

Nagas witnessing one of the dirtiest politics: Azo PoliticsinNagalandis aboutmoneypower:AAP

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN):

NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu lamented that Nagas were witnessing one of the dirtiest politics at present with blatant use of money power and that many political leaders had fallen prey to this evil.

Speaking at the second phase of NPF ticket distribution programme for six more candidates at the party’s central office Kohima, Azo asserted that though NPF was not fielding candidates in all the 60 seats, the party would produce the best result in the upcoming Assembly election.

NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu formally handed over tickets to the six candidates for the upcoming Assembly election. The party is expecting to issue more tickets on Monday.

Azo congratulated all the party ticket recipients, terming them “bravest

Pak’s ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf dies

among the brave” who had stood up to fight money power for the welfare of Naga people.

He also lamented that many Naga leaders had now become like a commodity that could be purchased by anyone. He appealed to all leaders not to let any force buy them else, he warned that Naga society would one day become a market place where people would start selling their rights and identity.

Also addressing the programme, Dr. Shürhozelie asserted that NPF was the

only and the oldest regional political party in Nagaland that survived to defend Naga people and assured to continue doing so at all cost in all time to come.

He admitted that the party was facing a temporary setback as it could not contest in all the 60 Assembly constituencies. He however claimed that many aspirants had approached the party for tickets, though the party had decided to narrow down the list of candidates and issued tickets only to the best ones.

Assembly polls 2023: Political parties declare list of candidates

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN):

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 5 (NPN):

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secretary in-charge of Nagaland Rajesh Sharma has alleged politics in Nagaland was based on money power, which his party did not endorse.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday evening, he stressed that with such politics, change could not be expected.

He thus appealed to people who wanted to see change in Nagaland to join AAP, pointing out that the party was ready to give tickets to candidates who were committed to serve the State and its people.

The AAP in-charge also claimed that the party had received many applications seeking tickets for

Assembly election, which were being scrutinised.

To a query whether the State Aam Aadmi Party party had funding issues, Sharma said AAP did not endorse money power in politics because, even if a candidate was voted to power, the MLA would take back the money he had spent during election and nothing would be left for development and that it would be impossible to eradicate corruption.

Several political parties including the Indian National Congress (INC), Naga People’s Front, National People’s Party (NPP), Janata Dal (United) and Republican Party of India (A) on Sunday released first and second list of candidates for the upcoming elections, scheduled to be held on February 27, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Sunday released its second list of four candidates while NPF and Janata Dal (United) issued tickets to nine candidates-- six NPF and three JD(U).

Meanwhile, Amenba Yaden (21 Tuli) and Zale Neikha (Southern AngamiII) would be contesting on NCP ticket.

Bangtick clarifies:

Intending candidate for 49 Tamlu constituency B Bangtick Phom clarified that he had already withdrawn

Battleground Nagaland: Fight beyond party lines

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): As voters await the final list of candidates to emerge after the last date of withdrawal on February 10, the 2023 Nagaland election is proving to be one of the most confusing which has led voters to realise that they have to expect the unexpected.

open late for those who were denied tickets by either NDPP or BJP. This has led to late electioneering among all parties expected to pick up only after February 10.

ISLAMABAD/DUBAI, FEB 5 (PTI): Pakistan’s

wily former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, died on Sunday in Dubai after battling an incurable disease.

Musharraf, 79, who lived in self-imposed exile in the UAE to avoid criminal charges against him in Pakistan, died after a prolonged illness at the American Hospital in Dubai. He was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a buildup of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, according to his family.

Pakistan’s last military dictator died on Sunday as a forgotten man in politics after spending his final years in self-exile in the UAE to avoid criminal charges against him in his country.

Musharraf’s family has filed an application in the Pakistani consulate in Dubai to shift the former military leader’s body to Pakistan.

A special jet will fly to Dubai from Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi to bring Musharraf’s mortal remains back to Pakistan.

The NDPP and BJP have formed a pre-poll alliance as in 2018 with the same seat sharing arrangement of NDPP (40) and BJP(20) seats. NDPP has issued tickets to several unexpected applicants while 15 sitting MLAs including some veterans were denied tickets.

All other parties including Congress have kept their doors

The BJP on the other hand was swamped by aspirants who wanted to cash in on being part of a ruling party at the centre and also implying the party will form or head the next government. This desire has been driven by BJP leader and deputy chief minister Y. Patton.

However, the Central leaders shot down the rather ambitious plan and stuck to the 2018 seat sharing arrangement.

NDPP supremo and chief minister Neiphiu Rio faces the toughest challenge due to

anti-incumbency such allegations of mis-governance and failure to secure Naga solution despite promises since 2003 under which plank he fought four previous elections (2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018).

According to reports, five senior sitting NDPP legislators who have not been given tickets will be fighting the election on Lok Janshakti Party (RV), while two will be fighting under NCP ticket. Other BJP aspirants are going to contest under NPP ticket including other parties.

The stakes are high and with Congress and AAP unlikely to ally with any coalition which includes BJP but the two including non-NDA party, the JDU have not closed ranks. The

India sets 2030 target to produce 50% of its energy need through non-fossil fuels

BENGALURU , FEB 5

(PTI): Union minister for power RK Singh on Sunday said India has set itself the target of producing 500 gigawatts of power -- about 50% of the country’s total energy requirement, through nonfossil fuel sources by 2030.

“India is among the top 5 major economies in terms of achieving energy transition from fossil fuels to non-fossil fuels. We had pledged to produce 40% of capacity through non-fossil fuels by 2030, but we have achieved it as early as November 2020. Now, prime minister Narendra Modi

has set a higher target for us to achieve 500 gigawatt power generation, which is more than 50% of our capacity, by 2030,” said Singh at a press conference in the backdrop of the ongoing G20 meetings.

Singh said India will sign an MoU with Malaysia for providing efficient street lighting, during the group meeting.

Replying to a media query on the Centre cutting the allocation for the Ujjwala scheme to provide LPG connection to the poor households in rural areas, Singh said the LPG is only

an interim stop in achieving clean energy and electric cooking is the final stop.

“However, the poor will continue getting LPG subsidies since the usage of cooking gas is better than cow dung or firewood,” he added.

Answering another question, the reforms being brought in by amending the Electricity Act, 2003, is not about privatising electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) (ESCOMs), but it is aimed at making them competitive by allowing more than one licensee holders in the field.

NPF has not warmed up to a secular alliance call by Congress in order to keep its doors open for any post-poll alliance, probably with NDPP-BJP. Even within the leadership of NDPP and BJP, there are reports that both have set up ‘proxy candidates’ in the seats conceded as per the seat sharing arrangement. However, going deeper, it is reported that as both Neiphiu Rio and BJP leader Y. Patton are definitely leaving no stone unturned to shore up numbers in the post-poll scenario. Whichever way, the outcome this time will be crucial for 2024 for the BJP as assembly election this time could hold more surprises even before government formation.

his candidature to contest from Lok Janshakti Party (RV) ticket on February 4.

He said that he would be contesting the election as an Independent candidate.

2,278 arrested in Assam’s child marriage crackdown

GUWAHATI, FEB 5 (PTI): The Assam Police continued with its crackdown on child marriage in the state for the third day in a row, with the number of arrests touching 2,278 on Sunday.

A police statement said the arrests were made based on 4,074 FIRs across the state. At least 139 people have been apprehended in Biswanath, followed by 130 in Barpeta and 126 in Dhubri, the statement said.

Other districts where over 100 arrests have been made are Baksa (123) and Bongaigaon and Hojai (117 each), it maintained. Dhubri registered the highest number of FIRs against child marriages at 374

cases, followed by Hojai at 255 and Morigaon at 224. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on Saturday asserted that the drive against child marriage will continue till the next assembly elections in 2026.

He had said parents involved in underage marriages are currently being let off with a notice. The CM added that men marrying girls below 14 years of age will be facing non-bailable charges, while those marrying girls between 14 to 16 years of age will be charged under bailable sections.

The state cabinet had recently approved a proposal to book men who have married girls below 14 years of age under the POCSO Act.

Oppn steps up pressure on Centre over Adani issue

Cong to hold nationwide protest today

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI):

Opposition parties on Sunday stepped up their attack on the Modi government over the Adani issue, with the Congress alleging that its “silence smacks of collusion”.

Congress will hold district-level protests in front of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and State Bank of India (SBI) offices while its MPs will hold a demonstration near the Gandhi statue

in Parliament House on February 6.

Ahead of the party’s planned nationwide protests on Monday, Congress general secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said they will pose three questions a day to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue and “your government cannot hide from saying ‘HAHK’ (Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun)”.

What action has been taken, if ever, to investigate the serious allegations made over the years against the Adani Group and is there any hope of a fair and impartial investigation in the matter under the prime min-

Assam: JDSSM demands removal of Christians from ST list

GUWAHATI, FEB 5 (AGNCIES): Ahead of the assembly elections in Christian-majority Meghalaya and Nagaland, an RSSbacked organisation called Janajati Dharma- Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JDSSM) has decided to intensify its agitation demanding to delist tribals who have undergone a religious conversion from the Schedule Tribe (ST) status that entitles them for reservation in jobs, reports East Mojo.

Over 1 lakh members of the JDSSM will be staging a demonstration at Janata Bhawan on February 12 under its “Challo Dispur”

programme, demanding both the Central and the State governments to amend Article 342A of the Constitution.

The organisation will also submit separate memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of its demand.

The organisation is pushing a demand that was first raised by Congress MP Karthik Oraon in the sixties, who had flagged the issue claiming that ST converts were getting a major chunk of reservation benefits. In 1968, a joint parliamentary committee was formed to examine the issue. “The

people who have adopted foreign religions like Christianity and Islam are getting double benefits. They put their children in Christian schools taking benefits as a minority but take up scholarships, jobs, promotion meant for STs,” said Binud Kumbang, co-convenor, JDSSM, Assam Pranta.

“In addition to this, they also take part in democratic exercises by contesting elections to be ministers, MPs, MLAs, and members of autonomous bodies. They are taking away the rights of tribals who are working hard to keep their tradition alive,” Kumbang

said. He said the organisation has already held various rallies in tribal-dominated districts and reached out to a cross-section of tribal leaders, including ministers, MPs, MLAs and CEMs of Autonomous Councils to garner support.

In March, the organisation is also planning to storm the Parliament in New Delhi in support of its demand.

The criteria set out by the Lokur Committee for defining a community as a tribe are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with

the community at large, and backwardness.

“People who convert to Christianity and Islam should not be eligible to get the reservation and other benefits given to the STs. But, even after getting converted, they are availing both types of benefits,” he said.

In the case of Kerala vs. Mohan, the Supreme Court had made it clear that if a person of a tribe renounces his original religion and adopts another religion and leaves his traditions, customs, rituals, and rites, then he will not be considered a tribe.

ister, he said in a statement and asked the prime minister to break his “silence” over the issue. (More on p-7)

Telangana chief minister and BRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao endorsed the demand of opposition parties for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to look into the “scam”, while BSP chief Mayawati said India’s image is at stake but the government is taking the issue “very lightly”. “It is going to have a long-term impact on the country’s economy and common life. Yet like in other cases, in this issue also the government is not taking the people of the country into confidence

MUMBAI, FEB 5 (ANI):

Conscience and consciousness are all the same in the country, just the opinions differ, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday.

He was addressing an event at the auditorium of Ravindra Natya Mandir on the occasion of the 647th birth anniversary of Saint Shirom Rohidas.

Bhagwat said, “When we earn a livelihood, we have also responsibility towards the society. When every work is for the greater good of the society, how can any work be

through the House. It is sad,” Mayawati said.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien said his party wants debate not disruption in Parliament and is raring to take on the government. He said that if any party disrupts the House it is in cahoots with the BJP.

Telangana chief minister Chandrasekhar Rao alleged the Centre has pressured Life Insurance Corporation to make a false statement over its exposure in the Adani Group. The Indian banking system is involved in this problem and the whole country is worried, he said.

big, small or different?”

“To our maker, we are equal. There is no caste or sect. These differences were created by our priests, which was wrong,” he added.

He said Saint Rohidas has a stature greater than Tulsidas, Kabir and Surdas, which is why he is considered Saint Shiromani. He invoked Saint Rohidas to say that religion is not just about filling up one’s stomach.

“Do your work, and do it according with your religion. Unite the society and work for its progress, as that is what religion is about...,” the RSS chief said.

Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu during the ticket distribution programme, Sunday.

Rajesh Sharma (NP)

Gen Pervez Musharraf

All are equal before God, castes made by priests: Mohan Bhagwat

PBCDWD celebrates silver jubilee

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 5

(NPN): Police Baptist Church Dimapur Women Department (PBCDWD)

celebrated silver jubilee at Police Baptist Church, Dimapur on the theme, “Stronger, Deeper and Higher” on Sunday.

Speaking on the theme, speaker ex. women secretary, NPBCA Pusuinla Longkumer said that celebrating jubilee was a moment of profound thanksgiving to God and a time of reflection, resolution and reevaluation and to set resolutions for the golden jubilee.

Longkumer, said that the jubilee celebration was not only meant for Church bodies, but also to every individuals to find and understand the roots and its inception.

She encouraged the gatherings to serve the Lord wholeheartedly in order to fulfill the purpose of God.

Commissioner of po-

lice, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie in his exhortation said that the PBCDWD may have fulfilled their objective and goals that was set 25 years ago but should continue to put more effort to achieve the desired goal.

He said Christians in Nagaland were “superficial and were more into material development than spiritual development” and encouraged the people not to get driven by materialistic things but to concentrate and stick to the roots of the Bible.

SEO holds meeting with enforcement agencies

GOs review preparedness in Wokha

He urged the churches to organize events such as healing programme for homeless people, drug abusers and for the people who were walking away stray from God and to give importance to them so that they repent their sins and start a better life. Sophie, also challenged the women department to take Bible approach and to be a practical oriented Christians in-order to take along the churches, departments and the society forward.

ATMA Shamator, Noklak conduct demonstrations

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Shamator block, Tuensang conducted demonstrations with Yanger I.Kichu, farm manager, KVK Tuensang as the resource person.

In a press release, the block stated the resource person demonstrated the farmers on the different method of pest and disease management in Potato cultivation. Meanwhile, two other demonstrations on “Vermi composting” and “Home remedy for insect repellent for crops” were also carried out by Kezhalesie, ATM, Shamator. Packages of Vermi compost were also distributed to the farmers. Altogether 13 farmers attended the program. Noklak Block: ATMA Noklak Block Tuensang, conducted Demonstration

on oyster Mushroom cultivation on February 4, 2023 at Noklak by ATM Athng. She highlighted about the scope and importance of Mushroom cultivation as a nutritional health value and need for the farmers to produce enough to meet the demands within

the region and capture the local market. Farmers were made aware of the practices and motivated for their generative income. Altogether 15 members from five villages participated in the programme and spawn was distributed to each member.

Assam Rifles organize blood test, awareness on cancer

view of the World Cancer Day with an aim of educating youths about various types of Cancer.

Meanwhile, Jalukie battalion of Assam Rifles organised a mega awareness lecture on cancer across Peren district on February 4, 2023.

DIMAPUR: Shamator battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organised an awareness lecture on cancer and free Blood

CYF urges youth to be vigilant

KOHIMA: Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has appealed all its affiliated units to be vigilant and confront any anti-social elements that may disturb the peaceful environment of the Chakhesang community.

In a release Chakhesang Youth Front president Vezhoduyi Nakro stated that CYF was a Core Committee member in the Chakhesang Clean Election Movement and as one of the frontal organizations under the patronage of Chakhesang Public Organisation, and that it will uphold and strengthen the Clean Election Movement. The front further stated that it will strongly stand and execute for a clean, peaceful and harmonious environment of the Chakhesang people at all time.

Group Test at Shamator village on February 4, 2023. The battalion also organized an awareness lecture on cancer, keeping in

The participants were made aware about likely causes, symptoms and precautions to avoid the lethal disease. A total of 59 villagers attended the lecture, stress was also laid on testing and treatment of the disease.

Earlier, the programme chaired by women leader Nukshila Aying Doulo began with an invocation by Asst. pastor Bendang Lemtur, short speech by ex. women leader Thondi Khiam, bible reading by Youth president Mhao Kikon, souvenir release by Pastor Rakhu Livi, prayer for women workers by Evangelist, NPBCA Maya, special songs by youth choir and shalom choir and closing prayer by mass were the highlights of the programme.

Alleged assault of GB Nungying condemned

DIMAPUR: The Patton Kikon Okho (PKO) of Nungying village under Wokha district has vehemently condemned the alleged physical assault on GB of Nungying village by unidentified masked miscreants on February 3, 2023.

In a condemnation note, PKO chairman, P. Nchumo Kikon and secretary, Mosen Kikon said that at around 10 pm, 10 to 15 unidentified miscreants wearing mask entered Nungying village and “mercilessly assaulted Orinimo Kikon GB of Nungying village and Loreni Kikon daughter of Wobemo Kikon without any reason.

PKO said since GBs were considered custodian to the Naga customary law, the action by “unruly perpetrators” should be condemned by all.

The Okho said that the incident has not only affected the concerned individual and family but have created fear and insecurity among the villagers.

The Okho therefore appeal to all the Nungying villagers to come together and fight against those perpetrators who were trying to instill fear and insecurity in the village.

PKO appealed to the concerned authority of the area to look into the matter seriously and ensure that justice be delivered to the victims at the earliest. The Okho further cautioned that failing to initiate action, it will remain silent and will be compelled to take up the matter as deemed fit.

DIMAPUR: Special Expenditure Observer (SEO) for the general election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023, B R Balakhrishnan, Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, V Shashank Shekha and State Police Nodal Officer held a video conference meeting with the Central and State Enforcement Agencies; Police, Income Tax, CGST, DRI, State Taxes, NCB, ED, CISF, RPF, Assam Rifles, Bank, Airport and Forest at the CEO Office chamber on February 1. CEO media cell informed that in the meeting, SEO appraised the various agencies to work hard to curb the use of money power and other forms of inducements during the election. He also took reports particularly on the seizures made after the announcement of the election and urged them to give their best in maintaining law and order.

DIMAPUR: General Observer (GO) for 37th Tiyi A/C and 38th Wokha A/C, Abhishek Krishna arrived Wokha district headquarters on February 5. On his arrival, Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Wokha (DC & DEO) Ajit Kumar

Ranjan and Superintendent of Police, Aotula T Imchen briefed the general observer about the preparedness status undertaken for the electioneering process in the district for the smooth conduct of the election.

A DIPR report stated that general observer for

37th Tiyi A/C and 38th Wokha, Abhishek Krishna can be contacted at 9863215155. Earlier, General Observer for 39th Sanis A/C and 40 Bhandari A/C Jyoti Kumar Lakra also reached Wokha district to oversee the conduct of the assembly election.

Sazolie College, SJC (A) organize workshop, seminar

ment of English delivered the vote of thanks.

Department of Economics had organized a seminar, debate and essay competition under the initiative of People’s Education Programme sponsored by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Dimapur.

Topics for essay and debate competition were on “Relevance of Rural Industries in Indian Economy” and “Development of Village Industries is a pre-requisite for India’s Economic Growth”. The seminar was conducted in the presence of Sanipongen, DCO (KVIC) as the guest speaker and Y.K. Shohe, assistant director (KVIC) as the keynote speaker and hosted by Bakon.

DIMAPUR: Sazolie College and St. Joseph’s College (A) organized a workshop and seminar on February 4.

A workshop on “Understanding Minority Ethnic Communities of Nagaland: Problems and development deficits”, was organized by OKD institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati, in collaboration with departments of English and Sociology at Sazolie College, Jotsoma. Dr. Saswati Choudhury, director, OKD, moderated the workshop. Representatives from Kuki, Tikhir, Yimkhiung and

Zeliang gave short presentations on the problems and challenges faced by their community. Challenges highlighted by the representatives were lack of proper infrastructure in schools, poor road conditions and poor medical facilities.

The problem of political representative was highlighted by both the representatives of Kuki and Tikhir community. Among the challenges faced by the Tikhir community, unemployment was stated as a major issue.

Representative from Yimkhuing community spoke about the abuse of

1st Death anniversary of our loving mother

children as domestic workers.

The representative from Zeliang community stated that social problems such as patriarchal dominance, backwardness in education and diversity in dialect were issues faced by their community.

Earlier in the programme, Waloniba Jamir, vice pincipal Sazolie College delivered the welcome address, Imlisenla, semester VI, presented a special song.

Aphrenuo Pienyu, HoD, Department of Sociology, chaired the programme and Veralϋ Vero, Asst. Professor, depart -

Department of Economicsm Shohe, in his keynote address said that the programme was especially designed for the students in order to make them aware about several Government Schemes which they can utilize to the fullest. He emphasized on how students should be the employment generator, not the employment seeker. Sanipongen talked on the history of KVIC and its functions. He also stressed on Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the eligible conditions of beneficiaries, EDP training, etc. The session ended with an interactive session.

The family members of Late Bhandi Kumar Sarkar express our profound gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us during his short illness and subsequent demise on 26-04-2021. Words will ever remain inadequate to thank you all, yet is is our fervent prayer that God Almighty will bless and answer all your life's wishes. Loving

K-256/23

Kenisa seKhose (07/11/1950 – 06/02/2022)

Mother we hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again.

So rest in peace our beloved Mother, And thank you for all you've done. We pray that God has given you, The crown you've truly won.

We miss you mom.

Loving husband, children, grandchildren & in-laws

Commissioner of police, Kevithuto Sophie, Pusuinla Longkumer and others.

General Observer (GO) for 37 A/C and 38th A/C Wokha being briefed about the preparedness status on his arrival at Wokha. (DIPR)

Members of ATMA Tuensang and others.

Awareness camp at Shamator village.

Resource persons, students and others at Sazolie College, Kohima.

Assembly Election 2023: Candidates kick off campaign

on Sunday attended by national leaders and state unit president, Nikhezhe Sumi has declared Y Kikon as the party candidate from 37 A/C.

In a press statement, RJD informed that deputy chief minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav congratulated Y. Kikon over telephone.

Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso: National People’s Party (NPP) handed the party ticket to the intending candidate for 9 Kohima Town Assembly Constituency to Managing Director of KOHIMAS Hospital, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso on February 4 in Dimapur.

Vice president-cumadvisor, NPP, Kohima, Dr Ketholezo Sorünuo also spoke at the programme.

DIMAPUR: BJP candidates from 31 A/C Akuluto, Kazheto Kinimi, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from 38 A/C, Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, RJD candidate from 37 A/C, Y Kikon and National People’s Party (NPP) from 9 Kohima Town A/C, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso

declared their candidature from their respective constituencies.

The candidate declaration of Kazheto Kinimi was held Akuluto on February 4 which was also attended by Khekaho Assumi former MLA and host of party workers.

Y. Mhonbemo Humt-

soe : NCP candidate, Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe from 38 Wokha A/C declared his candidature for the assembly election 2023 on Sunday at Wokha village public ground.

At the dedication and declaration programme, Humtsoe said he was contesting election with the

spirit of “one for all and all for one”.

Humtsoe has been pitted against BJP candidate, Renponthung Ezung and Congress candidate, N. Wobenthung Lotha.

Y. Kikon: Rashtriya

Janata Dal (RJD) State candidate selection committee at a meeting held

NORTHEAST

Violence in Sikkim amid SDF’s bandh over ‘immigrant’ row

Lepcha, they said. The protests come amid public anger after the Supreme Court mentioned the Sikkimese Nepali community as immigrants in an observation on January 13 while extending income tax exemption to all old settlers of the state.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has also called for a Sikkim Bandh on February 8 over the issue.

GANGTOK, FEB 5 (PTI): Violence broke out in South Sikkim district’s Namchi on Sunday as supporters of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) allegedly vandalised an office of the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), police said.

The incident happened at Damthang Road amid the 48-hour bandh called by the SDF, protesting the Supreme Court’s observation on the Sikkimese Nepali community.

Soon, a police team reached the spot and controlled the situation, officials said, adding that ad-

Q.: Is the government of India’s silence on Adani stocks crash deafening? A Yes. 96%

No. 4%

NEXT POLL

Q: Will the regional council for eastern Nagaland bring expected benefits to the people?

WEATHER FORECAST

equate forces were deployed in the area. On Saturday, the first day of the bandh, the SDF headquarters on Bypass Road was vandalised. Police said they arrested three persons in connection with the vandalism and are on the search for the others involved in it. Those arrested have been booked under IPC section 147 (rioting), police said. Ten SDF members were also arrested in Gangtok for burning the effigy of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Among those arrested were youth leader Arun Limbu and former minister Tshering Wangdi

It appealed that each family sends at least three members to join a rally which will be held during the bandh, and asked businesses to remain shut.

The Supreme Court in its order dated January 13, 2023, had directed the Centre to amend the definition of ‘Sikkimese’ in Section 10 (26AAA) of the Income Tax Act 1961 for including income tax exemption to all Indian citizens domiciled in Sikkim on or before the merger date of April 26, 1975. The state government has already filed a review petition in the apex court on the matter.

A thanksgiving and prayer program was held at Kohima on Sunday, where Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso shared his vision to the gathering and urged the people to work together for the betterment of the society.

The programme was chaired by president, NPP (Kohima) and working president, NPYF, Dr Keviseto Kintso,

NF Railway clocks 9 pc jump in freight unloading in FY’24

GUWAHATI, FEB 5 (PTI): Northeast Frontier Railway has registered a jump of nearly nine per cent in unloading of freight to 12,180 rakes from April to January of the current financial year, a senior official said.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Sabyasachi De said the Northeastern arm of the Indian Railways is continuously registering a steady growth in freight unloading in the recent past.

“During April 2022 to January 2023 of the current financial year, 12,180 freight carrying rakes were unloaded. This is an increase of 8.78 per cent in comparison to the corresponding period of last fiscal,” he added.

De said that in January itself, 1,301 rakes were unloaded, registering a growth of 3.6 per cent as against the same month last year.

“NF Railway has transported goods like FCI rice, sugar, salt, edible oil, food grains, fertilizer, cement, coal, vegetables, automobiles, tanks, containers and other items and unloaded them in different goods sheds within its jurisdic-

Arunachal increases upper age limit for gen candidates to 35 in civil services

ITANAGAR, FEB 5 (PTI):

The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved to increase the upper age limit for state civil service examination for general candidates to 35 and scheduled tribes to 40, an official statement said.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday.

The cabinet approved the amendments in Rule 3 of Arunachal Civil Services and Civil Posts (Upper Age Limit for Direct Recruitment) Rules, according to which, the upper age limit for state civil service examination will be 35 years for general and 40 years for APST candidates.

The proposed upper age limit shall also be ap-

plicable, as a one-time relaxation to all those candidates who have applied for direct recruitment examinations but the examinations have been cancelled or postponed by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) during 2022 due to administrative reasons, an official communique said here on Sunday.

This benefit will be given to the aspirants with effect from the closing date for receipt of applications against advertisements made by the APPSC for respective examinations.

Khandu had on November 22, last year announced that the upper age limit for APPSC exams will be enhanced by three years.

The current age limit for direct recruitment for

civil services and civil posts in the state government is 32 years, with 5 years age relaxation to APST candidates. However, the Cabinet maintained that there will be no change in upper age limit for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor, currently 37 years (42 years for APST).

With a vision to make Arunachal Pradesh a sporting powerhouse, the Cabinet also approved creation of 30 new posts in the Sports and Youth Affairs department, the communique said. The created posts include 20 posts of District Sports Officers (DSO). This move will strengthen the sports department and enable it to work for sports and sportspersons more efficiently, the communique said.

10 Myanmar nationals arrested in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, FEB 5: Manipur police on Sunday arrested at least 10 Myanmar nationals including six women illegally staying in the state.

A police source said that they were found taking shelter at different houses at Vaal Veng under Churachandpur police station. The source said that two teams of the district police launched an operation acting on reliable information regarding the presence of some foreign nationals in Churachandpur. On preliminary verifica-

tion, they admitted that they illegally entered into Indian Territory and arrived at Churachandpur on different dates and years from Myanmar and took shelter secretly at Vaal Veng village.

The police booked them under section 14 of the Foreigners Act, the police added.

The Manipur police have been conducting a special drive against illegal immigrants in the state. Earlier state police had arrested as many as 81 Myanmar nationals who were found settling in the Tengnoupal district bordering Myanmar by setting up a new village.

tion,” he added.

During January, 705 rakes of freight carrying trains were unloaded in Assam, followed by 116 rakes in Tripura, 22 rakes in Nagaland, 8 rakes in Arunachal Pradesh, 6 rakes in Manipur and 5 rakes in Mizoram.

“Moreover, 220 freight rakes in West Bengal and 219 freight rakes in Bihar were also unloaded during the month within the jurisdiction of NF Railway,” De said.

Kazheto Kinimi Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe NPP executives hand the party ticket to Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso.

RJD leaders hand the party ticket to Y. Kikon

Vandalised office of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

Tipra manifesto: to adopt resolution against CAA

AGARTALA, FEB 5 (IANS): Tipra Motha Party (TMP), which has been demanding to upgrade the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) as a fullfledged state, would pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) within 150 days if the party comes to power in Tripura after the February 16 Assembly elections.

TMP chief and former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman released its 15-point promises - Mission 15 for 150 days -for the upcoming Assembly elections on Saturday.

Deb Barman promised a socio economic survey in Tripura.

“We want people irrespective of any religion and caste to live in Tripura. We would pass a resolution against CAA. In one country there cannot be two laws, similarly, one country cannot have a law which bars Muslims and tribals,” Deb Barman told

the media.

He said that to make Tripura a drugs-free state, a village-level task force would be set up to fight against drug menace.

“Zero tolerance against corruption and violence would be undertaken within 150 days of the TMP coming to power. Specific mission would be undertaken and a task force would be constituted against poverty,” he said.

Saying that the TMP would learn the good things from other party-ruled governments, Deb Barman said that 10 problems would be identified in each Assembly constituency and these would be solved within 150 days.

The tribal leader promised a permanent constitutional solution to the indigenous people of Tripura and to provide 20,000 new government jobs in

Assam: RSS-affiliate JDSSM demands removal of Christians from ST list

(From p-1)

“Tribals who convert to any other religion should not be given reservation mandated for genuine ST,” he said.

“Of approximately 40 lakh tribal population in the state, 7-10 people adopted Christianity in Assam. Many tribal people from Dhemaji, Majuli, Sadiya, Golaghat, Karbi

Anglong and Dima Hasao adopt Christianity for a number of reasons. The conversion rate is going higher and higher,” the coconvenor of JDSSM said.

“We are not against any religion. But we want the protection of our language, tradition and culture,” he added.

The JDSSM has been generating public awareness rallies in each block, ward and district of the state and the rallies are getting the support of the STs who have not received benefits. “Religious conversion is continually posing a great threat to the ST people of the country since pre-independence.

The conversion of tribals into Christianity and Islam is not a new event but in the last few decades the conversion rate has increased drastically,” said Bagiram

Greater Tipraland not possible: Saha

votes will be on March 2.

man’s party.

The IPFT, since 2009, has been demanding to make the areas under the TTAADC a full-fledged state while the TMP since 2021 has been demanding elevation of the TTAADC areas by granting of ‘Greater Tipraland State’ or a separate state status under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution.

150 days. The TMP has fielded candidates in 42 seats20 in tribal reserved and remaining in general and Scheduled Caste reserve seats. The TMP supremo earlier held a series of meetings with the ruling BJP’s ally Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) for seat adjustment, but the IPFT leaders did not forge any alliance with Deb Bar-

PM Modi greets Sikkim CM on his birthday

Boro, president JDSSM, Assam Pranta.

“This PAN-India organization was formed to prevent the conversion of tribals to foreign religions like Christianity, Islam etc. Our objective is to protect and preserve the original culture, customs, rituals and languages of tribals of India, prevent the conversion of ST people to foreign religions, create janajagaran in the ST population at the grass root level through various workshops, rally gaon sabhas and samparka abhijan,” Boro said. “Our Challo Dispur will be a grand rally in Guwahati of one lakh participants,” he added.

However, Lawrence Islary, an MLA from United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and former general secretary of the influential All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) said this demand will weaken the tribal people in Assam and Northeast. “There are a few groups in the ST list. If the government accepts this demand, the tribals will be weakened. Moreover, there are five criteria for getting ST status. Religion is not considered as criteria for recognition,” Islary said. “A section of the people are

raising this demand in the country. But I found no justification behind it. Many assembly constituencies will be deserved. The tribals will lose representation in Parliament and assemblies. It is a big conspiracy. They should rethink their demand,” Islary added. Reacting to the issue, Assam Christian Forum (ACF) secretary Chowaram Daimary said ST status is based on ethnicity as per the Constitution of India and has nothing to do with religion. “As for the conversion allegations, it is to be noted that the Bodos traditionally practised Bathouism, which is the worshipping of the supreme God, known as Obonglaoree. However, Bodo’s have also been converted to Hinduism, especially Hoom Jaygya apart from the two religions by their own free will as the provisions enshrined in the Constitution,” Daimary said. “As such, mentioning only two religions is viewed as an effort by vested and instigated groups to create confusion and disharmony among the Bodo people especially when the Bodo Accord is in the process of being implemented,” he added.

Amit Shah to address two election rallies in Tripura today

AGARTALA, FEB 5

(PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address two election rallies in Tripura on Monday, a senior party leader said. Shah is scheduled to land at MBB Airport here on Sunday at 11.30 pm.

On Monday, Shah will address two election rallies at Khowai in Khowai district and Santirbazar in South Tripura district.

The Union Minister will also join a road show in Agartala city on Monday, the senior party leader said.

Tripura Chief Min -

ister Manik Saha along with Yuva Morcha state president Nabadal Banik visited Khowai and Santir Bazar on Saturday to see the preparations for the

two election rallies to be addressed by the Union Home Minister. Security arrangements have been beefed in the capital town in view of the road show to be led by the Union Home Minister, said a senior police officer on Sunday.

Earlier, the Union Home Minister visited the state on January 5 and attended two Rath Yatras - one from North Tripura’s Dharmanagar and another from South Tripura’s Sabroom commencing the party’s campaign for the Assembly elections.

n ati O na L Pe OPL e’s Part Y

17 Chizami a/C, Phek District, nagaland state

17th C H izami a/C n PP Part Y D iss OLve

The 17th Chizami A/C NPP Party under Phek District is extremely disappointed with the decision of the Nagaland State National People’s Party (NPP) in declaring Mr. Vevoyi Wideo as their official candidate without the knowledge or consent of the party workers of the District, and the Area office bearers. The Nagaland State NPP issued the ticket without consulting with party loyalists, who have worked tirelessly for over five (5) years since 2018 to aid in the Party’s growth. Constituency office bearers feel insulted by the lack of respect accorded to its members/workers, who feel the Party has failed to live up to its principles, not heeding the voice of the public.

Therefore, on the 4th of February 2023, the decision to dissolve the Party has been taken by all rank and file of the NPP 17 Chizami A/C, including those at the District, Area and village level, with immediate effect and resolved to support Shri. Kevechutso Doulo LJP candidate in the forth coming General Election 2023.

(neiKOtsOLO LasUH) Working President, NPP Phek District DB-163/23

The ruling BJP, CPIM led Left, Congress, and the Trinamool Congress, though strongly opposing the demands of both IPFT and the TMP, have tried a lot to make seat adjustments or forge an electoral alliance with the TMP or TIPRA.

Of the 60 Assembly seats in Tripura, 20 tribal reserve seats are crucial for any party to capture power and the TMP being a tribal based party is a main stakeholder of these tribal reserve seats, which were once a stronghold of the Left parties headed by the CPI-M.

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on his birthday.

“Best wishes to the CM of Sikkim, Shri @ PSTamangGolay Ji on his birthday. Praying for his long and healthy life,” Modi tweeted.

Tamang, the founding leader of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), turned 55 on Sunday.

Saha claimed that the Centre is focusing on the development of all the Northeastern states.

In a veiled attack on the CPI(M), the CM said, “What the BJP-IPFT government has done in five years, the others could not achieve in 35 years.”

AGARTALA,

FEB 5 (PTI): Asserting that fulfilling the demand of Greater Tipraland by the Tipra Motha will not be possible, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said the opposition party was trying to create division between tribals and non-tribals in the state.

Addressing the BJP’s ‘Vijay Sankalp’ rally in South Tripura’s Belonia on Saturday, he claimed that Tipra Motha was trying to fish in troubled waters in the upcoming assembly elections.

“What is the bound-

ary of Greater Tipraland?

I heard that its proposed boundary passes through not only Assam and Mizoram but also neighbouring Bangladesh. Will they accept the proposal of Greater Tipraland? It is not possible,” he said.

Accusing the Tipra Motha of trying to create a division between people, Saha said the state has a tradition of good relations between tribals and nontribals.

Elections to the 60-member Tripura assembly will be held on February 16, and the counting of

Saha said the CPI(M) and the Congress have forged an alliance because of the vibrant democracy prevailing in the state.

“It is very strange that Congress leaders are coming out of CPI(M) offices and Communist workers are visiting Congress offices. How has the Congress joined hands with the CPI(M) which had killed 69 Congress leaders and workers,” he asked.

The chief minister, who addressed two more rallies, urged Congress leaders and workers to join the BJP.

Earlier, Saha visited the Tripureswari temple in Gomati district and offered prayers there.

TMC promises ‘Bengal model’ for Tripura

AGARTALA, FEB 5

(PTI): The Trinamool Congress released its manifesto for the Tripura assembly elections on Sunday, promising 2 lakh new jobs, Rs 1,000 per month for school students in classes 4 to 8 and unemployed youths, and social welfare schemes on the lines of those in West Bengal. The manifesto was launched a day ahead of party chief Mamata Banerjee’s visit to the state. The TMC is fighting 28 assembly seats in the February 16 election.

Addressing a press conference, West Bengal education minister Bratya Basu said that if the party is voted to power in the state, it will create 2 lakh jobs in five years with 50,000 new jobs in the first year itself.

“All vacant posts in the government depart -

TMC MP Sushmita Dev along with others releases party’s manifesto in Agartala, Sunday. (PTI)

ments will be filled up on mission mode,” he said.

“The TMC will provide assistance of Rs 1,000 per month to jobless youths, and 10,323 retrenched teachers will also get the benefit until their legal matter is resolved,” he said. The TMC promised a skill university, student credit cards and easy loans for those who want to pursue higher education.

Press s tatement

The Lok Jan Shakti Party (RV), 13th Pughoboto A/C congratulates Dr. Sukhato A. Sema Intending Candidate 13 Pughoboto A/C for being awarded with the LJP ticket to contest in the upcoming 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023. The LJP Pughoboto would like to whole heartedly welcome him to the party fold and wishes him the best in the upcoming Assembly Elections.

We have lost confidence on the leadership of Shri. Vikheho Swu and resolved to support Dr. Sukhato A Sema in 2023 Election. The party assures him full support and is confident that he will win this election with Thumping majority. The below mentioned are the list of office

“Rs 1,000 annual stipend will be given to the students in classes 4 to 8,” he said. West Bengal Industries Minister Shashi Panja said the Trinamool Congress is committed to implement welfare schemes such as Kanyashri and Lakkhir Bhandar, among others, in the Northeastern state. TMC’s state in-

charge Rajib Banerjee said the promises made in the manifesto will be implemented in true spirit if the party is voted to power.

“Our leaders Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee do what they promise unlike others,” he said.

Claiming that no other state in the country has seen as much growth as West Bengal in the last 11 years, he said the manifesto has been formulated in accordance with the “Bengal model of development”.

The West Bengal chief minister will reach Tripura on Monday to lead the party’s election campaign, state TMC president Pijush Kanti Biswas said, adding that during her visit, she will hold a roadshow and address a rally.

OFFICE OF THE NAGA PEOPLE'S FRONT Kikruma Village Unit - Parent Body 16th Pfutsero A/C

Date: 04/02/2023

(HeBOtO sWU) President Youth Wing 13 a/C LJP Pughoboto

To, The President NPF 16th Pfutsero A/C

Sub: Resignation Enmass NPF of Kikruma Village Unit as well as Active and Primary Membership and dissolution of the NPF Kikruma Village Unit.

Sir, We had great hope in the able leadership of Thenucho Tunyi and belief in the NPF party and have been working loyally and tirelessly for the welfare of the party all these years. But denying the Party Ticket to a leader of his stature has opened our eyes to the fact that Ideology and Principles of the Party and also that the "grass root is the party high command" is no longer valid.

Therefore, having lost all faith in the party, we hereby resign from our respective post as well as Active and Primary Membership of the NPF with immediate effect and the Unit Party is also hereby dissolved.

Yours sincerely,

(HUYO PURO) (SETO THIRA) President General Secretary NPF Kikruma Village Unit NPF Kikruma Village Unit

bearers.

1. Mr. Heboto Swu, President Youth Wing LJP 13A/C Pughoboto

2. Miss Nikali Achumi, Secy. Mahila In-Charge LJP Pughoboto

3. Mr. Shikaho Sumi General Secy. LJP Pughoboto

4. Miss Angutoli Sumi, General Secy. Administration LJP Pughoboto

5. Mr. Tohovi Sumi, Vice President and Media Convener LJP Pughoboto

6. Miss Bokali Sumi, Gen. Secretary Organising LJP Pughoboto

7. Mr. Ghokhuvi Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto

8. Miss Khegho Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto 9. Mr. Pihoto Swu, Secy. LJP Pughoboto

10. Miss Hevili Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto 11. Mr. Hetoi Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto

12. Miss Ghokhuli Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto

13. Mr. Xuvito Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto

14. Miss Kihoshi Sumi, Secy. LJP Pughoboto

TIPRA chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma along with others releases party’s manifesto for the upcoming Tripura Assembly elections, in Agartala, Saturday. (PTI)

Manik Saha

Amit Shah

Prem Singh Tamang

SNIPPETS

3 killed in accident in UP

RAEBARELI (UP),

FEB 5 (PTI): Three people were killed after an SUV was hit by a truck here on Sunday, police said. The incident took place near Nanda Kheda village in Bachchrawan area, they said. The occupants of the SUV were returning to Fatehpur after attending a wedding in Lakhimpur when their vehicle was hit by a bus, the police said. Rajesh Singh (49), Anugrah

Pratap Singh (39) and Pratap Bhan (39) died in the accident, they said. A few people were injured in the accident. They were rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable, they said.

Maha CM performs ‘maha aarti’

THANE, FEB 5 (PTI):

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday visited Malang Gad fort near Kalyan in Thane district of the state and performed ‘maha aarti’ at the Machhindranath temple atop it. A fair is held annually on the fort on the occasion of Magh Poornima, which is being celebrated on Sunday. Thousands of devotees take part in the annual fair. Shinde, who represents the KopriPachpakhadi Assembly constituency in Thane, visits the temple on the fort every year on this occasion. But it was his visit to the place after becoming the chief minister. Local leaders of the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde accompanied him during the visit to the fort. All of them climbed the fort along with a number of party workers and devotees. This practice was initiated by Shinde’s mentor and late Sena leader Anand Dighe.

Body of man found in creek

THANE, FEB 5 (PTI): The body of a 45-yearold man was found floating in a creek in Maharashtra’s Thane city on Sunday, a civic official said. The fire brigade received a call around 8.30 am about the body in Gaikukh Chowpatty on Ghodbunder Road, said Avinash Sawant, chief of the regional disaster management cell said. The local firemen and the team of RDMC fished out the body and sent it for post-mortem, he said. According to the police, a case of accidental death has been registered and a probe has been initiated.

Cold weather in parts of Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH, FEB

5 (PTI): Cold weather conditions prevailed at many places in Punjab and Haryana on Sunday.

In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a minimum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius and Ludhiana 9.7 degrees Celsius, according to a meteorological department report.

Bathinda and Faridkot recorded a low of 6.6 degrees Celsius, Pathankot 8.8 degrees Celsius, Gurdaspur 10 degrees Celsius and Patiala 10.5 degrees Celsius. In neighbouring Haryana, the minimum temperature settled at 9.2 degrees Celsius in Hisar and at 11.6 degrees Celsius in Ambala. Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa recorded a minimum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius, 9.8 degrees Celsius, 9 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a low of 11.3 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal.

Nothing is impossible for youngsters of India: Modi

JAIPUR, FEB 5 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said nothing is impossible for the youngsters of India and they are being encouraged to pursue a career in sports.

He was addressing participants of ‘Jaipur Mahakhel’ via videoconferencing.

The ‘Jaipur Mahakhel’ (mega sport) is being organised by Lok Sabha MP from Jaipur Rural and former Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

The event, which focuses on Kabaddi this year, started on National Youth Day on January 12. It has witnessed the participation of more than 6,400 youths and sportspersons from more than 450 gram panchayats, municipalities and wards of all eight legislative

BJP slams Cong for Tharoor’s condolence of Musharraf

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday condoled the passing away of Pakistan’s former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, saying that “once an implacable foe of India, he became a real force for peace” between 2002 and 2007.

Narendra

assembly regions of Jaipur Rural constituency.

“Nothing is impossible for the young generation of young India. We are encouraging youngsters to pursue a career in sports. Initiatives like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) are benefitting

the youngsters in preparing for major sporting events,” Modi said.

“’Jaipur Mahakhel’ is a celebration of sporting talent and such efforts increase curiosity for sports,” he said, adding that Rajasthan is known for the enthusiasm and potential of its youth.

Tharoor’s social media post condoling Musharraf’s demise evoked a sharp response from the BJP which accused the Congress of “Pakistan parasti (worshipping)”. Musharraf passed away on Sunday in a Dubai hospital, according to media reports.

“’Pervez Musharraf, Former Pakistani President, Dies of Rare Disease’: once an implacable foe of India, he became a real force for peace 2002-2007,” Tharoor said in a tweet.

“I met him annually in those days at the @un &found him smart, engaging & clear in his strategic

thinking. RIP,” the former minister of state for external affairs said. Tagging Tharoor’s tweets, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Pervez Musharraf –architect of Kargil, dictator, accused of heinous crimes – who considered Taliban & Osama as ‘brothers’ & ‘heroes’ – who refused to even take back bodies of his own dead soldiers is being hailed by Congress! Are you surprised? Again, Congress ki pak parasti!”

“Once upon a time Musharraf had hailed Rahul

Supreme Court set to get five new judges today

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): The Supreme Court is all set to get five new judges, taking its strength to 32 against the sanctioned strength of 34, on Monday when three chief justices-Justice Pankaj Mithal, Justice Sanjay Karol and P V Sanjay Kumar -- of high courts of Rajasthan, Patna and Manipur respectively will take oath alongside two other senior high court judges.

Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah of the Patna High Court and Justice Manoj Misra of the Allahabad High Court will also be administered oath of office by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) as apex court judges in a ceremony to be held at the court’s auditorium in its new building complex.

The senior most among the five judges, whose names were officially announced by the Centre on Saturday, is Justice Mithal whose parent cadre is the Allahabad High Court.

He was serving as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court since October 14, last year.

Born on June 17, 1961, Justice Mithal is a 1982 commerce graduate from Allahabad University. He completed his LLB in 1985 from Meerut College and enrolled as an advocate in the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh the same year. He started practising in

the Allahabad High Court in 1985 and served as the standing counsel for the Uttar Pradesh Avas Evam Vikas Parishad. He was also the standing counsel of Dr B R Ambedkar University, Agra, between 1990 and February 2006.

Justice Mithal was elevated as additional judge of the Allahabad High Court on July 7, 2006, and took oath as permanent Judge on July 2, 2008. He took oath as the Chief Justice of the Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh on January 4, 2021.

The second seniormost judge who will take oath on Monday, is Justice Karol, whose parent HC cadre is Himachal Pradesh. He was the chief justice of the Patna High Court at the time of elevation.

Justice Karol was born on August 23, 1961.

An alumnus of the prestigious St. Edward School of Shimla, he graduated with honours in history from Government Degree Col -

Centre bans over 200 Chinese apps

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (IANS): Following constant complaints against Chinese loan and betting apps, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has started the process of banning 138 betting apps and 94 lending apps that had Chinese links, on the instructions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

According to the information, the MeitY was recently instructed by the MHA to ban such apps, which operate through a third party link.

Sources said that all these apps were found violating Section 69 of the IT Act and contained material which was deemed as a threat to India’s sovereignity and integrity.

As per sources, these apps are used to trap financially strapped people in a debt trap, by increasing their interest on loans up to 3,000 per cent.

Many such people who were caught in the debt trap committed suicide when the people working for the apps mentally harassed them.

The issue came to the fore after several cases of suicides by borrowers of these apps were seen in

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

On the other hand, the Chinese apps can potentially misuse server-side security by using them as spying tools as they have access to the important data of many Indians. Access to such data can be used for espionage on a large scale, due to which all such apps are being considered as a threat to the country. The MHA had started investigating some Chinese loan giving apps around six months ago.

It was revealed that 94 such apps were available on the e-store and operated through third party links. Around that time, security agencies had asked the Ministry to impose a ban on such betting and loan lending apps.

Significantly, the Centre had banned 54 Chinese apps that posed as a threat to the country’s security in 2022.

lege, Shimla.

A native of Kangra district, he obtained his degree in law from Himachal Pradesh University and enrolled as an advocate in 1986. Justice Karol practised in various courts, including the Supreme Court. He has specialised in matters related to Constitution, taxation and corporate, criminal and civil cases. He was designated as a senior advocate in 1999.

Justice Karol was also the advocate general of Himachal Pradesh from 1998 to 2003 and was elevated as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on March 8, 2007. He was appointed as acting Chief Justice of the court with effect from April 25, 2017.

He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court on November 9, 2018, and of the Patna High Court on November 11, 2019. Justice P V Sanjay Kumar, who originally belonged to the Telangana High Court, is third in the list of five judges and was heading the Manipur High

Court at the time of recommendation by the Collegium on December 13 last year and subsequent clearance by the Centre.

Born on August 14, 1963, he did his graduation in commerce from Nizam College, Hyderabad and secured his LL.B degree from Delhi University in 1988.

Justice Kumar enrolled as a member of the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh in August 1988 and served as a government pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court from 2000 to 2003.

He was elevated to the bench as an additional judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on August 8, 2008, and assumed charge as a permanent judge of the court on January 20, 2010.

Justice Kumar assumed charge as a judge of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana on October 14, 2019. He took oath as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court on February 14, 2021.

Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah of the Patna High Court is the fourth

judge who has been appointed to the SC.

Born on May 11, 1963, he enrolled with the Bihar State Bar Council on September 27, 1991, and was standing counsel for the state government from March 2006 to August 2010.

He was a government advocate in the Patna High Court till his elevation as Judge in the same court on June 20, 2011. He was transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court on October 10, 2021, and back to the Patna High Court on June 20, 2022.

Justice Manoj Misra, the fifth in the list, was born on June 2, 1965. He enrolled as an advocate on December 12, 1988, and was elevated as additional judge at the Allahabad High Court on November 21, 2011. He took oath as a permanent judge on August 6, 2013.

All the five names for the judgeship in the top court were recommended by the six-member Supreme Court Collegium on December 13 last year.

On January 31, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended two more names for elevation as top court judges -- Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Aravind Kumar.

Out of the 27 apex court judges at present, eight are scheduled to demit office in 2023.

Gandhi as a gentleman perhaps that endears Congress to Musharraf??” he said.

“From 370 to Surgical Strike to doubting Balakote Congress echoed Pak line & hails Musharraf but called our own chief ‘Sadak Ka Gunda’..This is Congress!!” Poonawalla said.

In another tweet, the BJP leader shared an old video of Musharraf talking about his son being invited by Rahul Gandhi and Musharraf’s wife, brother and son being invited for a lunch by former prime

minister Manmohan Singh when they were on a Delhi visit, during his tenure as the Pakistan president. “Parvez Musharraf who had hailed Osama Bin Laden & Taliban had sung praises of Rahul Gandhi too - called him a gentleman and pledged his support to him!! Perhaps this is the reason why Shashi Tharoor is eulogising the architect of Kargil & a backer of terrorism!! Sigh,” Poonawalla said in his tweet, tagging the video. Musharraf, 79, was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, The Express Tribune reported. Musharraf was born on August 11, 1943 in Delhi. He assumed the post of Chief Executive after imposing martial law in the country in 1999 and served as the president of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008.

India sees six-fold jump in voters since 1951

NEW DELHI, FEB 5

(PTI): India has witnessed a nearly six-fold increase in the total number of voters since 1951 to over 94.50 crore this year, but almost one-third of them stayed away from exercising their franchise in the last Lok Sabha polls.

This has prompted the Election Commission to walk the extra mile to bring them to the polling booths.

In 1951, when the voter lists for the first general elections were prepared, India had 17.32 crore registered electors and 45.67 per cent had turned up to exercise their franchise in the newly-born Republic.

In the 1957 general elections, the number of registered electors was 19.37 crore and 47.74 per cent cast their ballots to send their representatives to the Lok Sabha.

Amid talks of taking the voter turnout to 75 per cent, the Election Commission has flagged the issue of the 30 crore voters who did not turn up at the polling booths in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

People from urban areas, youth and migrants are part of the category of these 30 crore missing voters.

The EC has pointed to urban apathy in the recently-held assembly polls on Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

For migrants who have their names in electoral lists in their home state and cannot afford to go there to cast vote due to various reasons, the poll panel has proposed remote voting technology. But it needs political consensus, followed by change in legislative framework to roll out remote electronic voting machines.

As it prepares to hold several assembly polls this year and Lok Sabha elections early next year, the poll panel aims to push voter percentage through innovative communication strategies.

Peoples’ participation in the election process breached the 50 per cent for the first time in 1962 By 2009, the total number of registered voters had zoomed to 71.70 crore but the turnout to the polling booths was only 58.21 per cent, a marginal increase in percentage terms over 1962.

The 2014 general elections saw the turnout of voters jump to 66.44 per cent of the 83.40 crore registered voters.

The 2019 general elections had 91.20 crore registered voters and had seen 67.40 per cent turning up at the polling booths to cast their votes.

The total number of voters on January 1 this year stands at 94,50,25,694.

India ranks third in world ‘start-up’ ecosystem: Anurag

JAMMU, FEB 4 (PTI): Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Saturday said India is now the hub of ‘Start-up’ ecosystem in the world, ranking third with 90,000 ‘Start-Ups’ and 107 unicorn companies worth 30 billion dollars.

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and Youth Affairs and Sports was speaking at the valedictory function of 36th Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival (Antarnaad) under the

aegis of Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at the Jammu University.

Thakur

More than 1,000 participants from 18 universities across the country participated in the week-long festival.

“India is now the hub of ‘Start-up’ ecosystem in the world, ranking third with 90,000 ‘Start-Ups’ and 107 unicorn companies worth 30 billion dollars which has been possible only by the contribution of India’s youth,” the minister said.

Thakur said the world is looking towards New

India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India is now the biggest exporter of vaccines, biggest exporter of mobile phones and defence equipment. He said for sustainable growth, the sustainable investment is required for the development of green economy leading to green jobs.

“For that, India is moving towards becoming the global hub for green hydrogen producing five million metric ton, 10 per

cent of the world in the next five years with Rs 8 lakh crore investment that will generate thousands of green jobs for the youth of this country,” he said.

Praising the various performances of the youth during the festival, Thakur said India has a great history with rich culture, art and tradition and the youth of this country have a great responsibility to preserve this culture, art and tradition which is not seen anywhere in the world.

Amit Shah visits Anukul Chandra Ashram in Deoghar

DEOGHAR, FEB 5 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday visited the Thakur Anukul Chandra Ashram in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district.

Shah visited the ashram in Deoghar and stayed there for 20 minutes, an ashram official said.

“Had the good fortune to visit Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra Ji’s Satsang Ashram in Deoghar today. Anukulchandra Ji was not only a philosopher but also a physician, his life was devoted to the welfare of the poor,” Shah said in a Twitter post.

An office bearer of the ashram, Prasant Sahoo told PTI, “The Home minister offered his prayer to Sree Sree Thakur and Sree Sree Boroma. He also had a discussion with Aacharyadev Arkadyuti

Da. He left Ashram at 10.05 am.”

After visiting the ashram the Home minister left for Delhi.

On Saturday evening, Shah held a meeting with members of the BJP core committee in the state in a bid to chalk out a strategy for Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat.

Shah during his public rally in Deoghar on Saturday appealed to people to send a ‘Kamal’ (lotus) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Rajmahal constituency in 2024 elections.

BJP had won 12 Lok Sabha seats out of 14 in Jharkhand in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party lost two seats—Singhbhum and Rajmahal— to Congress and JMM respectively.

The saffron party has given special attention to the two seats for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a party official said.

A party insider said that Shah directed to form booth committees by February 25 with mantra of “Har Booth, 50 Youth” (50 youths in every booth). Shah would also hold meeting for six assembly seats falling under Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat, he said.

On Saturday evening, Shah had also interacted with students of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapeeth in Deoghar on the occasion of its centenary celebration.

“In order to fulfil the goals set for us by Swamiji in India’s education system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formulated the New Education Policy, which will help us take pride in our language, culture and history, but also help acquire the modern knowledge of the world,” he said.

Modi addresses the participants of Jaipur Mahakhel via video conferencing from New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

Shashi Tharoor Pervez Musharraf

(L-R) Rajasthan HC Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal, Patna HC Chief Justice Sanjay Karol, Manipur HC Chief Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar, Patna HC judge Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Allahabad HC judge Justice Manoj Misra. (PTI)

Chakravarty alias Babai

Anurag Thakur

Amit Shah being welcomed by Acharyadev Akradyuti Chakravorty. (PTI)

Issueless elections

Much has taken place in Nagaland since 2003 after a nascent regional party –Naga People’s Front (NPF) won 19 seats and formed the DAN-I coalition in alliance with BJP, several other parties including independents to deny the incumbent Congress which won 21 seats. Congress dissidents led by Neiphiu Rio and K.Therie quit the party in 2002 and formed, revived and renamed Nagaland People’s Council (NPC) as Nagaland People’s Front. Later by October 2002, the name was modified to Naga People’s Front (NPF) to spread its wings across Naga territories in the region. The promise of the NPF during the 2003 campaign- to secure solution within three months after coming to power has not happened even after 20 years today. In 2003, the people may have believed in the promise simply because they were over eager, ignorant or credulous enough to feel solution was a matter of asking. Even earlier to 2003, before the polls in 1998 and against the backdrop of massive outpouring of sentiment for solution that took the form of a total boycott of election in the vain hope the Delhi would dance to the tune; the Congress refused to tag along and went ahead in filing nominations and won 46 seats uncontested, ten contested while four seats were won by independents. In 1998 Neiphiu Rio(cabinet minister of home), K. Therie (cabinet minister of power) in the Congress government headed by S.C. Jamir, rebelled over Naga solution by holding Jamir responsible for being the stumbling block against solution. The NPF campaign slogan for solution was ‘equi-closeness’ with all factions. It replaced Jamir’s ‘equi-distance’ with all factions. This slogan itself proved to be more than a prophetic rhetoric as the closeness soon became evident in pushing governance back to the fringe. Recently, former chief ministers- K.L. Chishi and S.C.Jamir- issued critical and separate statements over the loss of moral and constitutional authority of the government through corruption and lack of governance that facilitated various outfits to act as parallel authorities. In addition to these charges, both former chief ministers also held current chief minister Neiphiu Rio solely responsible for the disintegration of Nagaland state; a point that came against the backdrop of the ongoing demand to separate eastern Nagaland from Nagaland into two entities. The demand of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) since a few years of intensive lobbying and agitations, bandhs etc has become ingrained. What the two former chief ministers wanted to remind is that Nagaland state was a result of the contributions of all Nagas of present Nagaland state especially those in eastern Nagaland. The grievances of the eastern Nagas is genuine and had been highlighted in Nagaland Post years ago. The issue should have been dealt with by the state government ruled by NPF and now NDPPled coalition (UDA) comprising of BJP, NPF etc and discussed and deliberated on the floor of the house. Instead, the government re-directed the proponents to take their demands with the Centre and so now it is being handled directly by the union home ministry. This is also a failure on the part of the state. The Centre has rejected statehood demand and agreed on autonomous regional council. This has to be okayed and passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly before it is forwarded to the Centre then parliament to amend the State Of Nagaland Act, 1962. Unfortunately, in Nagaland elections there is or are no issues.

DailyDevotion

Are You Ready To Be Poured Out As an Offering? (1)

If I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. —Philippians 2:17

Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the work of another believer—to pour out your life sacrificially for the ministry and faith of others?

Or do you say, “I am not willing to be poured out right now, and I don’t want God to tell me how to serve Him. I want to choose the place of my own sacrifice. And I want to have certain people watching me and saying, ‘Well done.’ ”

It is one thing to follow God’s way of service if you are regarded as a hero, but quite another thing if the road marked out for you by God requires becoming a “doormat” under other people’s feet. God’s purpose may be to teach you to say, “I know how to be abased…” (Philippians 4:12). Are you ready to be sacrificed like that? Are you ready to be less than a mere drop in the bucket— to be so totally insignificant that no one remembers you even if they think of those you served? Are you willing to give and be poured out until you are used up and exhausted— not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister? Some saints cannot do menial work while maintaining a saintly attitude, because they feel such service is beneath their dignity.

Quotes

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”

~ Albert Einstein

Harshad to Adani scams on US, UK moves can hit India

The year 1992, Finance Minister Manmohan Singh liberalized economy, stocks zoomed, small salaried class crowded the equity market for windfall profits and they were doomed. That was ascribed to the Big Bull Harshad Mehta scam. Two decades later Hindenburg exposes another, Adani sullying the financial market reputation and leading the collapse. Nothing apparently has changed. There are stark similarities. Both started with the Union Budget, uproar in houses, pandemonium, logjam for a JPC by the opposition, then virtually led by BJP that set up the regulator SEBI and brought some semblance in stock market. Twentyone years later there is a comic role reversal. The ruling party now, like the Congress then, is defending and repeating, “Let the House function”. It reminds the famous quote of former prime minister AB Vajpayee, “Satta ka chaal, chalan, charitra ek hi hota hai”.

Between January 24, expose of 106-page Hindenburg and February 1, when Adani’s Rs 20000 crore scrip was called off the company lost Rs 8.79

lakh crore pauperizing millions of depositors of SBI, LIC and other lead institutions.

Globally there could be more problem as NY City Bank, Credit Swiss and Dow Jone’s decide not to accept Adani scrip as collateral. In UK, brother of a former PM quits a bank for exposure to Adani shortselling. The US starts probing over two dozen companies. It gives India rating a jolt though Hindenburg says India is emerging super power.

Had Adani not called the actual Re1per share FPO off, it could have been grave. Premium value was Rs 3112-3276. The market premium price on February 2 slumped to Rs 1565.

The BSE and SEBI must answer how such pricing is allowed. In Forbes list, Adani slips to 15th position as his wealth dropped to $ 72 billion from $ 81 billion, $ 11.9 slip.

The issue of “largest con in corporate history”, described by Hindenburg research firm, was swept under the carpet in political, social and media circles, is raging storm in tea cups. That’s communication. Suppress and it erupts. Adani, says Hindenburg, holds back “India’s future being draped

itself in Indian flag”. It is an affair with 38 shell companies in Caribbean and Mauritian tax havens and manipulation or shortselling of share prices. It has given disheveled opposition a hope and like never before the defenders are from an unthinkable exalted stream.

Most maligned Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru for all his faults did not succumb to the then Bombay Club to have Bombay as national capital. He wanted that political and economic centres must be distant.

Gautam Adani started rising during the UPA and the change of regime gave him a sudden boost to his ambition to become the third richest in the world. He develops ties. In times of need he got the best support from his rivals to invest in the FPO.

means these lack cash and liquid assets to cover debts.

Adani replies each of the 88 questions but Hindenburg says no answer has been given. To the challenge of a court case, the accuser says, “Bring it on”.

To the chant of a swadeshi company being maligned and targeting India, Hindenburg retorts ‘frauds cannot be obfuscated by nationalism’.

Shivaji Sarkar

The accuser, Hindenburg Research, shortselling firm of Nathan Anderson rattled it. It has record in cracking 30 corporate frauds, of Nikola, China Metal included, says Bloomberg, since 2017. Each company was devastated. Hindenburg found that five of the seven Adani companies have a current ratio of less than one. It

Adani built up an empire of seven companies Adani Green, Enterprise, Transmission, Total Gas, Power, Ports and Wilmer (with Singapore links). His sharp rise was during the past six years or so beginning with acquisition of GMR from Mumbai’s Sahar airport. Murmurs were for the Mundhra Port too. Virtually if open discussion and JPC allowed, BJP gains in esteem. Reticence is giving ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’- empowered Congress an edge and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge opportunity to meet 16 opposition parties - Congress, DMK, SP, AAP, BRS, Shiv Sena, RJD, JDU, CPIM, CPI, NCP, NC, IUML, Kerala Congress (Jose Mani), KC (Thomas), and the RSP. Anti-Congressism

strengthened with the 1992 JPC. The opposition was saying in 1992 what now Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, “Only an independent investigation will save LIC, SBI and other institutions”.

Twenty-two major mutual funds like SBI, ICICI, Kotak, Nippon, Baroda BNP invested Rs 23822.44 crore. The SBI gives Rs 27,000 crore, LIC Rs 30127 crore, Bank of Baroda Rs 7000 crore, PNB Rs 7000 crore. Canara Bank and Union Bank also have invested. There is heavy collateral damage to mutual funds as stock market collapses. Hong Kong based investment firm CLSA estimates that bank debt to Adanis was Rs 70000-80000 crore of the Rs 2 lakh crore total debts.

Hindenburg says it held short positions and accuses Adani of improper use of offshore tax haven that erodes $ 11 billion in investor wealth. Each bank has lost a sum that RBI is now collating. Whether the banks need recapitalization would be known after RBI reassesses replies sought from banks. But mutual funds must have suffered. How these affect National Pension Fund is not known.

Gautam Adani says it would review its capital

Old habits refuse to die in Indian Hockey

For India’s hockey fans, host India’s loss to New Zealand in the elimination ‘cross-over’ match during the ongoing Hockey World Cup in Odisha reveals that certain old habits keep haunting Indian hockey. Conceding the goals in the dying moments, unorganized play in the ‘D’, individual heroics taking precedence over team play, absence of ‘short passes’ in the ‘D’ resulting in wild shots, being unnecessarily defensive when down to 10 men - almost as an involuntary reflex, and resultant ‘deep defending’ created opportunities for rivals as well as breaking their own momentum.

A rejuvenated ‘Hockey India’ won the Bronze Medal in the last Olympics, but as they try to improve, the attitude and some old habits of the players refuse to die. This was India’s loss rather than New Zealand’s win. In modern hockey, there is very little to choose from among some of the top ranked teams but squandering the comfortable 3-1 lead held till the 3rd quarter and allowing two goals in a must win situation reflects the lack of killing instinct. In fact New Zealand first goal came in the last minute of the second quarter. Although we won Bronze medal match against Germany in last Olympics not many remember that we almost conceded a goal via a penalty corner in the last 10 seconds of the match.

Starting the campaign with a 2-0 win against Spain, India had to settle for draw against England next. Although India had a decent start, doing a bit better would have given a favourable goal difference in case of toss-up for the top spot in the group. But India’s weaknesses were again exposed by the lower ranked Wales who clawed back to 2-2 draw after India was leading 2-0. Somehow Wales could not keep the tempo and conceded the match.

Again, Wales scored two goals when India were down to 10 men and India suddenly started defending deep and Indian players were mere spectators when Wales scored the second goal. This happened when India was trying for massive win to offset a goal difference of 7 goals to go past England to top the group.

Yes, India have lost badly in previous times to less fancied teams like Japan, Korea, New Zealand, France, but things improved since Rolan Oltsman took over as the coach.

But the same pace has not been maintained under Graham Reid. In fact as India allowed a late insurgence by its opponents like New Zealand in the “D” that

almost found the net in the dying moments of the game. The ball was just found short of the goal line when hooter sounded.

In the Penalty shoot-out India make a Mockery of themselves. First the likes of Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh and Manpreet Singh were missing – perhaps bigger and well-established names could have made a better psychological impact on the opposing goalkeeper. It cannot be said that they did not practice penalty shoot outs but does not come forward for the fear of failing. Coach has to insist on certain things and cannot leave it to the captain or the players. Shamsher Singh was not in his usual best even in the retake. Harmanpreet Singh disappointed - failing to score on both occasions of penalty shoot out. In fact the second time, his attempted ‘drag flick’ within 3 seconds invited criticism from everyone and even missed a Penalty stroke against Wales. It was apparent that Manpreet Singh was not able to give his 100%.

Coaches have to ruthlessly identify players who are performing well during practice sessions and are willing to take responsibilities. Instead, Graham Reid appears to be leaving everything to be decided by the captain and the team. Even during half-time he appeared to be asking the players what they are going to do rather than giving directions. Even the short interview during the half-time didn’t inspire much confidence.

On one occasion, with the scores level and ball was in Indian possession with 30 seconds to go. Indians didn’t try enough to get in to the striking circle and time flew. Perhaps Reid should have screamed about the running time because it is impossible for players to keep a tab on the time since the ball changes sides in a blink of an eye. Reid landed up in India after his failed stint with Australia when they failed to reach semifinals in 2016 World Cup.

Why Harmanpreet was made captain and not Sreejesh is debatable. If body language and performance was something to go by, the burden of captaincy was telling on Harmanpreet adversely. He missed many penalty corners, penalty stroke but his field game was wanting too- missing passes, inaccurate aerial’s, losing the possession when surrounded, wild shots in the striking-circle, directionless drag flicks etc. PR Sreejesh being experienced can be given captaincy so that Harmanpreeeth can concentrate on penalty corner conversion. Everything does not seem

okay with the Indian Hockey Federation as well. Federation has a hand in Rupinder Pal’s retirement and asking S.V Sunil to take rest. Manpreet singh and PR Sreejesh were not given captaincy due to disciplinary grounds. But is it the time to punish them. PR Sreejesh has handled well previously but this time for his playing some celebrity tournaments without permission invited the ire of the federation. Sreejesh captaincy is required for the team rather than merely him coveting it. The pressure of playing in the home conditions and crowd-expectations may have added to the woes.

Psychological advantage plays a big role in Hockey. The way the underdog teams fought back was good to see. If trailing teams equalize, they have a distinct psychological advantage and momentum in the shoot-outs and that’s what happened to many teams in this tournament. It happened whole through the tournament including final.

Although India corrected most of its mistakes in the match against Japan and South Aftrica for 9th position but those teams are not to be counted. We need to learn a sharper play like Belgium, good defese like Germany, short and quick passes like Netherlands and aggressive play like Australia. Probably it is time to say bye to Graham Reid and find a new coach. One may argue that under him we won the Olympic Bronze but that was because of Rolan Oltmas who rejuvenated the team. Players like Dhanraj Pillay could be a good coach. But whether he gels with the players is the question. It is time to forget the past, rejuvenate the team, bring the experience and spirit of youthfulness to the team and target next Olympics.

Some prescriptions to improve the performance areidentifying the strengths and weaknesses of the team and each player. Strengths being takeovers or snatching the possession. when the player is surrounded by 2 to 3 players then a teammate has to coordinate well nearby for receiving the ball – a friend in need is a friend indeed. Often they surround the player and get the ball possession. This may not be ideal against teams like Australia or Belgium because if the takeover does not happen then lot of open spaces available for opposition.

Short passes are very essential to change the complexion of the game. In the “D” one can draw lessons from Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Germany and how they maneuver and find the net. With a good team play. Even the man of the matches should be

market strategy. Indian credit rating agencies have asked whether they would refinance the group or not.

Hindenburg says listed companies had “substantial debt” which has put the group on a “precarious financial footing” and the shares of Adani listed companies have an 85 percent downside due to what it called “sky-high valuations”. It also alleged shell companies invested in the company and names Adani’s brothers and relatives as players. Adani denies it saying raising finances through collaterals is common. Hindenburg says of 88 questions they posed, 65 were related to matters that have been disclosed in annual reports. Will the group collapse? It may not for its clout and relationships. Much would depend on how the opposition behaves or gets managed. Sharper barbs can lead to a slugfest. Likely parleys behind the scene can change the contours. Much depends on the revved up Congress. Even if it subsides, continuing tamasha in a poll-bound year can be a reality. The passage of budget is crucial and that can change a lot. Aggravating international contours can hit investments in India.

given to the player who played selfless Hockey and help the team to win the goal than individual heroics. Short passes come in handy in the “D” to make it difficult for the goal keeper to re-align. When the ball comes from side to front position goalkeepers usually try to cover the angle and this is where one has to find the co-player to find the net in the vacant area of the goalkeeper. Even in Penalty shoot outs cornering the goal keeper to one side and spinning off the ball to the other side is to be mastered.

Indian team has a point or two to learn from Belgium where they were relentlessly trying to score a goal even in the last minutes of the 4th quarter despite leading 4-0 against France while team-India prefers contentment with whatever lead it has. An essential lesson is that hockey matches are won by scoring goals and not merely by defending them. During Oltmans’ time, India learn to get the goals for themselves rather than conceding at the dying moments and succeeded many times.

It is time the Indian media gave more attention to hockey. Look at the sports channels repeatedly showing IPL recordings every time, not hockey or other sports. India’s match against Japan was not telecast.

The turnout for the Odisha for Indian matches was good but very poor for the other counties.

There is a strong case for keeping our hockey players and teams as busy as the cricket team by participating in tournaments in Europe where they get exposed to players, teams, tactics and strategies of teams from Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, France etc. Talk about starting FIH hockey league is a welcome sign.

There is a need of at least one hockey ground in every district. Central Government is trying to improve the sports culture in India by bringing Khelo India, Khelo youth games, regional Olympic Games, TOP, rejuvenated National games, and so on. Parents need to see sports as alternate career options for their children.

For India to win, everyone has to put their hands up, collectively. A national team is drawn from a nation and made by a nation, not just the eleven persons on the field. The national game is a national responsibility too.

By Rajashekara. N.

(The author is an IPS officer working as Deputy Inspector General of Police (Border) Dimapur, Nagaland

Seat sharing or sad sharing

Elections are considered to be the ‘festival of democracy’ in India. It happens all year round, in one or the other part of the country. It is the time when people elect their representative to represent them in the village panchayats, state assemblies or the parliament. Likewise, this festival has even begun in Nagaland. The most interesting event of the festival has been the seat sharing between the two alliance partner NDPP and BJP.

During the past few weeks, there had been lot of speculations regarding the seat sharing formula between BJP and NDPP in Nagaland. The verdict is finally out for the seats to be shared on the basis of 40:20 between NDPP and BJP respectively. Every candidate who have got the tickets must be delighted and rejoicing that they are on a journey in an unsinkable ship like the Titanic.

And on the other hand, the candidates who were vying for the two political party tickets must have been heartbroken. But, I believe that they must have all taken it like a small bump on a smooth highway as the final battle is yet to be contested on the 27th of February 2023.

What about the voters who have been supporting a particular political party for a long time and want his/ her candidate to contest from that party but is denied the opportunity to so.

They are left homeless after giving all their time and energy to the party that they believed in. They are conditioned to support a political party which they were not a part of.

This way it has taken away the rights of the voters as they are not given the liberty to cast their votes for a particular political party which they want to support. The very essence of right to vote is diluted in a way. Was the formula of seat sharing really that necessary for a small state like Nagaland? Was it the need of the hour to save the day? It can rather be seen that this formula has resulted in making many political party workers being discouraged and saddened. Therefore, the seat that has been shared has also brought about sadness shared equally.

Mr. Asenlo Khing, Kohima : Nagaland

SNIPPETS

NDMC to organize G-20 Food Festival

NEW DELHI, FEB 5

(PTI): The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will organize a G-20 Food Festival on the themes “Taste the World” and “International year of Millets” at Talkatora Stadium next week. NDMC has invited 29 countries to participate in the Food Festival, to be held on February 11 and 12. “The main purpose of the Food Festival is for the public to enjoy food delicacies of G-20 member countries and guest countries.

Ramdev booked for provocative remarks

BARMER (RAJASTHAN), FEB 5 (PTI): An

FIR was registered on Sunday against Yoga guru Ramdev for allegedly promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings over his provocative remarks at a meeting of seers in Rajasthan’s Barmer district, police said. The FIR was registered at Chauhatan police station based on a complaint filed by a local resident, Pathai Khan, a police officer said. According to Chauhatan police station SHO Bhutaram, the case was registered under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person).

At the meeting of seers on February 2, Ramdev accused Muslims of resorting to terror and abducting Hindu women while comparing Hinduism to Islam and Christianity.

Sena (UBT) MLA alleges threat calls

AKOLA (MAHA), FEB 5 (PTI): Shiv Sena (UBT)

MLA Nitin Deshmukh, who represents Balapur Assembly constituency in Maharashtra’s Akola district, alleged that he received threat calls by two unidentified persons on Sunday morning. Talking to reporters, he also claimed that the callers threatened him in the name of a Union minister from the state and his son. “I received calls from two different mobile numbers and the callers threatened to kill me,” Deshmukh, who belongs to the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena, said.

‘Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun’: Cong jibe at Centre

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday stepped up its attack on the Centre over allegations against the Adani group, alleging that the Modi government’s “loud silence” over the issue “smacks of collusion”.

Adani group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based activist short-seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation at the Gautam Adani-led group.

In a statement, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said that starting Sunday the Congress will pose three questions a day to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.

He said that amid the allegations against the Adani Group, the Modi government has maintained a “loud silence which smacks of collusion”.

Ramesh said that in

a response to the Panama Papers expose on April 4, 2016, the Ministry of Finance had announced that Modi had personally directed a multi-agency investigative group to monitor financial flows to and from offshore tax havens.

“Subsequently, at the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China on 5 September 2016, you (Modi) stated: ‘We need to act to eliminate safe havens for economic offenders, track down and unconditionally extradite money launderers and break down the web of complex international regulations and excessive banking secrecy that hide the corrupt and their deeds’. This leads to some questions that you and your government cannot hide from saying ‘HAHK (Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun)’,”

Posing questions, Ramesh said Vinod Adani, the brother of Gautam Adani, was named in the Panama Papers and the Pandora Papers as someone who operates offshore entities in

the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands.

“He is alleged to have engaged in ‘brazen stock manipulation’ and ‘accounting fraud’ via ‘a vast labyrinth of offshore shell entities’. You have spoken often about your sincerity and ‘niyat’ (intention) in fighting corruption and even subjected the nation to the heavy costs of demonetisation,” Ramesh said.

“What does the fact that a business entity you are well acquainted with faces serious allegations tell us about the quality and sincerity of your investigations? the Congress general secretary said.

Ramesh alleged that over the years, PM Modi

AIMPLB calls for curbs on hate, opposes Uniform Civil Code in Lucknow meet

LUCKNOW, FEB 5 (PTI):

The AIMPLB on Sunday appealed to the “highest authorities” to place stringent measures to control “hatred being spread” in the country even as it passed resolutions against the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, and razing of people’s properties. Meeting here in Lucknow, the board also urged the judiciary to take a serious note of “injustice” being meted out to the weaker sections and the minorities.

“Houses built for decades are getting razed. Those holding peaceful demonstrations are framed under the most stringent of laws and put behind bars indefinitely,” said the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in a statement.

“Lawlessness, whether on the part of the citizens or the rulers, is condemnable and all citizens and stakeholders must oppose it strongly,” it said. The reference was apparently to the bulldozing of allegedly illegal properties in UP, actions which critics say targets Muslims.

In its appeal to the “highest authorities,” the board urged them to control the spread of hate “before irreparable damage was done to the fabric of our nation’s harmony.” The board passed several resolutions in the meeting, organised at the Islamic Seminary Nadwatul Ulama here, including against “illegal” appropria-

India’s image at stake due to Adani issue, says Mayawati

“misused” agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to “intimidate” his political opponents and to “punish” business houses that do not fall in line with his “cronies’ financial interests”.

What action has been taken, if ever, to investigate the serious allegations made over the years against the Adani Group, he asked.

Ramesh also asked if there was any hope of a fair and impartial investigation in the matter under the prime minister.

“How is it possible that one of India’s largest business groups, one that has been allowed to build monopolies in airports and seaports, could have escaped serious scrutiny for so long despite persistent allegations?” Ramesh said. Other business groups have been harassed and raided for much less, he alleged.

“Was the Adani Group essential to a dispensation

TMC worker killed in bomb blast in Bengal

KOLKATA, FEB 5 (PTI):

The death of a Trinamool Congress worker and injury to the brother of a ruling party panchayat chief in a bomb blast at Margram in Birbhum district led to a blame game among political parties on Sunday.

tion of the waqf properties and demanding the proper implementation of the Places of Worship Act.

In one such resolution, according to AIMPLB general secretary Khalid Saif Ullah Rahmani, the board said that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code will deprive citizens of the privileges provided to them by the Personal Laws.

Such a “code is neither relevant nor beneficial for a multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual country like India,” the statement read. On The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, the AIMPLB said that failing to implement the Act could lead to “endless differences among various religious groups.”

“The government must not surrender to the separatist powers and should responsibly safeguard the legal interests of all,” it urged.

On the Waqf property issue, it said: “It is unlawful for any citizen or govern -

ment to grab waqf properties. The AIMPLB strongly opposes statements by some public representatives instigating action to deprive Muslims of their waqf properties and appeals to the government to beware of such actions.”

The board advised the Muslims to take care of waqf properties and use them, as much as possible, for educational purposes.

The board also called for the following of due procedure of law as it lamented: “Unfortunately, lawlessness is prevailing in the country and an attempt is to implicate the accused even before the prosecution and litigation take their course.”

While immediate family members of the deceased Newton Sheikh alleged that Congress supporters were responsible for the attack, West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the party has little presence at Margram to be able to involve in any kind of physical attack.

While Newton Sheikh died in the bomb attack, injured Laltu Sheikh was brought to state-run SSKM hospital in Kolkata for treatment.

Wondering whether Maoists could be involved in the attack as Birbhum district shares borders with Jharkhand, West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said police should investigate all aspects to find out how and why the attack was perpetrated.

that has profited from ‘anticorruption’ rhetoric all of these years,” Ramesh asked.

Tagging his statement, the Congress leader tweeted, “The eloquent silence of the PM on the Adani MahaMegaScam has forced us to start a series, HAHK-Hum Adanike Hain Kaun. We will be posing 3 questions to the PM daily beginning today.” He asked the PM to break his “silence” over the issue.

The Congress also started a Twitter poll on its official Twitter handle, asking people whether the PM will get the allegations of fraud against “his friend Adani” investigated.

The Adani group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.

The 10 listed Adani group firms have faced a combined erosion of over Rs 8.5 lakh crore in just six trading sessions. Adani Enterprises also had to withdraw a Rs 20,000 crore share sale.

LUCKNOW, FEB 5 (PTI)

: The Adani episode will have long term impact on the country’s economy and it is “unfortunate” that the government is not taking people of the country into confidence on the issue, BSP supremo Mayawati said on Sunday.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also asserted that India’s image is at stake due to the issue.

“How can Adani episode by forgotten on Ravidas Jayanti as it is a new cause of concern. Instead of finding solution to such matters, government is making new promises ignoring the people. The image of India is at stake due to Adani issue

and everyone is concerned but government is taking this issue very lightly. This is something to think about,” Mayawati said in a statement issued here.

“Due to a businessman of the country who has established his ranking in the world, the economic world of India is desperate, disappointed and depressed. It is going to have a long term impact on the country’s economy and common life. Yet like in other cases, in this issue also the government is not taking the people of the country into confidence through the House. It is sad,” she said while slamming the government for “playing” with the trust of the people.

Adani group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based activist short-seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation at the Gautam Adani-led group.

Climate change poses challenge to women in informal sectors: Hillary Clinton

AHMEDABAD, FEB 5

(PTI): Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Sunday said heat caused by climate change poses an additional challenge to women workers in informal sectors and a global ‘Climate Resilience Fund’ will help tackle this challenge. Clinton also announced the first-of-itskind climate resilience fund on the first day of her twoday visit to Gujarat. Addressing members

of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in Ahmedabad, Clinton said, “a group of concerned people has come together to help start the climate resilience fund which will be the firstof-its-kind in the world.”

“You’ve overcome so many obstacles, broken through so many barriers.

But now you face an additional challenge--the challenge that climate change presents--of heat,” Clinton

said at the event to mark 50 years of SEWA as a trade union. “Whether you’re in construction, or you are in waste recycling, or you are in plastic, or you are a street vendor, or you are a farmer, whatever you are, your challenge to make an income to support yourselves and work throughout the days of overwhelming heat will be the next big problem that SEWA will help you try to resolve,” she said.

Mayawati

Asaduddin Owaisi during AIMPLB executive board meeting, at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow, Sunday. (PTI)

Former USA secretary of state Hillary Clinton at Elaben Bhatt (SEWA founder), at her memorial, Lokmanya Tilak Garden near Ellisbridge, in Ahmedabad, Sunday. (PTI)

Jairam Ramesh.

Budget gives larger wings to UDAN

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (IANS): While the last couple of months have witnessed consistent growth in the aviation traffic in the country, the budget announcement to revive 50 aircraft landing sites comprising airports, heliports and water aerodromes is likely to give more wings to the governments ambitious aviation scheme, Regional Connectivity Scheme Udan.

“Fifty additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes and advanced landing grounds will be revived for improving regional air connectivity,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech.

The importance of the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) can be gauged from the fact that the RCS has seen a doubling of allocation in this year’s Budget since the last allocation and has in-

creased from Rs 600 crore to Rs 1,244 crore.

The government had launched RCS-UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) in October, 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country and making air travel affordable for the masses.

Under the scheme, 459 UDAN routes involving 72 airports including nine heliports and two water aerodromes have been operationalised across the length and breadth of the country. Over 1.13 crore

passengers have travelled in more than 2.16 lakh UDAN flights, so far.

Nine heliports have been developed and operationalised under the UDAN scheme in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Mandi and Rampur are in Himachal Pradesh while Almora, Chinyalisaur, Gaucher, Haldwani, New Tehri, Sahastradhara and Srinagar are in Uttarakhand.

The UDAN scheme is applicable for a period of 10 years from the date of notification of the scheme. The government has set

Hackers stole $3.8 bn from crypto investors in 2022

NEW DELHI, FEB 5

(IANS): Cryptocurrency hackers stole $3.8 billion last year, making it the worst year on record for crypto investors, up from $3.3 billion in 2021.

According to Blockchain analytics platform Chainalysis, October was the biggest single month ever for cryptocurrency hacking, as $775.7 million was stolen in 32 separate attacks.

DeFi (Decentralised Finance) protocols as victims accounted for 82.1 per cent of all cryptocurrency stolen by hackers -- a total of $3.1 billion -- up from 73.3 per cent in 2021.

Of that $3.1 billion, 64 per cent came from crosschain bridge protocols specifically.

Cross-chain bridges are protocols that let users port their cryptocurrency from one blockchain to another, usually by locking the user’s

assets into a smart contract on the original chain, and then minting equivalent assets on the second chain.

“If a bridge gets big enough, any error in its underlying smart contract code or other potential weak spot is almost sure to eventually be found and exploited by bad actors,” said the report. North Korea-linked hackers such as those in cybercriminal syndicate Lazarus Group have been by far the most prolific cryptocurrency hackers over the last few years.

In 2022, they shattered their own records for theft, stealing an estimated $1.7 billion worth of cryptocurrency across several hacks, the report said. Most experts agree the North Korean government is using these stolen cryptos to fund its nuclear weapons programmes.

About $1.1 billion of that total was stolen in hacks of DeFi protocols, making North Korea one of the driving forces behind the DeFi hacking trend that intensified in 2022.

“Besides DeFi protocols, North Korea-linked hackers also tend to send large sums to mixers, which have typically been the cornerstone of their money laundering process,” the report noted. For much of 2021 and 2022, North Korea-linked hackers almost exclusively used Tornado Cash to launder cryptocurrency stolen in hacks.

a target to operationalise 1000 UDAN routes during the currency of the scheme and to revive and develop 100 unserved and underserved airports, heliports, water aerodromes by 2024.

Thereafter, the Krishi Udan Scheme was launched in August 2020 to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realization.

Krishi Udan 2.0 mainly focuses on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, northeastern states and tribal areas.

Experts have also lauded the Budget announcement on development of airports and heliports. Shamsher Dewan, Senior Vice President & Group Head - Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, said, “The Union Budget 2023-24 has reiterated its focus on improving regional air connectivity through

Politics in Nagaland is about money...

(From p-1)

the setting up of 50 additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes, and advanced landing grounds revival, which will boost domestic air travel.

Further, the budget provides a lot of thrust on the promotion of tourism through the development of 50 tourist destinations covering various aspects and further through the development of theme-based local tourist spots.”

Sharing his views, Vinay Dube, founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said that the announcement of 50 additional airports and ramping up of the air transport infrastructure is a welcome move and will support the nation’s growing demand for air travel.

“The focus on promoting domestic tourism will provide impetus to further revival of the sector and aligns with our vision to strengthen India’s transportation system,” he added.

Centre to hike dearness allowance

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): The central government is likely to increase dearness allowance (DA) for its over one crore employees and pensioners by four percentage points to 42 per cent from existing 38 per cent as per the agreed formula for the purpose.

The dearness allowance for employees and pensioners are worked out on the basis of the latest Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPIIW) brought out by the Labour Bureau every month. The Labour Bureau is a wing of the Labour Ministry. Talking to PTI, All India Railwaymen Federation, General Secretary, Shiva Gopal Mishra said, “The CPI-IW for December 2022 was released on January 31, 2023. The dearness allowance hike works out to be 4.23 per cent. But the government does not factor in hiking DA beyond decimal point. Thus DA is likely to be increased by four percent-

age points to 42 per cent.” He further explained that the expenditure department of the Finance Ministry will formulate a proposal to hike DA along with its revenue implication and will put up the proposal before the Union Cabinet for approval. The DA hike will be effective from January 1, 2023. Presently over one crore central government employees and pensioners are getting 38 per cent dearness allowance. Last revision in DA was done on September 28, 2022, which was effective from July 1, 2022. The Centre had increased DA by four percentage points to 38 per cent based on the percentage increase in 12 monthly average of All India Consumer Price Index for the period ending June, 2022. The DA is provided to employees and pensioners to compensate them for rising prices. The cost of living increases over a period of time and is reflected through CPI-IW.

Hence, keeping this in mind, he said AAP was yet to take a final decision on preparing its list of candidates though the party had has received 14 applications.

AAP State president Asu Keyho, who too was present, said the party was serious about the welfare of the people of Nagaland.

He too claimed that the party had received many applications seeking candidatures, though the names had not been finalised yet. He said the party would declare its list of candidates on February 7 morning, after which nominations would be filed.

He hoped that AAP would take a strong footing in the State in the coming days considering its commitment to serving the people. Citing the instances of Delhi and Punjab where APP was in power, Keyho assured that his party’s Delhi model of delivering health service, education, roads and other developmental activities would be taken up in Nagaland too if voted to power.

Nagas witnessing one of the dirtiest...

(From p-1) On the other hand, the party informed that it had received an application from Bishnu Bhattacharjee, president of NPF Minority Wing, considered as one of the most trusted party leaders, for Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency (general seat). However, NPF was of the view that Bhattacharjee’s service was more required for the party than contesting the election. Keeping in mind the requirement of his service, the party said it had requested Bishnu to not contest and that the ticket may not be issued to him, this was stated in a press note issued by Press Bureau.

Technology sector cuts most jobs in Jan in US: Report

SAN FRANCISCO, FEB 5

(IANS): Led by the technology sector, US-based employers announced 102,943 cuts in January, a massive 136 per cent increase from the 43,651 cuts announced in December, a new report has said.

It is 440 per cent higher than the 19,064 cuts announced in the same month in 2022, according to a report by global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

The technology sector announced the most cuts with 41,829, 41 per cent of all cuts, announced in January. From Amazon to Meta, from Alphabet to Google, almost every big tech company laid off employees in thousands. It is 158 per cent higher than the 16,193 cuts announced in December 2022, and 57,996 per cent higher than the 72 tracked in January 2022.

India’s focus should be on reducing dependence on China: Suman Bery

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery on Sunday said that India’s focus should not be on overall trade deficit with China, instead it should be on reducing New Delhi’s dependence on Beijing for certain critical inputs.

According to Bery, the right response is to diversify to other sources of supply for critical inputs including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and supply chain for renewables.

China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of APIs and many of the Indian companies depend on imports of the ingredients to produce various formulations.

“India’s focus should not be on the trade deficit with China. It should be on our dependence on China for certain critical inputs,” he told PTI.

He was asked what measures India should take to reduce its rising trade

deficit with China.

He said it is unfortunate that in the last seven years, the larger powers, both the US and China have chosen to weaponise trade interdependence.

“It is unfortunate that China, which is a very competitive source of intermediate goods, is also a power with which we have some military difficulty that puts a different kind of complexion,” he said.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and the face-off resulted in “minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides.

According to recent data released by the Chinese customs, the trade between India and China

touched an all-time high of USD 135.98 billion in 2022, while New Delhi’s trade deficit with Beijing crossed the USD 100 billion mark for the first time despite frosty bilateral relations.

To reduce the trade deficit with China, Bery suggested that India should formulate a sector-by-sector strategy. Bery said Chinese enterprises are looking for markets and they want to hold on to the Indian market. “And to do that, they should be prevented from being monopolists, by the way,” Bery emphasised.

China’s exports to India climbed to USD 118.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 21.7 per cent.

During 2022, China’s imports from India dwindled to USD 17.48 billion, a year-on-year decline of 37.9 per cent.

AUTOTRUST

PREOWNED

SNIPPETS

16 killed, 66 injured in multi-vehicle

collision in China

BEIJING, FEB 5 (PTI):

At least 16 people were killed and 66 others injured after a multi-vehicle collision occurred in central China’s Hunan province, a media report said on Sunday. The accidents happened on Saturday evening when a total of 49 vehicles collided within 10 minutes on the Xuchang- Guangzhou Highway in the Hunan province’s Changsha city, the state-run CGTN’s news portal reported. “In the accident 16 people were killed and 66 others injured,” said the report, quoting the local traffic police department. All the injured people have been sent to hospitals, among them eight were seriously injured but are in a stable condition.

14 killed in Kenya road accident

NAIROBI, FEB 5

(IANS): Fourteen people were killed and 12 others injured in a road accident along a busy road in Kenya’s Turkana County, police confirmed on Sunday. Turkana Central Sub-County Police Commander Lemmy Njiru said that the accident occurred at around 10 p.m. on Saturday when a truck driver lost control of the vehicle while avoiding hitting a camel on the Lodwar-Kakuma highway, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Five injured in blast in Pakistan’s Quetta

ISLAMABAD, FEB 5

(IANS): At least five persons have been injured in Pakistan’s Quetta following a blast near the police lines area of the city, the media reported on Sunday, citing an official. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has taken responsibility for the attack, stating security officials were targeted in the blast, the Dawn reported. The police, however, have not issued any statement so far in connection with the blast. Zeeshan Ahmad, a worker in the Edhi foundation, involved in the rescue operation, told Dawn that the injured individuals have been shifted to the city’s Civil Hospital. Locals burn two robbers to death after torture in Karachi

KARACHI, FEB 5

(IANS): Two alleged street criminals were burnt to death by residents of North Karachi’s Sector L1 while fleeing after snatching valuables from a local. The locals tortured the two men before burning them alive, rescue sources said. The two men died on the spot and their bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital, they added, The News reported. The police reached the location as soon as they got the news of the incident, SSP Central Maroof Usman said.

The two alleged street criminals have been identified as Muhammad Imran and Nadir Hussain.

Former Egyptian PM Sherif Ismail dies at 67

CAIRO, FEB 5 (IANS):

Fomer Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail died at the age of 67, Egypt’s official news agency MENA reported. Ismail had a disease in the digestive system, according to earlier official media reports, Xinhua News Agency reported. Ismail served as the country’s prime minister between 2015 and 2018. He was minister of petroleum and mineral resources from 2013 to 2015.

US downs Chinese surveillance balloon; China threatens repercussions

WASHINGTON/BEI -

JING, FEB 5 (PTI): The US military has downed the suspected Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean and launched a mission to recover all the equipment from its debris, drawing a strong reaction from China which on Sunday warned of repercussions over America’s use of force against its civilian unmanned airship.

At the direction of President Joe Biden, the US military at 2.39 pm EST on Friday shot down the Chinese surveillance balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, some six miles (9.65 kms) away from the US shores in South Carolina, with no damage to the life and properties of Americans, a senior defence official told reporters in Washington.

Fighter aircraft from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia inspired a single missile into the balloon, causing it to crash into the ocean within the US territorial airspace, said the official, adding that as of now there are no indications that any people including US military personnel, civilian aircraft or maritime vessels were harmed in any way.

“I told them to shoot it down,” Biden told reporters in Hagerstown, Maryland.

“On Wednesday, when I was briefed on the balloon, I ordered the Pentagon to shoot it down as soon as possible. They decided -without doing damage to

anyone on the ground -- the best time to do that was as it got over water, outside within the 12-mile limit,” Biden said.

Responding to the downing of the balloon, China expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the US use of force to attack China’s civilian unmanned airship, state-run Xinhua news agency cited a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry as saying on Sunday.

“The US insisting on the use of force is an obvious overreaction and a serious violation of international practice. China will resolutely uphold the relevant company’s legitimate rights and interests, at the same time, reserving the right to take further actions in response,” said the Foreign Ministry statement in Beijing.

The Chinese side has, after verification, repeatedly informed the US side of the

civilian nature of the airship and conveyed that its entry into the United States due to force majeure was totally unexpected, the statement said, noting the Chinese side has clearly asked the US side to properly handle the matter in a calm, professional and restrained manner.

Defence Secretary

Lloyd Austin said that at the direction of President Biden, fighter aircraft assigned to US Northern Command successfully brought down the high-altitude surveillance balloon launched by and belonging to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) over the water off the coast of South Carolina in US airspace.

“The balloon, which was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States, was brought down above US territorial waters,” Austin said. China has claimed that the balloon was merely a

Putin promised not to kill Zelenskyy: Former Israeli PM

TEL AVIV, FEB 5 (AP): A former Israeli prime minister who served briefly as a mediator at the start of Russia’s war with Ukraine says he drew a promise from the Russian president not to kill his Ukrainian counterpart.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett became an unlikely intermediary in the war’s first weeks, becoming one of the few Western leaders to meet President Vladimir Putin during the war in a snap trip to Moscow last March.

While Bennett’s mediation efforts appear to have done little to end the bloodshed that continues until today, his remarks, in an interview posted online late Saturday, shed light on the backroom diplomacy and urgent efforts that were underway to try to bring the conflict to a speedy conclusion in its early days.

In the five-hour interview, which touched on numerous other subjects, Bennett says he asked Pu-

tin about whether he intended to kill Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“I asked what’s up with this? Are you planning to kill Zelenskyy?’ He said I won’t kill Zelenskyy.’ I then said to him I have to understand that you’re giving me your word that you won’t kill Zelenskyy.’ He said I’m not going to kill Zelenskyy.’”

Bennett said he then called Zelenskyy to inform him of Putin’s pledge.

“‘Listen, I came out of a meeting, he’s not going to kill you.’ He asks, are you sure?’ I said ‘100 per cent he won’t kill you.’”

Bennett said that during his mediation, Putin dropped his vow to seek Ukraine’s disarmament and Zelenskyy promised not to join NATO.

Bennett, a largely untested leader who had served as prime minister for just over six months when the war broke out, unexpectedly thrust himself into international diplomacy after he had positioned Israel into an uncomfortable middle ground between Russia and Ukraine.

Israel views its good ties with the Kremlin as strategic in the face of threats from Iran but it aligns itself with Western nations and also seeks to show support for Ukraine. An observant Jew and little known internationally, he flew to Moscow for his meeting with Putin during the Jewish Sabbath, breaking his religious commitments and putting himself at the forefront of global efforts to halt the war.

5 injured in rocket attacks on 2nd-largest city: Ukraine

gions that Russia illegally annexed last year even though its forces do not fully control the region.

Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said five civilians were wounded in rocket attacks during the night in the city of Druzhkivka and that the town of Avdiivka and its outskirts were also fired on.

weather research “airship” that had been blown off course.

This action of downing the balloon of the size of three buses was taken in coordination, and with the full support, of the Canadian government.

Defence officials told US media the debris landed in 14m of water - shallower than they had expectednear Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The military is now trying to recover debris which is spread over seven miles (11 km).

The Pentagon official told reporters that they took immediate steps to protect against the balloon’s collection of sensitive information mitigating its intelligence value to China.

By shooting down the balloon, it addressed the surveillance threat posed to military installations and further neutralise any intelligence value it could have produced, preventing it from returning to China.

“In addition, shooting the balloon down could enable the US to recover sensitive PRC equipment. While we took all necessary steps to protect against the PRC surveillance balloon collection of sensitive information of the surveillance balloons overflight of US territory, which was of intelligence value to us,” the official said without divulging much of the information.

COLOMBO, FEB 5 (PTI):

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday said he is fixing the debt-ridden country’s economy by treating the “root cause” of the malaise and not by administering “painkillers”, asserting that systematic change and national unity in conjunction with economic reforms are needed to achieve prosperity.

President Wickremesinghe made these comments through a series of tweets a day after Sri Lanka celebrated its 75th Independence Day.

Sri Lanka was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis last year due to a severe paucity in foreign exchange reserves that also sparked political turmoil in the island nation that led to the ouster of the all-powerful Rajapaksa family.

“I’m not treating the superficial condition with painkillers. I am treating the root cause of the malaise.

Many of the decisions I have been compelled to take are unpopular, but because of these, no citizen will die in queues or starve,” Wickremesinghe tweeted.

From April to July last year, chaos reigned supreme in Sri Lanka, with mileslong queues forming at fuel stations and irate residents coming out in thousands blocking roads.

The Sri Lankan government in May last year declared a debt default on over USD 51 billion in the foreign loans -- a first in the

country’s history.

“Despite obstacles, I will continue with the reforms. If we work in a united and planned manner, we can be a developed country by 2048. True freedom can be achieved and our collective responsibility is to build a new country where our children can compete with the rest of the world,” he tweeted.

“While we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our independence & honour those who worked hard for the country’s freedom, let us focus on regaining the freedom we have lost today,” he said in another tweet.

Wickremesinghe lamented that politicians borrowed for consumption and not for investment, which was the reason for the collapse of Sri Lanka’s economy. He did not name anyone. The resignations by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July and his elder brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2022 amid massive antigovernment protests subsided with the formation of a government led by their ally Wickremesinghe.

Wickremesinghe, 73, as the country’s finance minister is tasked with stabilising the economy and restoring the financial health of the economy, already hit badly by the pandemic.

“We should modernise the economy & open it to the world. The corrupt political factionalism that deceives the people, making them dependent & poor forever, should be changed. This is the “system change” the youth have been demanding & why we have embarked on a new path of reforms,” he tweeted.

The Sri Lankan President said the country cannot be satisfied with strengthening the economy, but called for a reboot of the entire system.

“Issues faced by people in the North and East are being solved. We are taking measures for maximum division of power in a unitary state. However, we will never consent to the division of this nation,” he added.

Sri Lanka’s overall economic growth in 2022 was minus 11 per cent and it could be - 3.5 to - 4 per cent this year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said last week, as the island nation tried hard to overcome its worst economic crisis since independence.

Wickremesinghe said the current negotiations with the global lender IMF for the bail out of 2.9 billion was crucial.

Major events that led to Musharraf’s downfall

ISLAMABAD, FEB 5 (PTI): Pakistan’s former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf remained a controversial figure until his death in Dubai on Sunday.

Musharraf, the 79-year-old four-star general of the Pakistan Army and the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, seized power after a military coup in 1999 and remained in charge until 2008. The following incidents, believed to have led to his downfall, left a bitter memory and might continue to plague the country even after his demise.

1. Red Mosque Operation: The operation from July 3-11 in 2007 is considered the turning point in his rule. The operation was launched to remove militants and extremists using the compound to harass the people in the capital city. More than 100 people inside the mosque were killed. It angered the country’s Islamists, resulting in countrywide terrorist attacks. Musharraf became unpopular after this operation, though the action was

supported by the country’s liberals and his international backers.

2. Sacking of Supreme Court Chief Justice: Musharraf removed the independent-minded Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhamm ad Chaudhry on March 9, 2007, resulting in a massive agitation led by the lawyers. The sacking was condemned across the board and Musharraf lost the support of even liberals on this issue. The judge was later restored but Musharraf never recovered from its consequences.

3. Declaration of Emergency: Musharraf imposed an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007 which lasted until December 15, 2007. The

action further alienated him from the masses and created legal consequences as his action was a violation of article 6 for which he was tried by a special court and given a death sentence. Though he had also violated the Constitution in 1999, his action was validated by the Supreme Court to absolve him of any constitutional consequences.

4. Killing of Akbar Bugti: He launched a military operation in Balochistan province to control a low-level insurgency, but it pitted him against an aged nationalist and tribal elder Nawaz Akbar Khan Bugti, who was also the former chief minister and lawmaker. Bugti refused to bow and led the struggle and was killed on August 26, 2006. His death further fueled the insurgency and it is still going on. Musharraf was accused of his murder and had to face a court case.

5. Assassination of Benazir Bhutto: Former two-time premier Benazir Bhutto was killed in a gun and suicide attack on December 27, 2007 in Rawal-

pindi. Later, a UN probe accused the government, led by Musharraf, of failing to provide proper security to her. Musharraf was later named in the murder case as an accused. He remained at large in the case till death.

6. Deaths in Karachi: May 12, 2007 is considered a black day in the history of Karachi as at least 48 people were killed in the city when deposed Chief Justice Chaudhry was to visit Karachi. Musharraf was accused of violence as he had warned of retaliation if the judge dared to travel to Karachi. The city was controlled by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement party, an ally of Musharraf, and had a history of alleged violence.

7. Siding with the US: Musharraf’s decision to side with the US in the war against terrorism is considered by many in Pakistan as the main reason for violence and militancy. Among others, former premier Imran Khan has said that Pakistan invited all troubles by joining the US war in Afghanistan.

Miscreants vandalise 14 Hindu temples in B’desh Rishi Sunak makes ‘special gesture’ by joining India-UK security dialogue

DHAKA, FEB 5 (PTI):

Unidentified miscreants vandalised 14 Hindu temples in northwestern Bangladesh in a series of orchestrated attacks overnight, police said on Sunday.

KYIV, FEB 5 (AP): Five people were injured in Russian rocket attacks Sunday in the center of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, officials said.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said four people were injured when a Russian S-300 missile fell near an apartment block and another

was hurt when a missile hit a higher-education building. Local media reports said the building hit was the National Academy for Urban Economy, about 700 metres from the city’s central square. Meanwhile, heavy fighting continued in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, one of four re -

In the Black Sea port of Odesa, workers laboured to connect temporary generators shipped in to try to restore electricity. The city and surrounding area were plunged into darkness over the weekend following a large-scale network failure. Grid operator Ukrenergo said that the failure involved equipment “repeatedly repaired” after Russia’s savage strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, and that residents should brace themselves for lengthy blackouts.

“Unidentified people carried out the attacks under the cover of darkness, vandalising idols in 14 temples in three unions (lowest local government tier),” said Bidyanath Barman, a Hindu community leader at Baliadangi) “upazila” or “sub-district” in Thakurgaon. Barman, the general secretary of the upazila’s Puja Celebration Council, said some of the idols were destroyed while some were found in pond waters along the temple sites.

“We are in the dark about their (culprits) identity but we want to bring them to justice after investigations,” Barman said.

LONDON, FEB 5 (PTI): In

a “special gesture”, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined a UK Cabinet Office meeting here between National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and British counterpart Tim Barrow.

Sunak highlighted the UK government’s support to deepen strategic partnership in areas such as trade, defence and science and technology during the meeting on Friday.

Doval was in London for an annual bilateral strategic dialogue on his way back from Washington, where he met US counterpart Jake Sullivan for similar talks.

“A special gesture by PM Rishi Sunak to join for a while the India-UK NSA dialogue between Sir Tim Barrow and Mr Doval at Cabinet Office,” the Indian High Commission in London and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted

late on Saturday, with reference to the meeting.

“Deeply value PM’s assurance of his government’s full support to deepen strategic partnership in trade, defence, S&T. Look forward to visit of Sir Tim to India soon,” it noted.

The security dialogue comes against the backdrop of the controversial BBC documentary, ‘India: The Modi Question’, which the Indian government has condemned as biased propaganda.

The UK has responded

in Parliament to diaspora protests across the country over the two-part series by declaring the BBC as a media outlet “independent in its outlet” and reiterating its commitment to enhance ties with India.

“We recognise how this portrayal of the Indian government has played out in India. I made it clear that the BBC is independent in its output, that the UK regards India as an incredibly important international partner and that we will be investing heavily in that relationship in the coming decades,” UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told the House of Commons earlier last week. India and the UK share a comprehensive strategic partnership and have agreed a 2030 Roadmap to enhance bilateral relations in all spheres, including defence and security.

Pervez Musharraf

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Rishi Sunak

Naftali Bennett

A large balloon is struck down above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

At Sunday’s Grammys, will Beyonce finally win top honor of best album?

Pop superstar Beyonce, winner of more Grammy awards than any other female artist, has never taken home the coveted album of the year trophy at the music industry’s highest honors.

That could change on Sunday, according to industry experts and awards pundits, although it is not a sure thing in a formidable, wide-ranging field that includes Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, pop musician Harry Styles, singer and flutist Lizzo, and disco-era Swedish hitmaker ABBA.

Winners will be announced during a ceremony that will be broadcast live on U.S. broadcast network CBS and streamed on Paramount+ starting at 5 p.m. Pacific time/8 p.m. Eastern time (0100 GMT on Monday).

Beyonce heads into the show in Los Angeles with nine nominations, including an album of the year nod for dance-heavy album “Renaissance.” She has won 28 Grammys over her career, and she could break the all-time record of 31 on Sunday.

But the top prize has escaped her. The acclaimed 2016 album “Lemonade” was defeated by Adele’s “25,” prompting the British vocalist to say on stage that Beyonce deserved the honor.

Beyonce “is about to be the most-winningest Grammy award winner.

If your blood pressure is healthy, that’s great!

You’re in a good spot to prevent a heart attack, stroke, and other major problems down the road.

Your next goal is to keep it that way.

Here are the most important ways to keep your blood pressure on track for good.

Steady the scale. Your blood pressure rises as you put on extra pounds, so it’s key to keep your weight in a good range. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can help bring your numbers down or prevent high blood pressure.

No matter what you weigh, focus on eating a nutritious, balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and plenty of sleep.

WhatsApp rolls out ability to create avatars on iOS

Shakira’s new album will have ‘tell-all’ anthems about split with Gerard Pique

A music insider told

conductor Georg Solti as the most-decorated artist in Grammys history. The winners are chosen by roughly 11,000 members of the Recording Academy, which has faced complaints that it has not given Black talent proper recognition. The organization has worked to diversity its membership in recent years.

In the best new artist category, contenders include Italian rock band Maneskin, jazz artist Samara Joy, American bluegrass singer Molly Tuttle and TikTok phenom Gayle, who rose to fame with “abcdefu.”

Taylor Swift’s 10-minute version of her 2012 song “All Too Well” was nominated for best song. Swift’s latest album, “Midnights,” was released after this year’s eligibility window, which ran from October 2021 through September 2022.

There’s almost no way she’s not going to break the record,” said Jem Aswad, deputy music editor for Variety.

“But she has never won album of the year, one of the top awards, and that’s just wrong,” he added.

Adele, who has claimed the album trophy twice, also is in the mix

this year with “30.” It is possible that Adele and Beyonce voters could cancel each other out, Aswad said, opening a door for Styles to prevail with “Harry’s House.”

Beyonce’s other nominations include record and song of the year for “Break My Soul.” If she wins at least four awards, she will top the late classical

Comedian Trevor Noah will host Sunday’s awards show. Scheduled performers include Styles, Lizzo, Sam Smith, Luke Combs and Bad Bunny.

First lady Jill Biden is among the night’s presenters.

Like other awards shows, the Grammys have seen their television audience decline in recent years.

Last year’s ceremony drew roughly 9 million viewers, the second-smallest on record. (Reuters)

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp, in its latest update to iOS, has rolled out the ability to create personalised avatars and use them as stickers and profile pictures.

Some users may already be able to configure an avatar on the previous update, but it is rolling out to even more people, according to WABetaInfo.

Users will need to open WhatsApp Settings in order to discover if the feature is already enabled for their account.

Moreover, in the latest update, the messaging platform introduced the ability to record videos hands-free by swiping left inside the WhatsApp camera. Users also get the ability to undo “delete for me” for a few seconds in the latest update.

Further, the report mentioned that some accounts may receive the new feature over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature which will allow users to pin messages within chats and groups.

The feature is useful as it will allow users to pin important messages to the top of the chat, reports WABetaInfo.

If a message is pinned and the recipient is using an old version of the application, then the app will show a message in the conversation to ask to upgrade to the latest version available on the store. (IANS)

Be proactive against high blood pressure

dium naturally raises blood pressure, it’s a good idea to limit it.

Some experts recommend getting less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium (just 1 teaspoon of salt) per day.

Fit in fitness. Along with weight control, exercise has another plus: It strengthens your heart and lowers your blood pressure. Even if your blood pressure is already normal, exercising will help keep it healthy as you get older.

It doesn’t take much to reap the benefits: Just 2.5 hours of moderate exercise that gets your heart pumping (like brisk walking) each week is a good starting goal. If your workouts are more intense (like jogging

or swimming laps), then just an hour and 15 minutes per week can be enough.

The more active you are, the better. Even 10 minutes of activity at a time will help.

Cut down on salt. It shows up in a lot of unexpected places. Even if you avoid sprinkling extra on your meals, you might still get a lot of it in processed foods like frozen dinners, canned soups, deli meats, breads, and even sweet things like cookies. Since so-

If you’re concerned about your numbers, the American Heart Association recommends you keep it under 1,500 milligrams a day, since that’s the amount linked with the biggest blood pressure benefit. Americans average about 3,400 milligrams a day, so chances are, there’s room to lower that.

Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. You’ll get

lots of important vitamins and minerals that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. Aim to fill at least half your plate with vegetables or fruits at every meal. That will help you get to the recommended daily goal of at least four to five servings.

Back off of booze.

Regular heavy drinking can cause a long-term blood pressure rise. Even having three drinks in one sitting can cause a temporary bump. So if you choose to drink, keep it moderate.

What counts as one drink depends on what

Shakira’s ex-boyfriend

Gerard Pique may want to cover his ears in the coming months as the pop sensation is set to hang their laundry out to dry all over the charts.

The 46-year-old Colombian singer was in a romance with 36-year-old Spanish football ace Gerard for 11 years from 2011 until 2022 and together they share sons Milan, 10, and Sasha, eight, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.

The breakup has been one of the most dramatic in recent showbiz years -- with allegations of cheating, jam jar clues, and a diss track already racking up hundreds of millions of hits.

As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’,

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s charm can sweep anyone off their feet. So, when someone says that his film or he in particular didn’t impress someone, it seems odd more so to the man in question.

So, when a social media user told SRK on Twitter that their child didn’t like ‘Pathaan’, the superstar had a humble yet witty reply up his sleeve.

more ear bashing tunes are in store for Gerard, as Shaky is said to be preparing to unleash hell -- and all the details of the collapse of their relationship -- in her upcoming album.

The Sun: “Her next album is definitely going to be a tellall record and she won’t be shy about letting everyone know what happened.

“She was working on another record before she had suspicions about infidelity, so those songs are being re-written with new endings to give fans a fuller picture of the truth.

“Those who’ve heard snippets say it blends Latin, rock and hip hop and is more empowering than angry.” Shakira has also been hitting out at her ex as he appears to have swiftly moved on from their break up -- by dating a look-alike model. (IANS)

Replying to a video posted by a social media user in which his daughter said that she didn’t like ‘Pathaan’, SRK tweeted, “Oh oh!! Have to work harder now. Back to the drawing board.”

you’re sipping: a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5-ounce serving of a distilled 80-proof liquor all count as a single serving of alcohol. If you’re a man under age 65, limit yourself to two drinks a day. Older men should have one a day or less. If you’re a woman of any age, stick with one drink a day to keep your blood pressure stable.

Bonus: Drinking within healthy limits will also help you keep your weight down since alcohol packs extra calories.

Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev MD

He then smartly plugged in the dialogue from ‘Pathaan’ that he says during the postcredit scene, “Can’t let the younger audience be disappointed. Desh ke youth ka sawaal hai.”

The actor also advice the parent to try showing the classic love story ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ to the kid, “PS: Try DDLJ on her please... maybe she is the romantic types...kids u never know.”

On the work front, SRK, who returned to the silver screen after four years with ‘Pathaan’, has two big ticket films lined up for release, ‘Jawan’ and ‘Dunki’. (IANS)

YEMHI MEMORIAL COLLEGE

Affiliated to Nagaland University vide No.NU/CDC/C-64/2012-3394

Nepali Basti, Near Nepali Mandir, Dimapur-797112, Nagaland SÜTSA DIPLOMA (1 Year Course)

(With the approval of Sümi Literature Board)

ADMISSION OPEN 2023

Admission starts from 1st of February, 2023.

 Well qualified and experienced teachers.

 Forms will be available at Yemhi Memorial College.

 Admission on spot at very reasonable rate.

 Class sessions: Evening only (Timings to be notified).

 Class starts from March, 2023

For further queries, Contact : +91 7085447494 +91 6009134544

K-191/23

SRK reacts to video of kid saying she didn’t like ‘Pathaan’, has a suggestion up his sleeve

La Liga: Mallorca stun Real Madrid 1-0

PALMA, FEB 5 (AGENCIES): Champions Real

Madrid suffered a shock

1-0 loss at Mallorca in LaLiga on Sunday thanks to a bizarre own goal by defender Nacho early in the first half.

Nacho left his team mates stunned as he tried to clear a cross in the 13th minute and headed the ball high over his own goalkeeper and into the net.

Real dominated the match but missed several chances including a golden opportunity to equalise in the 59th minute when Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic saved a poor penalty from Marco Asensio.

“I put my head in the way and bad luck that ball goes straight through the top left angle... This is football,” Nacho told Movistar Plus. “But we also missed a penalty, had some clear chances that we have not managed to score.

“It was a very difficult match. They defended very well throughout the game...

A pity, because we are missing three points.”

Real, bidding to retain the title, are under pressure from their arch-rivals Barca who are unbeaten in their last 14 matches in all competitions and on a fourgame winning streak in La-

Liga and could extend their lead atop to eight points. Real are second in the standings on 45 points, five behind leaders Barca who have a game in hand and host struggling Sevilla later on Sunday. Mallorca stayed 10th after earning

LeBron James returns to Los Angeles with history in his grasp

LOS ANGELES, FEB 5

(AGENCIES): Lakers forward LeBron James returns to Los Angeles on the verge of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer after wrapping up a five-game road trip in New Orle-ans on Saturday night.

‘King James’ now needs just 36 points to pass fellow Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record 38,387 career points after contributing 27 points in the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to the Pelicans.

James, 38, has shown no sign of slowing down in his 20th season, where he is averaging more than 30 points per game and made his 19th All-Star game.

He will have two opportunities to capture what he has called “one of the greatest records in sports” on his home floor next week when the Lakers host the Thunder on Tuesday and the Bucks on Thursday.

Ticket prices for those games have predictably sky-

Tejaswin wins New Balance Indoor Grand Prix title

rocketed and Hollywood’s biggest stars are ex-pected to be seated courtside.

Fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the milestone and the league has said that any game where he has a reasonable chance of breaking the record will be broadcast nationally. At this point the only question is what kind of shot he will take to seize the a title.

James has been seen practicing the skyhook, a shot perfected by AbdulJabbar, in warmups before recent games, so an homage to the Hall of Famer may be in the works. But a dunk, mid-range jumper or three-

pointer or even free throw will lead to a pause in the con-test as an epic celebration breaks out at Crypto. com Arena.

Breaking the nearly four-decade-old record that Abdul-Jabbar seized from Wilt Chamberlain on April 5, 1984 will further fourtime champion James’ case for being recognized as the greatest of all time.

The Akron, Ohio native had an immediate impact on the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers organization when he was selected first overall as a teenager amid a media frenzy in the 2003 NBA Draft. Since then he has more than exceeded the high expectations put on his broad shoulders and steadily risen up the scoring list.

For two decades James has ruled the NBA, winning four titles with three different franchises, be-ing selected to a record-tying 19 All-Star games last month and being a perennial MVP candidate.

their fourth consecu-tive home win, all of those won by 1-0. A windy afternoon in Mallorca was bad news for Real Madrid before the match started. Missing forward Karim Benzema and de -

fender Eder Militao to injuries through injury, coach Carlo Ancelotti had another selection headache when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a groin inju-ry during the warmup. It was 23-year-old Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin who had the misfortune to watch Nacho’s header looping over him but he had little to do as Real dominated Mallorca from the start. They had almost 75% of possession against a side who recorded their only shot on target in the 84th minute, mustering 20 attempts on goal to Mallorca’s four. But Real’s only effort on target was Asensio’s spot-kick, a low strike to the left of the goalkeeper who easily palmed it round the post. The champions travel on Monday to the Club World Cup in Morocco and they face Egypt’s Al Ahly in Rabat on Wednesday.

National 2W Rally Championship: Rajendra crowned national champion

NASHIK,

FEB 5 (IANS):

Multiple-time National champion, Rajendra RE of Petronas TVS Racing team regained the overall crown for 2022 in the top Super Bikes Pro-Expert class winning the Rally of Nashik while Sarath Mohan clinched his maiden National title in the other premier Expert class, without even shifting a gear, as the sixth and final round of the fmsci National Rally Championship for twowheelers - 2022 concluded here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Sarath Mohan from Mallapuram, Kerala, clinched the National crown in the Super Bike Expert Group A Class 1A with two rounds to spare and did not take part in the Rally of Nashik, as the dates clashed with his Rally Raid cross-country training in UAE. Other champions who clinched the National title with a round to spare are Sasi Kumar K. in the Su-

per Sport 165 Group B Class 3, TVS rider Imran Pasha, in the Super Sport 260 Group B Class 4 and VS Naresh, in the Super Sport 550 Group B Class 6. On Sunday, Bengaluru’s TVS talent Aishwarya Pissay suffered a shock defeat as rookie local rider Tanya Singh, won the Ladies’ class. The champion took it easy, with one hand on the title, and the second place was enough to clinch her a sixth-straight title. Second, in the championship standings, Kerala rider Fazeela did not take part in the Nashik Rally.

Veteran Venu Ramesh Kumar, a privateer from Coimbatore, clinched the title in Super Sport 400cc

THE NICSE DNA, CAN BE COPIED, CAN’T BE CLONED

 NICSE WAS FIRST TO CONDUCT NPSC PRELIM MOCK TESTS FOR WHOLE NAGALAND

 NICSE WAS FIRST TO CONDUCT NPSC MAINS CAPSULE PROGRAM

 NICSE WAS FIRST TO CONDUCT NPSC MAINS MOCK TESTS FOR WHOLE NAGALAND

 NICSE WAS FIRST TO CONDUCT NPSC INTERVIEW WORKSHOP & MOCK INTERVIEWS

 NICSE WAS FIRST TO HAVE CIVIL SERVICES LIBRARY, THE LARGEST IN NAGALAND

Group B Class 5. TVS Racing star Shamim Khan, astride an NTorq, won the Scooter class crown. The six-round MRF MoGrip fmsci National Rally Championship for two-wheelers, promoted by GodSpeed Racing, concluded with champions decided in eight classes. With time lost due to incidents in Stage 1, the final Special Stage (SS 3) was cancelled. Two other Support classes, including one for Star of Maharashtra, were also held, the organisers informed in a release on Sunday. Petronas TVS Racing factory rider from Shivamogga, Rajendra, began with a blistering 15min, 58.429 seconds in the first Special Stage (SS) and pelted out another fastest time in SS2 but with his teammate and nearest rival Abdul Wahid Tanveer, pulling out in the very first stage, the 2019 Na-tional champion, won the title with ease.

BOSTON, FEB 5 (IANS):

High jumper Tejaswin

Shankar clinched the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix title, the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, here on Saturday night. Commonwealth bronze medallist Tejaswin Shankar showcased a faultless performance up to his winning height of 2.26m in the men’s high jump.

In his first competition out of college, the 24-yearold, who won his second NCAA title for Kansas State last year, cleared 2.14m, 2.19m, 2.23m and 2.26m on his first attempts before taking three attempts at a would-be PB of 2.30m.

Meanwhile, in the men’s 60m the two-time world 200m champion Noah Lyles held off his US com-patriot by just 0.002 with a performance that got him the PB.

In a photo finish to separate their 6.51 runs, Lyles clocked 6.507 and Bromell 6.509. The former had been 0.01 off his PB of 6.55 when winning his heat.

Tejaswin Shankar j

 YEAR AFTER YEAR AROUND 20% OF NPSC MERIT LIST HAVE BEEN NICSE STUDENTS

AT

DIFFERENCE IS THE CONSTANT 10 BIG REASONS WHICH ALWAYS MAKE NICSE THE ONLY CHOICE

HIGHEST TRACK RECORD IN NAGALAND:

HUNDREDS OF GENUINE RESULTS IN NPSC FOR 10 YEARS IN A ROW (19 IN NPSC 2021-22)

THE CROWN: NEW DELHI HEAD OFFICE

NICSE is Located in the centre of India’s biggest IAS coaching hub in Rajinder Nagar since 2019, with a full-size content, research & faculty team

THE CORE: BIGGEST BACKEND TEAM

NICSE has the largest support and R&D team of over 35 PROFESSIONALS working in Delhi & Nagaland

EXCELLENCE OF TEACHERS

NICSE has a team of over 20 HIGHLY EXPERIENCED & CIVIL SERVICE EXPERT FACULTY comprising of the best from Delhi and Nagaland

MOST EXTENSIVE CLASSES

There is no short cut to success. Short cut courses may sometimes help in NPSC Prelim but never in Mains & UPSC Prelim. NICSE has exhaustive programs of 300 hours, 500 hours, 650 hours & 800 hours.

TOP OF THE CLASS STUDY MATERIALS

NICSE has the most elaborate and meticulously crafted study materials covering the entire syllabi of UPSC/NPSC for prelim & mains, designed and developed by our top-notch content development team & top faculty in Delhi & Nagaland

BEST & HIGHEST MOCK TESTS IN NAGALAND

The categories of tests are: 15-minute topic/chapter-based tests in each class to check daily knowledge retention, Subject wise tests to check subject wise growth, Full NPSC Prelim pattern Mock tests on First Monday of every month, Full NPSC Mains pattern Mock tests, Full UPSC Prelim pattern Mock tests at regular intervals, Essay & Comprehension Tests.

CURRENT AFFAIRS UPDATES:

FROM PRELIMS TILL INTERVIEW NICSE has a BIG & DEDICATED TEAM OF CURRENT AFFAIR ANALYSTS IN DELHI to develop and provide daily, weekly & monthly Current Affairs content & magazine to all its students.

ADDITIONAL FREE SUPPORT:

NICSE provides free NPSC PRELIM CAPSULE PROGRAM of over 100 HOURS to all its students just before NPSC Prelim every year and an additional MAINS CAPSULE PROGRAM of over 80 HOURS to all its students who clear NPSC Prelim, just before NPSC Mains every year. Each student is provided with FREE 2.5

NICSE, FOR 10 YEARS:

Tongpang Ozukum in the ensuing General Election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023. mkc-46/23

Match in action between Real Madrid and Mallorca during the La Liga match.

Rajendra RE

LeBron James

Bengaluru FC beat ATKMB; enter top 6

KOLKATA, FEB 5 (AGENCIES): Bengaluru FC moved back into sixth place after earning their first-ever victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. The 2-1 win was built on Javi Hernandez’s opener in the 77th minute before Roy Krishna added a second in stoppage time. It was the Blues’ fifth vic-tory on the trot.

Juan Ferrando was forced to make two changes as the suspended duo of Ashique Kuruniyan and Hugo Boumous were replaced by Liston Colaco and Federico Gallego, while Simon Grayson fielded an unchanged XI.

The hosts dominated possession in the first half and entered the final third on several occasions, but the Bengaluru FC backline was on hand to thwart their attempts. The first chance for Bengaluru FC came via Hernandez, whose shot from

the edge of the box went just over the crossbar.

Right-back Asish Rai was lively down the right flank with threatening balls in and a couple of shots at goal.

In the 20th minute, Rai let one fly from about 30 yards out. His swerving and dipping effort was heading into the bottom corner at the near post before Gurpreet Singh Sandhu went down to palm it behind. At the other end, Rai almost allowed Bengaluru FC a goal on the counter. Around the half-hour mark,

Ashu clinches bronze in Zagreb Open Ranking Series

against the run of play, Rai’s slip allowed Krishna to put Siva Narayanan through on goal. Vishal Kaith came charging towards the edge of the box and stopped the young attacker before he could cause any damage.

Krishna and Narayanan linked up again two minutes into the second half when the former’s layoff came to Narayanan, whose volley was crucially blocked by Subhasish Bose. The two teams made moves into each other’s areas without too

PVL: Calicut Heroes come back to pick stunning win over Mumbai Meteors

super-serve, Jerome Vinith put Heroes ahead to put pressure back on the opposition. With a powerful spike, Sandoval stunned Mumbai and put Calicut ahead with a 9-7 lead in the sec-ond set.

much success, until the 77th mi-nute when the deadlock was finally broken. Roshan Naorem lobbed the ball towards the edge of the ATK Mohun Bagan penalty area before Hernandez put his laces through a powerful volley that burst through Kaith’s outstretched left hand and into the bottom corner. After Hernandez opened the scoring in the 77th minute, Pablo Perez came on to assist Krishna’s goal in the first minute of stoppage time, with Kaith’s fumbled attempt to grab a cross opening up a simple tap-in for the striker. Just when the Blues thought the job was done, Dimitri Petratos’ shot from outside the box came off Alan Costa and flew past Sandhu in the 93rd minute. However, there wasn’t enough time to cause Bengaluru FC any more trouble. After reinstating themselves in sixth place, Bengaluru FC will carry this momentum into their next fixture against arch-rivals Kerala Blasters on February 11.

McGregor to face Chandler on UFC return, says White

ZAGREB, FEB 5 (PTI): Asian Championships bronze medallist Ashu clinched the 67kg bronze medal for India in the Greco Roman category on the concluding day of the Zagreb Open Ranking Series here on Sunday.

The 23-year-old grappler added a second bronze to India’s tally, defeating Lithuania’s Adomas Grigaliunas 5-0. Under-23 world champion, freestyle wrestler Aman Sehrawat,

had won the men’s 57kg bronze on the inaugural day.Ashu, who had lost Iran’s Reza Mahdi Ab -

basi 9-0 in the qualification round, came back strongly in the repechage bouts, defeating Hungary’s Adam Phoilec 8-0 before overcoming Norway’s Haavard Joergensen 9-0 to make the bronze-medal round.

The Indian had three points in the first period and two in the second as the judges declared a win by decision. Another Indian Greco-Roman wrestler Sagar lost his 63kg repechage round bout to

Austria’s Aker Schmid Al Obaidi after his quarterfinal rival, Iran’s Aref Hossein Khoun Mohammadi, entered the final. In other bouts on Sunday, Birmingham Commonwealth Games silver medallist Samantha Stewart got the better of India’s Asian Championships bronze medallist Sushma Shokeen with the Canadian effecting a fall in the the women’s 53kg quarterfinal.

BENGALURU, FEB 5

(IANS): Jose Antonio Sandoval was adjudged the Player of the Match as Calicut Heroes overcame debutants Mumbai Meteors in a well-fought encounter on Sunday in their first game of the second season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League.

Much to the delight of a jam-packed crowd at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium here, the Calicut Heroes came back to pick up a thrilling 10-15, 15-9, 15-8, 15-14, 15-11 win over the Mumbai team to get two points from the contest.

Mumbai Meteors began their journey into the league with two quick points as Hiroshi Centelles put on consecutive perfect blocks to give his team an early lead. Jose Antonio Sandoval, with a deft touch over the

net, put the ball in no man’s land on the opposition’s end as Calicut Heroes earned their first point of the game. Minutes later, Brandon Greenway sent a powerful serve to which Heroes skipper Matt Hilling found no answer. Shameemudheen’s spike led to Mumbai extending their lead to 10-6 in the first set. With a super point on offer, Meteors made an error on the serve to give away two points to Calicut.

But Meteo rs maintained their composure and with a spike from Anu James, the debutants won the first set 15-10. Mumbai Meteors kept control of the momentum in the second set as well picking up the first point.

But Calicut’s Sandoval tapped the ball over the net to get things back on level pegging. With a fantastic

Davis Cup: Norrie takes Britain through to Finals group stage

With a super point on offer, Meteors’ Hiroshi made an error allowing Heroes to further extend their lead. A block from M Ashwin Raj took Calicut with a touching distance of win in the second set. As Hiroshi’s serve struck the nets, Calicut Heroes won the second set 15-9.

Having found their rhythm, Calicut Heroes took an early lead in the third set, as Asham A. put his team ahead with a solid block.

Sandoval struck a powerful spike to further keep the Kerala side ahead in the set. Just when it looked like the Heroes will take a comfortable lead, Brandon’s spike earned Mumbai a crucial point in the set.

But Shafeeque Rahman and Ashwin’s dual spikes ensured Calicut keep their lead at the break in the set. Having been put under pressure, Mumbai kept committing errors, allowing freebies to the opposition. Sandoval put on a pictureperfect block with a super point on offer, as Calicut won the third set 15-8 to take lead in the match.

LONDON, FEB 5 (AGENCIES): Former UFC champion Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the octagon against Michael Chandler after the two have coached in the UFC’s “The Ulti-mate Fighter” reality TV show, UFC president Dana White has announced.

Irishman McGregor, the organisation’s former featherweight and lightweight champion and the first UFC fighter to hold two world titles simultaneously, has not fought since suffering a gruesome leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The 34-year-old will pit his wits against American Chandler, 36, as the two coach teams of up-and-coming fighters against each other in the TV series, which begins on ESPN on May 30, with the pair scheduled to meet when the season ends.

BOGOTA, FEB 5 (IANS):

Great Britain secured a place in Davis Cup Finals group stage after Cameron Norrie’s straight-sets singles win over Nicolas Mejia gave the visitors an unassailable 3-1 lead over Columbia.

After scoring the first point with a win against Nicolas Barrientos on Friday, Norrie earned his team a decisive third point with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Mejia on Day 2 of the tie, on Saturday.

In Saturday’s opening match in Cota, the doubles duo of Daniel Evans and Neal Skupski g ave Great Britain a 2-1 lead with a 6-4, 6-4 result against Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah. “Feelings are one of immense pride for what the boys have done, and the

support team. Every-one’s committed a lot of time to this, but hats off to the players,” British captain Leon Smith was quoted by ATP Tour website. “They came down to Colombia, most straight from Melbourne, came earlier than we’d ever normally do for Davis Cup, which is a big commitment from them. But we did that to prepare best for what happened these past two days and it’s definitely paid off.”

On day-1 of the tie, Colombia’s Mejia earned his first Top 100 win with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 result against Daniel Evans. Then, Norrie levelled the tie at 1-1 by beating Nicolas Barrientos 6-2, 7-5, according to Davis cup website.

With victory in the tie, Britain booked its place as one of 16 teams in the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals, to be played in September after the US Open.

Other teams already confirmed for the group stage include 2022 champions Canada, 2022 finalists Australia, wild cards Spain and Italy, and qualifiers France, the United States, Switzerland, Serbia and Sweden.

Ashu

Cameron Norrie

Conor McGregor

Bengaluru FC players celebrate after their side goal.

Calicut Heroes captain Jerome Vinith serves. (PVL)