18 Jan 2023

8 tribal hohos resolve to form common apex body

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 17 (NPN):

The consultative meeting of the eight apex tribal hohos of Nagaland-- Angami Public Organization, Ao Senden, Chakhesang People’s Organization, Lotha Hoho, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sumi Hoho and Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organization, on Tuesday resolved to form a common apex body for Nagas of Nagaland at the earliest.

This was among the four-point resolution adopted at the consultative meeting of the eight tribal hohos held at APO conference hall Kohima. The resolution was jointly signed by sessional chairman Vezuhu Keyho (Chakhesang Public Organisation president) and sessional secretary Dr Vihuto Assumi (Sumi Hoho general secretary).

The house also demanded that all Naga Political Groups (NPGs), both overground and underground, “come together” for an amicable political solution at the earliest.

It also noted that any organization claiming to represent and stand for the interest of the Nagas, should be routed and mandated through the tribal apex bod-

Gov extends Kuhlang Nyi festival greetings

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN): Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi extended Kuhlangnyi greetings to the Tikhir community and the people of Nagaland. Mukhi said Kuhlang-Nyi is a festival of men folks celebrated in the third week of January every year and also a festival of warriors, where men folks determine themselves to be brave and courageous.

“Taking oath that, they cannot be defeated at times of wars and attacks from the enemies. Men folks gather at the morung encouraging each other to be brave and to get prepared to face the war with courage. They also celebrate their victory over the enemies,” Mukhi said and noted that today, it is being observed as a festival preparing themselves to face the year-long challenges.

ies. The hohos also appealed to all Churches in Nagaland and beyond to hold prayer on January 22 (Sunday) for the unification and solution of the protracted Naga political issue.

Talking to Nagaland Post after the meeting, sessional secretary of the consultative meeting, Dr. Vihuto Asumi said that the hohos, knowing very well the Government of India will not give two separate solutions to the Nagas, urged the negotiating groups to come out with a common charter of demand. Dr. Asumi lamented that the Centre was well aware that the Nagas society was fragmented, which was why inking of the final solution has been delayed. It was for this reason, the hohos resolved to demand to all Naga political groups, both overground and underground, to unite for an amicable solution at the earliest.

Taking note of the chorus of demands for early solution by various sections of the society, Dr. Asumi said the tribal hohos will also mount pressure on the Centre and the negotiating groups to settle the Naga political issue at the earliest.

He said that despite submission of numerous representations and appeals

made by different organizations to the negotiating groups, solution remained elusive, which was why Nagas have expressed their displeasure to the negotiating parties and the Centre.

As the Working Committee of the NNPGs had already placed the their “Status Paper” in the public domain, Dr Asumi said the tribal hoho leaders stressed on the need for the NSCN (I-M) to also bring out its competencies to the public domain.

He said the members present at the meeting urged upon the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India to be transparent and let the Nagas know what has been discussed. He said Nagas should not be kept in the dark on the negotiations that have been going on for the last 26 years, stating that “Every section of the Naga people was losing hope”.

Sessional chairman Vezuhu Keyho told this correspondent that the eight apex tribal hohos, after a threadbare discussion, decided to form a common apex body at the earliest and finalize the nomenclature.

He said the house decided to invite the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) and proposed to reorganize NTC.

Govt endorses vax aftereffects, rebuts RTI reply

MUMBAI, JAN 17 (IANS): The Centre on Tuesday re-affirmed the after-effects of different Covid-19 vaccines, but refuted a report based on RTI plea pertaining to the potential ramifications of these jabs as “ill-informed” and providing “erroneous” information.

The report, carried by IANS on Monday, referred to the RTI reply sent to Pune businessman Prafful Sarda from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

An official statement on Tuesday said: “As is the case with all other vaccines, those who get vaccinated with different Covid-19 vaccines may experience mild symptoms like injection site tenderness, pain, headache, fatigue, myalgia, malaise, pyrexia, chills, arthralgia etc.

Correspondent

Polls constitutional obligation: Rio NPF ready for solution but also prepared for polls: Azo

KOHIMA, JAN 17 (NPN): With pressure mounting from various organizations to defer the State Assembly elections under the slogan “Solution not Election”, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Tuesday said that the state government cannot allow a constitutional crisis to take place as conducting elections was a constitutional obligation.

“We cannot allow any constitutional crisis and create a law-and-order problem. Right thinking persons should pursue the issue by the rules,” Rio said while responding to a query on the civil societies demand for solution and not election.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme at Meriema, Rio acknowledged that everybody wanted solution. However, it will depend on the negotiating parties and

not the general public, the chief minister said.

Rio maintained that the public could only put pressure for an early solution to the Naga issue. Rio said: “The 60 legislators who are acting as facilitators are putting pressure too and are reasoning with everybody. But the outcome will depend on the negotiating parties.”

ENPO issue: On state government’s appeal to Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation to reconsider its decision, Rio was hopeful for a positive outcome of the negotiations taking

place between ENP and Home ministry (MHA) constituted committee.

“Discussion is going on and it’s positive so far. Any outcome should be positive,” Rio said.

NDPP-BJP seat sharing: To a query regarding finalization of the seat sharing between NDPP and BJP, Rio said BJP was a high command party and whatever decision the BJP would make in Delhi would be upto them, besides that there was nothing more.

Rio also informed that he would be leaving for Delhi soon to discuss on the issue.

As reported, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had recently said that there were some issues to be cleared with regard to the NDPP-BJP seat sharing agreement, but stated that it would be finalised by BJP central leadership in Delhi by January 19.

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN): NPF Legislature Party leader, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu categorically stated that election or no election, the first priority of NPF was for Naga solution over which the party continues to stand firm.

NPF press Bureau that Azo made the remark while addressing the Phek Area Sports Association 33rd meet, as special guest.

NPF press bureau said Azo reaffirmed that NPF party was ready to make way for any new dispensation if required.

Azo also pointed out that had the Central government been sincere enough in bringing about a logical conclusion to the Naga issue before announcement of election, the NPF party including the Nagas would have been happy.

He said if election was declared in contrary to the wishes of the Nagas for fi-

NTC, NGBF appeal Khango and Isak to reconcile

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) and Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) have fervently appealed to the two splinter groups of NSCN/GPRN (K)-one headed by ‘lt. gen.’ Khango Konyak and the other led by Isak Sumi, to reconcile and unite urgently.

In a joint statement, NTC and NGBF reminded the two groups that Nagas were currently passing through the most crucial period, with fate of the Naga political solution which remains elusive despite the negotiations having attained its 26th year.

While every sensible and right thinking Naga was serious about the outcome of the

concluded negotiations, they said the recent dissention within the NSCN/GPRN (K) group was indeed shocking.

With NSCN/GPRN (K) being a part of the WC/NNPGs, NTC and NGBF questioned as to “what audacity it has to wrangle over any issue which is considered to be more important than the Naga political negotiation and its end result.”

They said any committed cadre of any group or any individual considering himself to be a patriot, was not expected to stoop low to indulge in mindless gimmicks by wasting valuable time at the cost of the Naga interest. “If any Naga Nationalist places oneself above the common cause one has to know that

he is misplaced in his position,” the two organizations stated.

They said that it was unbecoming on the part of the group in particular, to dent the spirit of the negotiators in particular and of the Nagas in general “as if such internal bickering can fetch greater dividend to the Nagas.”

The two organizations reminded every cadre of the group to give importance to the common cause of the Nagas than giving due importance to its own. They also reminded the group “not to ever undermine the efforts made by the Nagas as a whole to attain the expected peace in our land, and the group in question must not become the obstacle to the process of peace.”

RBPRU accuses NFR of attempt to grab land

DIMAPUR, JAN 17

(NPN): R eacting to the eviction notice(s) issued by Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) eviction notice, published in a section of the local media, another union titled as ‘ Railway Bazaar Permanent Residential Union (RBPRU)’ Tuesday stated that the residents were neither “unauthorized occupants” nor “encroachers” besides also denying that their buildings and houses were “unauthorized structures”.

In a statement, RBPRU chairman Heikedaung Zeliang and GB Nading Zeliang reiterated that the residents have been

in continuous possession and occupation of their respective land on the basis of Pattas issued by the district authorities. Further, RNPRU maintained that the lands were not under railway reserved land and therefore, accused NFR “trying to encroach” upon their legally owned land.

RBPRU claimed that in particular, the Railway Bazaar colony was “technically verified” by the LRSO, Dimapur in 1997 and was confirmed that the land did not fall under railway reserved land. The Union termed the so-called NFR show cause notice under form “A” or the subsequent

order under form “B” were not personally delivered or served them at any point of time, but came to learn about the same in the newspaper reports and the notice pasted in and around Dimapur railway station area.

RBPRU also hurled allegations that all the lands, legally owned by NFR in Dimapur, were either used by NFR themselves or rented out to individuals, societies, institutions etc. on lease.

RBPRU suggested that if NFR intended to develop Dimapur station as a “world class” station with double tracks from Lumding to Furkating, it

should first develop the same by utilizing their own land, including those which were on lease. Further, the union said that if NFR still required more land, including RBPRU land, they could do so by lawfully acquiring the same as per the relevant provisions of law, but not otherwise.

RBPRU also cautioned that if NFR initiates any action against them in pursuance of the order under form “B”, the union would be compelled to approach the competent court of law in order to protect their rights at any point of time without further information.

NDPP, NSF welcome NSCN (I-M), WC joint declaration

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in separate statements, welcomed the January 14, 2023 joint declaration of the NSCN (I-M) and the Working Committee of the NNPGs for their “unconditional commitment” to collaborate on the basis of their respective agreements (Framework Agreement and Agreed Position) towards “ the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.”

NDPP: NDPP through its media and communication committee said

that the joint declaration titled “Nagas are moving ahead”, signed by NSCN (I-M) chairman Q. Tuccu and WC/NNPGs convenor N. Kitovi Zhimomi was a welcome development that would strengthen unity and understanding within the Naga family.

The party said the declaration was a significant step in response to the desire of the Naga people for oneness and genuine peace. Further NDPP also said it appreciated the wisdom, understanding and contributions of the leaders of all parties involved in making the joint statement a reality.

NDPP also lauded the

“noble services rendered by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR)” towards the collective quest for lasting peace and progress.

While urging all sections to continue to uphold the negotiating parties in prayers, NDPP also reiterated its solidarity to the peace process so that a final solution to the vexed Naga political imbroglio was achieved at the earliest.

NSF: Naga Students’ Federation president Kegwayhun Tep and general secretary Siipuni Ng Philo acknowledged that the joint declaration was a continuation of the September 14 ‘September Joint Accor -

dant’, has paved the way for the formation of ‘Council of Naga Relationships and cooperation’ led by NNPGs convenor and NSCN (I-M) chairman, “to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights”.

NSF described the development as a booster for the Naga public to shed their differences and “ceaselessly work towards ensuring that lasting peace was brought about in our Naga homeland, through the healing of our spirits.”

NSF however, expressed dismay at the “continued delay tactics” ad -

opted by the Government of India in the negotiation process to hammer out the differences with Naga negotiators pertaining to the “key core issues of the Naga National Flag and Constitution.”

NSF also reiterated its earlier stand that it would never accept a “forced solution” and that the impending negotiated solution should ensure that the dignity and rights of every single Naga soul was respected and upheld.

NSF therefore, demanded that the Centre exhibit utmost sincerity and commitment in the negotiation

nal solution, NPF was well prepared as it was besotted by many aspiring candidates to contest the 2023 election.

He said “God has blessed the party so much that many intending candidates including young dynamic leaders, intellectuals, women leaders and well placed senior leaders were seeking party tickets.”. However, Azo said the party was hesitant to issue tickets due to expectation of solution before polls.

He however said NPF was ready to fight the battle and claimed Nagas will stand with the NPF.

Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim to host B20 Programmes

ing

Mizoram,

It was announced on Tuesday during a pre cursor meeting organised in New Delhi as a prelude to B20 programmes to be held in the North East Region of India by CII in partnership with G20 Secretariat and North East State Governments. The Business 20 (B20) is a group that represents the private sector within the Group of 20 (G20) Forum. The B20 was established to provide a platform for the business community to engage with the G20 and to offer recommendations on policies that can support global economic growth and development.

B20 Programme will showcase the potential that the North East region offers for investment for global and local investors and highlight Opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in Industry sectors where North East States have core strength.

The B20 programme scheduled from February 17-19, 2023 in Imphal would focus on ICT, Medical Tourism, Healthcare & Handlooms. B20 programme scheduled from 1-3 March in Aizawl would focus on Urban planning, Infrastructure & Skill Development. From March 16-19, 2023 Gangtok would host a B20 programme focussing on Tourism, Hospitality, Pharmaceutical and Organic Farming and on April 4-6 B20 programme would be organised in Kohima focussing Agriculture and Food Processing.

In addition to the Business 20 meetings, each state would organize, an excursion to tourist sights, cultural program and Gala Dinner for participants to acquaint with the North Eastern states.

Nadda to continue as BJP chief till June 2024

National Executive meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed to extend the presidential term of Nadda till June 2024, which was approved.

Informing

the

Citing BJP’s victory in elections and organisational expansion under the leadership of JP Nadda, Shah said that BJP is the biggest democratic party. He further said that due to the pandemic, the membership drive could not be held, and nor could the organisational elections, and due to this, it was decided to extend Nadda’s tenure.

‘Democracies under threat’: Swiss prez

Djokovic, Murray win as weather plays havoc at Aus Open

NEW DELHI, JAN 17

(IANS): BJP President J.P. Nadda’s tenure, set to end this month, had been extended till June 2024 in view of the upcoming Assembly elections this year and Lok Sabha elections next year.

about

decision taken in the BJP

DIMAPUR/NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (AGENCIES/NPN): To explore partnerships among business communities from G20 member countries towards developing a common agenda for the development of critical sectors of the economy as a growth driver, CII is organis-

B20 Programmes in Manipur,

Nagaland and Sikkim in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs and North Eastern State Governments.

Leaders of the eight tribal hohos during the consultative meeting on Tuesday. (NP)

J.P. Nadda

Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu (File)

Neiphiu Rio (File)

STATE 2 NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023

CM inaugurates farmers market

from being wasted while also regularizing local produces in order to enhance the economy.

He encouraged the citizens to take up farming activities for self-sustenance and also to help contribute in the economy.

Neiphiu Rio with his colleagues and village leaders at the inaugural programme. (NP)

lessen the traffic issues.

benefit.

Apart from being an ideal complex for the farmers, Rio was hopeful that the market would also be able to draw out people into the outskirts of the town thereby easing traffic.

In his address, Rio said the market was a hugely felt need for farmers especially the womenfolk who face tremendous hardships everyday selling their produces at different locations in the State capital.

Terming farmers as his “most beloved” section of the population, Rio expressed happiness that the complex would be utilised by them and to their

He observed that one of the main reasons behind terrible traffic in the city was because the general population was hugely concentrated only in the centre of the city causing congestion.

He suggested that all the colonies in Kohima should come up with their own market places so that people would avoid having to travel to the market on a regular basis and in turn

He strongly discouraged the practice of street vending on footpaths since food produces need to be kept clean.

Similar farmers market were constructed in the four directions of the district as pilot project and the other districts would also follow suit, he said.

While highlighting the need to promote and encourage local organic produces, CM hoped that such markets would prevent the inflow of fertilized food produces from flooding local markets.

He pointed out on the need to build cold storages to preserve local produces

While congratulating the various departments involved in the project including, Rural Development, Social Welfare and Youth Resources & Sports for the successful completion of the project, Rio also thanked other stakeholders including Chükehie Society and Meriema village.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, director, Rural Development (RD), Azenuo Pienyü said the market was a hope and vision of the department to help farmers sell produces to meet the demand of organic vegetables and fruits.

Sharing the greetings, building construction incharge, Vibeilietuo Kets informed that the market was a dream project of the CM. He said the land was alloted to RD department by department of Social Welfare afterwhich the works began under the supervision of Chükehie Society.

ADC Tsg constitutes medical board

Walford area gets new council hall

Kets informed that the total cost of the project cost around Rs 4 Cr includes the extensive retaining wall constructed around the perimeter of the building to prevent landslips.

The building measures 170X63 ft and Kets informed that after electrification and department of Industries and Commerce would be installing Food processing machines to help prevent losses to the farmers.

Secretary, RD, Neposo Theluo, said that the new farmers market is one of the biggest farmers markets in the state and has the potential to become a place for rural market research with its ideal location.

He also cautioned those incharge of the market to prevent non-local vendors at the market as it would lead to closure of the market if such a situation takes place.

The inaugural was chaired by joint director, K Neibou Sekhose.

Dedicatory prayer was offered by Meriema Baptist Church, pastor, Rev Keduolhoulie Shüya, while vote of thanks was proposed by BDO, Chiephobozou, Seyiekhrielie Rio.

H. Tovihoto Ayemi with leaders and elders of Walford Area colony.

DIMAPUR: Advisor of Power department, H. Tovihoto Ayemi on Monday inaugurated the office building of Walford Area Council in Dimapur.

Walford Area consisted of five different Naga colonies inhabited by different Naga tribes and nonNaga communities.

On the occasion, Tovihoto lauded the leaders and public of the five colonies

for having one common council and said that such unity and understanding among the residents was an exemplary and prerequisite for the betterment of the society.

The advisor also lauded the effort of the people of Walford area and with their support and cooperation the building could be completed in time.

He said Naga society

comprise of many tribes and communities but have lived together since time immemorial and as vibrant society and therefore urged the people to continue with the same trend.

He also stressed on the need to strengthen the women and youth organizations by giving them more opportunities to discharge their due share of responsibility for the welfare of the society.

NASU urges govt schools to comply with RTE Act

DIMAPUR: Niuland Area Students’ Union (NASU) has appealed to all government educational institutions/schools (GMS and GPS) under Niuland Area to “refrain from levying any kind of illegal fees” from the students and to strictly comply with the Right To Education Act, 2009.

In a statement, NASU further appealed to the educational institutions, outside the purview of RTE Act 2009 (HSLC, HSSLC), not to charge beyond the fees structure as prescribed by the Department

of School Education notice dated January 10, 2023.

The union warned of strict action against any educational institution failing to comply with the RTE Act and notification issued by the competent authority.

Meanwhile, NASU on circumstantial compulsion, if any monetary transaction from the students has to be made then it should be accompanied with proper receipt memo duly authorised and signed by the competent authority.

Nagaland celebrates National Startup Day

AR with the seized items and arrested persons.

DIMAPUR: A joint operation team of Assam Rifles Mokokchung battalion and Nagaland Police seized a huge consignment of contraband items and foreignorigin cigarettes estimated to be worth Rs 2.69 crore from Mokokchung Town on January 15. In this connection, two persons transporting the contraband items have been arrested.

A press release from Assam Rifles stated that the operation was carried out based on prior inputs about the movement of traffickers in possession of contraband items from Kohima to Jorhat via Mokokchung

The troops set up a Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Dailong Ward astride

Mokokchung-Tuli Road and intercepted the suspected truck which was taken to Police Station for checking and investigation. During the checking the team recovered 130 bags of Poppy seeds and 50 cartoons of foreign cigrattes of Indonesian & Burmese origin alongwith two persons. The entire consignment was seized and the individuals were handed over to police for further investigation.

DIMAPUR: In view of the conduct of the upcoming assembly election, ADC Tuensang, Thungchanbemo Tungoe has constituted a medical board in respect of Tuensang district with the following officers to examine and issue medical certificates to the government servants who may apply for exemption from election duty on the medical ground.

DIMAPUR: Startup Nagaland, Department of Industries and Commerce celebrated the National Startup Day Celebration 2023 by organising a session and product exhibition for startups and entrepreneurs from Nagaland at YouthNet Incubation Centre in Dimapur on January 16.

Department of Industries & Commerce Assistant Director (Tech) & Team Leader, Keneirienuo K Theunuo, in her welcome address stated that the Startup Nagaland aim to promote and encourage the startup culture in the state.

She highlighted on the Startup India initiative announced by Prime Minister

of India in 2016 which aims to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country.

Department of Industries & Commerce, joint director, Er. Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, in his keynote address suggested building a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation in the state that can scale to large

degree. The journey as an incubator was shared by the five incubators in the state namely- YouthNet Incubation Centre, EduCentre School of Business, Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre, National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, NAGABOTS.

DIMAPUR: Khiamniungan Union Dimapur (KUD) will be organizing tribal Khaozaosie Hok-ah Festival on January 19 -20 at Diphupar ‘B’ village local ground. Western Sumi Hoho, president Shikaho Zhimomi has consented to grace the occasion as the special guest. KUD has invited all the Khiamniungans to be a part of the festival with traditional attire.

Coordination meeting at Zbto

DIMAPUR: In view of the state assembly election 2023, DC and District Election Officer Zunheboto has convened a coordination meeting on January 19 at 12 noon at the Town Hall Zunheboto.

In this regard, the under mentioned officials have been requested to attend the said meeting positively without fail: Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto; Assistant Election Officer, Zunheboto; president, Sumi Hoho; president, Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH); president, Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH); president, STL; president, SKK; president, ZAPO; president, ZRSU; president Zunheboto Mothers Association; all pastors in Zunheboto district; president VDB Association and all town colony GBs/chairmen.

25th

Death anniversary of our Beloved Father

Late Dr. t. senlem ao Died - 18-01-1998

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain to walk and guide us through our lives.

Until we meet again.

Forever Loved

borN : 18.12.1940 – DieD : 13.01.2023

We the family members of Lt. c hubanukshi a ier Mopungchuket express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us and supported us physically, financially and morally during his brief illness and demise.

We regret our inability to acknowledge each and every individual personally, however we pray that the Almighty God bless all of you abundantly.

DP-248/23

Loving Wife, Children and Relatives

ack N o WL e D geme N t

Bühü Laivangh Hoichem, Dimapur

Contraband items worth Rs. 2 cr seized

KUD to hold Khaozaosie Hok-ah Festival

Correspondent KOHIMA, JAN 17 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated a newly constructed Farmers’ Market at Meriema close to IG Stadium, here on Tuesday.

SVUKT organised social work at Kiphire

Correspondent

KIPHIRE, JAN 17 (NPN):

Seyochung Village Union Kiphire Town (SVUKT) organised social work at Kiphire Town Public Ground on January 16.

Hundreds of Seyochung citizens both men and women folks residing at Kiphire town participated in the social work led by Daniel Sechopi Sangtam, president, SVUKT.

The members voluntarily cleaned the entire ground nook and corner which was filled with empty water bottles, tobacco covers, wrappers of plastic items and papers.

The union has urged the responsible authorities to set up few plastic banks in and around the public ground for recycling the plastic items. It also encouraged the general public to made it the habits of picking up and practice proper disposal of waste items inorder to make the environment clean.

Mimkut mini hornbill underway at Molvom

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN):

The three-day 9th State level Mimkut Mini Hornbill Festival held under the theme “Unity Through Culture” began on January 16 at GMS ground Molvom Village under Medziphema Sub Division, Chumukedima.

The festival was organized by Kuki Inpi Nagaland and sponsored by Tourism department. On the second day on Tuesday, chief secretary, J Alam, who graced the celebration as special guest recalled the contribution made by Kuki community in development activities such as farming, government, or any other sectors in the state.

He lauded them for their

hard work in contributing to the development and encouraged them to continue to work hard with dedication which will not only develop the community but also help in developing Nagaland.

He thanked the Kuki community and the organizers as festivals like Mimkut Mini Hornbill were important for preserving and promoting Naga cultures. Special invitee, ADC Medziphema Imsongmeren urged the Kuki Community to carry on their good approach towards unity and progress for a better future.

The second day of the featured different activities like traditional dances from different cultural troupes from Athibung, Inbung, Molvom, songs from different bands-

The Black Cheque RFG, and artists -Maxxy Minthang, Helamboi Baite. The three-day long Mimkut Mini Hornbill festival will culminate on January 18, with a night carnival, extravaganzas Miss Mimkut 2023, and a symposium on Kuki Custom and Culture with Keduosieu Metha, director Tourism as special guest.

Earlier, on the first day, special guest, Alun Hansing retd. Commissioner and Secretary, emphasized on the importance of celebrating the Mimkut festival as it exhibit the ethnic culture of tyhe community.

He also conveyed to the Kuki community to carry forward peace and prosperity through this festival.

DLMTs training underway in Kohima

DIMAPUR: In view of the upcoming State Assembly Election, Chief Electoral Officer’s office, Nagaland conducted a two-day training programme for District Level Master Trainers (DLMTs) from January 17 -18 at DC’s Conference Hall Kohima.

A DIPR report stated that, CEO Nagaland, V. Shashank Shekhar in his address, informed the Master Trainers that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has visited the State for the upcoming Assembly Election and had categorically instructed the scrutiny of the election process and to endeavor for a free and fair poll with zero violence.

He, therefore, urged the Master Trainers to ensure that thorough instructions and training were given to all the polling officials.

The CEO also remarked that one small mistake can affect the entire

election process and asked the officials to be alert and careful and to minutely sensitize polling personnel in their respective districts and encouraged them to co-operate fully with the district administration, police, sector officers, etc. for smooth flow of the election process.

The CEO also requested the officials from newly created districts to bring up any required support to the CEO’s office.

DLMTs were divided into two batches, where the first batch comprising Pugho-

boto, Peren, Longleng, Kiphire, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Wokha, Phek, and Mokokchung were placed at DC’s Conference Hall for the training, while Tseminyu, Noklak, Shamator, Chumukedima, Tuengsang, Kohima and Mon were placed at DPDB Hall, (District Planning Machinery) for the two-day training.

The short programme was chaired by Assistant Election Officer Kohima, R. Toshimeren Aier. Joint CEO Sharon Longchari and SLMTs (State Level Master Trainers) also attended the programme.

DIMAPUR: Lürhü Krotho in association with Western Chakhesang Hoho celebrated Siikriinye festival 2023 through music and fashion show on January 14 at Naga United Village, Chümoukedima.

Hekani Jakhalu, founder Youthnet graced the event as special guest. Speaking on the occasion, Jakhalu stressed on the need to celebrate, promote and “revive our identity, our rich culture, our tradi-

tion and customs practiced by our forefathers.”

She shared her experience of YouthNet, working with young people for the past 17 years, where only hard-working people have become successful.

She encouraged the youth to focus on excelling in whatever area they choose to follow and keep upgrading their skills.

Jakhalu also committed to work with Western Chakhesang Hoho on vari-

ous areas of youth development.

Pusazo Luruo, advisor Western Chakhesang Hoho spoke on the significance of Sükrünye festival.

The objective of the

event was to promote tradition and culture through fashion and music.

Various artists and fashion designers joined the celebration while Chakhesang Women Welfare Society displayed the original traditional attire of the Chakhesang community.

Various renowned artists including Kekhrie Ringa, Jano Nyekha, Colored Keys and others performed at the event.

(Inset) Chief Secretary J. Alam. A cultural presentation by Kuki community.

CEO Nagaland, V. Shashank Shekhar speaking at the DLMTs training in Kohima. (DIPR)

Hekani Jakhalu

Manipur CM reiterates zero tolerance to drug menace

IMPHAL, JAN 17:

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh reiterated his government’s zero tolerance against drug menace even as opposition Congress questioned who will bear moral responsibility for the involvement of police personnel in the smuggling of illegal drugs.

“There will be zero tolerance for anyone involved with illegal drugs, no matter who,” the chief minister who is camping in New Delhi wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

He added, “Investigation about this case is currently underway. Rest assured, all those who are found guilty will face the wrath of law.”

The chief minister congratulated the SP of Kakching district police and team on successfully intercepting the suspected heroin and WY tablets from a police commando team.

On Monday, a team of Kakching police seized a huge quantity of narcotic drugs worth crores of rupees and arrested five of

its personnel carrying the consignment.

A total of 1.336 kg of suspected heroin (No. 4) powder and 9.151 kg of suspected WY tablets were detected from the vehicle the police commandos were travelling from Moreh to Imphal along NH-102.

While strongly reacting to the incident, the opposition Congress questioned the moral responsibility to be taken for the involvement of police personnel in the transportation of drugs.

“Whether the state home minister or the DGP would bear the moral responsibility? Would any one of them dare to tender resignation on moral

ground,” MPCC president K Meghachandra asked.

Talking to reporters after meeting with the SP Kakching late on Monday after the incident, the MPCC president said that the opposition supported the government’s war on drugs.

However, the arrest of police personnel, that too in full uniform and government vehicle, amid the intensified war on drugs campaign was a great concern to the people.

People have cast doubt over the campaign (War of drugs) as it was not the first time in which police personnel were caught with the contraband drugs in the state, he observed.

Drugs worth Rs 41.31

cr seized

ASSAM/AIZWAL, JAN 17 (AGENCIES):

Contraband Yaba tablets worth about Rs 40 crore has been seized from a car from Assam’s Karimganj district and one person was arrested, a police official said on Tuesday.

Additional superintendent of police Partha Pratim Das said seven lakh Yaba tablets weighing around 88 kg was seized from the car at Bagarul area, about 22 kms from Karimganj town, late on Monday night.

On the other hand, personnel of Assam Rifles and Mizoram’s excise and narcotics department recovered 263.4 grams of heroin worth Rs. 1.31 crore in Champhai district near the Myanmar border on Monday, Assam Rifles said in a statement, reports Eastmojo. Two persons were apprehended for possessing the contraband during the joint operation in the Mualkawi area on Champhai-Zokhawthar road, the statement said.

The two accused and the seized consignment were handed over to the excise and narcotics department for further legal proceedings on the same day, it added.

An official of the Assam Rifles also said that the seized heroin was believed to be smuggled from Myanmar.

State health officials apprised on ECHO’s vision STATE

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 17 (NPN): A two-day training workshop on ‘Nagaland Immersion’ for senior health officials of the state focused on health system strengthening through capacity building conducted by Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) India and National Health Mission (NHM) Nagaland at de Oriental Grand Kohima commenced on January 17.

The training aimed to apprise the state’s health officials about effective implementation of ECHO’s “All Teach All Learn” model of capacity building to further strengthen the state’s health system.

At the inaugural session of the workshop, Mission Director, NHM Nagaland, Dr. Ritu Thurr said that with the signing of MoU between ECHO and NHM Nagaland, the TB Programme, Immunization and the Nursing Councils of Nagaland were successfully initiated and also through the ECHO platforms, virtual training during

Covid 19 pandemic were successfully conducted, where more than 300 frontline workers across the state were trained.

He said the support and contribution rendered by ECHO to the state during the Covid -19 pandemic, initiation of various immunization with different models, and medical education were also successful.

Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Kikheto Sema said though Nagaland has a small population but when it comes to health sector a lot needed to be done due to the geographical and topographical conditions.

He said visualizing this importance in 2001, the government started a

(NP)

communalization to create awareness amongst the minds of the people in the health and education sector but the state was not in a position to implement it.

However, he expressed the hope that the intervention by ECHO would create awareness in the minds of the people.

Kikheto said that the Covid -19 pandemic has opened the need to provide better health care to the people.

He highlighted state government’s vision to provide equitable, affordable, and speedy health care to all the people with the involvement of the communities and rightminded organizations.

Associate Vice President, ECHO India,

Dr. Sandeep Bhalia also presented a PowerPoint overview of ECHO India’s Key Highlights.

The resource persons for the two-day training were Manager Training Team, Palash Tiwari, Sr. Executive Training Team, Ismail Ahmed, and Associate Manager Training Team, Sonam Parnami.

The ECHO India established in 2008, is a non-profit trust focused on bringing equity primarily in the fields of healthcare and education through capacity building of healthcare practitioners and educators.

In Nagaland, ECHO India has established two telementoring hubs and has partnered with the state’s National Health Mission (NHM), State Tuberculosis Cell (STC) Kohima, and the Nagaland Nursing Council, with an aim to build the capacities of healthcare workers in primary and tertiary care centres.

9 arrested in Manipur for poppy cultivation

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JAN 17: In a m ajor breakthrough, police arrested alleged nine poppy cultivators including chairman of a village authority in a night raid at poppy fields in Manipur’s Senapati district.

Manipur police along with other pertinent government agencies have been conducting a special drive against illicit poppy cultivation in hill districts of the state.

As many as six chiefs of villages were arrested on the charge of poppy cultivation in their respective village jurisdiction.

Taking a step forward, a team of police in Senapati district conducted late night raids at the poppy fields and arrested eight poppy cultivators. They also arrested the chairman of the village authority within the jurisdiction of Khabung village, where the poppy fields were discovered in the hill ranges said additional SP ML Kaisungbou of Senapati district police on Tuesday.

The arrested persons were identified as Milan Gole Tameng (29), Dasing Tamang (38), Manbahadur Tameng (52), Kumar (29), Krishna Kumar (33), Pashang Tameng (50), AjitGole (29) and

China’s dam near Arunachal alarms India

GUWAHATI, JAN 17 (AGENCIES): China is building a 60,000-megawatt dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, according to sources from the Ministry of Power. The under-construction dam is on the Medog border which is in close proximity to Arunachal Pradesh, reports Eastmojo.

According to sources, China can divert the water of the Brahmaputra River after the construction of the dam.

By stopping the water from China’s dam, it may cause water shortage or a flood-like situation in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam

Adding to this, the source from the Ministry of Power said that not just India, but the construction of the dam might also affect Bangladesh.

India is well prepared for any situation, the source further said.

“India is also preparing many dams in Arunachal Pradesh,” it added.

Sombahadur (22).

He said that a team of district police raided the huts at the poppy fields in the early hours of Tuesday, around 1.30 am after information collected from various sources confirmed the presence of the poppy cultivators.

Poppy plants were found cultivated on over 60 acres of field in the hill range on the eastern side of the village, the additional SP said.

Earlier on December 23, the district police along with other government agencies had destroyed poppy plants on over 20 acres of fields.

No poppy cultivator could be arrested in the drive as they had already left the fields on seeing the

police approaching. Since then, the police have been keeping a close watch on the movement of the poppy cultivators, he said.

Towards this end, the district police under the supervision of SP Karthik Malladi with close coordination with district administration and forest department had even conducted an advance field survey three times across the district.

When they came across fields being prepared for growing poppy, the police had given strong warning to authorities of 19 villages not to carry out the illegal practice, he said.

In the ongoing intensified drive against poppy cultivation, the state police had arrested

as many as six village chiefs in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel districts.

On the other hand, a combined team of police, forest staff on Tuesday destroyed illegally cultivated poppy on around 20.5 hectares of fields in the hill ranges of T Khullen and Lhangsom villages under Saikul sub-division of Kangpokpi district, an official source said. The combined team destroyed poppy plants on over 3.5 hectares in T Khullen and over 17 hectares at Lhangsom hill ranges. Along with poppy plants, illegally erected huts and items found in the huts used in poppy cultivation were also destroyed, the source added.

Row sparked by Tripura Minister’s ‘rinse mouth with cow urine’ remark

AGARTALA, JAN 17 (AGENCIES): The Opposition is in uproar after a Tripura minister said, “Rinse mouths with cow urine before talking about democracy.” Ratan Lal Nath, the state’s minister of law, made the offensive comments on Sunday when criticising the CPI(M) and Congress for their suggested seat adjustments for the 2018 state elections, reports the Sentinel.

“Before discussing democracy, the opposing parties ought to urinate on

a cow. Aside from causing violence and turmoil during their previous tenure in Tripura,” BJP Minister informed journalists.

The Minister was making reference to Dr. Ajay Kumar, general secretary of the Congress, who recently said that all anti-BJP parties needed to unite behind one platform to “revive democracy and the Constitution.” Prior to the BJP-led administration taking office in Tripura, Left and Congress leaders had claimed that “democracy

was under threat.” Jitendra Chaudhary, the general secretary of the CPM, harshly criticized Nath’s joke about drinking cow urine, saying that it was only natural for individuals who frequently “drink gaumutra (cow pee) to be annoyed by the mention of gantantra (democracy)”. Nath cited names of claimed victims who were assassinated by CPM-backed thugs while the Left Front was in power. Prior to joining the BJP in 2017, Nath served as a Congress leader for 34 years.

In addition to the

specified in

p&AR OM No.AR-15/1/85(pt) dated 25-02-2021, the Multi Tasking Staffs shall also assist in: • Day to day affairs of the Hostel • Mid-day Meal and Hostel Kitchens • Science and Mathematics laboratories • Vocational, Life Skills and Multi Skills Foundation Course classes

• All other duties appropriated by the Controlling Officers

On the basis of requirement, to ensure optimal utilisation of their services, these category of MTS shall be posted to any of the schools/districts/subdivisional offices under the establishment of directorate of School Education.

This is issued with the clearance of p&AR department vide U.O. No 1143 dated 16-01-2023.

Sd/- KEVILENO ANGAMI commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland

Correspondent

Poppy field being destroyed in Manipur’s hill districts.

OppositionCongressaskswhowillstepdownonmoralground

Eight poppy cultivators arrested by police in Senapati district of Manipur being paraded before the media on Tuesday. (NP)

Kikheto Sema and officials of ECHO India and others.

SNIPPETS

Rain, hailstorm to lash Delhi next week

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): Light to moderate rain and a hailstorm with winds gusting up to 50 kilometers per hour is predicted to lash northwest India, including Delhi, next week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.

The IMD said an active Western Disturbance is very likely to affect northwest India from January 21 to January 25. “Under its influence, rainfall/snowfall is likely to commence over the western Himalayan region in the early hours of January 21 and continue till January 25 with peak activity on January 23-24,” it said in a statement.

Foetus found in Noida drain

NOIDA, JAN 17 (PTI): A foetus was found abandoned in a drain in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida on Tuesday, prompting the local police to lodge an FIR and launch an investigation into the matter, officials said. The foetus, believed to be around five to six months old, was spotted by sanitation workers at Harola village under Phase 1 police station limits, a senior officer said. “The supervisor of the sanitation workers informed the local police station after which the foetus was taken into custody and sent for post mortem,” ADCP (Noida) Ashutosh Dwivedi said.

The additional DCP said an FIR has been lodged under the Indian Penal Code section 315 (Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth) against unidentified accused. Further investigation and legal proceedings in the case are underway, the police added.

Don’t believe in unnecessarily keeping people behind bars: SC

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): “We don’t believe in unnecessarily keeping people behind the bars,” the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday while hearing the pleas filed by the Delhi Police against the bail granted to three student activists in a case of the 2020 North East Delhi riots.

A bench headed by Justice S K Kaul said spending hours hearing the bail petitions in the case was a “complete wastage” of time of the Delhi High Court.

The bench, also comprising Justices A S Oka and J B Pardiwala, was hearing the pleas filed by the police challenging the Delhi High Court’s June 15, 2021 verdicts granting bail to activists Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita and Asif Iqbal Tanha in the case related to communal violence during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). At the outset, advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for police, requested the bench to post the petitions for hearing after two weeks, saying Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is leading him, is arguing before a Constitution bench in a separate matter.

“We have a case that

bail granted by the high court should be cancelled,” he said. The bench, while noting that the Solicitor General is arguing in a matter before a Constitution bench, posted the pleas for hearing on January 31.

The apex court observed that in bail matters, the moment one goes into the merits of the case, the hearing gets prolonged.

One of the advocates, appearing for the accused, said in this matter, the police had argued on the merits before the high court.

Nair said the police had only answered the question put by the high court as to whether the act committed by the accused is an act of terror or not. “You have spent hours in bail matters. It is complete wastage of time of the high court. You want a full trial in bail matters?

This I don’t understand,” Justice Kaul observed. Dur-

2 ex-DAP leaders join Cong in J-K

JAMMU, JAN 17 (PTI): In another setback to the Ghulam Nabi Azad led Democratic Azad Party (DAP), two of its former leaders on Tuesday joined the Congress along with 58 other political activists here.

Former MLC Nizamuddin Khatana, his son Gulzar Ahmad Khatana and others were welcomed into the party fold by AICC J-K

BJP, RSS captured all institutions: Rahul

HOSHIARPUR (PB), JAN 17 (PTI):

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing institutions and putting pressure on the EC and the judiciary, and also declared that he will not visit an RSS office even if someone slits his throat.

Answering a question on the possibility of reaching out to his cousin and BJP MP Varun Gandhi, he said their ideologies do not match.

“I can never go to an RSS office. You can slit my throat, but I will not go. My family has an ideology, it has a thought system,” he said at a press conference here on the sidelines of his Bharat Jodo Yatra.

“I can meet him, hug him. But I cannot accept that ideology, that is impossible,” he said.

He accused the RSS and the BJP of controlling institutions.

“There is a pressure on all the institutions. There is a pressure on the press, there is a pressure on bureaucracy, there is a pressure on the Election Commission, they put pressure on the judiciary,” he charged.

“This is not a fight between one political party and another political party. It is now a fight between the institutions which were captured by them and the opposition. Out of which one factor is EVM,” he said to a question on Electronic Voting Machines.

in-charge Rajni Patil and J-K Congress president Vikar Rasool Wani at the party headquarters. “With today’s joining of 60 activists, mostly basic and founding members of DAP, about 70 to 80 percent of the workers who had switched to the newly floated party under some influence have returned to the Congress fold,” Wani told reporters.

ing the hearing in the matter on July 2021, the apex court had indicated its reluctance to consider the aspect of cancellation of bail granted to the three activists, who were booked under the provisions of the stringent anti-terror law -- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It had termed as troubling that the bail petitions were being argued at length debating the provisions of the law. The apex court had earlier expressed its displeasure over the high court discussing the entire anti-terror law UAPA in a bail matter and made it clear that the judgements shall not be treated as a precedent and may not be relied upon by any of the parties in any of the proceedings. The top court, which had agreed to hear the appeals filed by police and issued notices to the three, had refused to stay the high court verdicts.

It had also clarified that the release of the three activists on bail was not being interfered with at this stage.

Earlier, Mehta had argued that 53 people had died and over 700 were injured during the riots which took place at a time when the then US president and other dignitaries were in the national capital.

Encounter in J-K’s Budgam, two terrorists killed

SRINAGAR, JAN 17 (PTI): Two Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists were killed in a brief encounter with security personnel near the court complex in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday, police said.

“On a specific input about the movement of terrorists through Budgam, a joint area domination party of the Army and Police tried to stop one suspected vehicle near the court complex. Terrorists fired upon and in retaliation two terrorists were killed,” a police spokesperson said.

Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said the slain terrorists were affiliated to

proscribed outfit Lashkar-eToiba and have been identified as Arbaaz Mir and Shahid Sheikh, both from Pulwama district. Kumar said both the terrorists had escaped from a cordon and search operation last week in

Traffic jams in Lutyens’ Delhi: Office goers, commuters face hassles

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): Office goers and commuters faced traffic hassles as roads in and around Lutyens’ Delhi remained clogged on Tuesday morning, with officials attributing it to dress rehearsal and preparations for Republic Day.

Traffic congestion was reported from areas such as Sansad Marg, Mandi House, ITO and Kartavya Path where the rehearsals are being conducted. Other stretches -- Ak-

bar Road, Kamraj road, Rajaji Marg, Safdarjung Road leading to Central Delhi also remained clogged.

Various roundabouts in Central Delhi and the road towards Le Meridien was completely blocked. Commuters and office goers had little choice but to wait for more than 20 minutes at each stretch even as their vehicles crawled at a snail’s pace.

No traffic advisory was issued by the police which added to the congestion.

the nearby Magam area. An AK rifle and a pistol were recovered from them, he said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, DGP Dilbag Singh said the militants were probably looking for a new hideout

after they fled from the previous one last week.

“There was an operation in Redbugh area two days ago in which there was some firefight, but terrorists managed to escape. We were looking for them and check-points had been put up for that. “We had inputs about their movement in a vehicle. When this vehicle was signalled to stop, terrorists came down and started firing. In the retaliatory fire, two terrorists were killed,” Singh said.

“It is a matter of investigation whether they were headed to Srinagar. Perhaps they were moving in search of a new hideout after leaving the old one,” he added.

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Security personnel during operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday.

A damning observation

It is not the first observation made in the cour, regarding the questionable and often totally divisive and abusive manner in which anchorpersons of some electronic media have been conducting their noisy talk shows. In the latest observation, the Supreme Court on January 14,2023 came down heavily against incitement of communal hatred and bias against minorities that have become the mainstay of majority of TV anchorpersons. The Supreme Court, which was hearing a batch of pleas came down heavily on TV channels and said that channels are driven by agenda and they sensationalize news for viewership ultimately creating divisions in society. The top court was hearing a batch of pleas seeking steps to be taken against hate speech incidents. The bench asked said that offending anchors should be “taken off air” and hefty fines should be imposed on channels which are violating the program code. Justice K.M. Joseph asked the counsel representing the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA), whether the erring TV anchors are themselves part of the problem and if so, whether NBDA had taken them off from anchoring? With more and more TV channels being launched it has prompted many news TV channels to focus more on controversial and politically and ideologically divisive issues to attract more and more eyeballs. Some anchorpersons have earned notoriety for playing the role of accuser, judge and executioner while holding media trials. This often leads to unsavoury controversies, like the one recently generated by a former spokesperson during a prime time TV debate. This is not the first time that the apex court has come down against the biased and communally divisive conduct of TV talk shows. In September 2022, the Supreme Court criticised TV channels by reminding them that it is the duty of an anchor “to see that hate speech doesn’t continue the moment someone starts.” In some channels, the anchorpersons shout down those not toeing their line. In one channel, the anchorperson even shouted that he won’t allow a panellist to criticise the government and warned he would have to shut off the link. India has transformed socially into an illiberal, majoritarian and intolerant country, and politically, it has become less and less democratic as is understood. Today in India, institutions are weakening, vigilantism is growing, and the media is either suppressed or is sycophantic. According a recently released 2022 edition of the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) published by Reporters Without Borders, India fell to the 150th position, its lowest ever, out of 180 countries. It may be recalled that in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) India was ranked at 142, down 2 places from 2019. According to a survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS, 77% of respondents wanted TV channels to stop airing debates on religion and community while 23% were still in favour. The survey also found that 80% of youth between 18 to 24 years wanted TV channels to avoid divisive debates and 71% of those above 50 years also agreed on this issue. It can also be concluded that while truth and fair play have become the biggest casualties in the media, the people are the biggest victims. Therefore, it is time that NBDA get its act together to get media freedom and democracy back on track.

DailyDevotion The Call of the Natural Life

When it pleased God…to reveal His Son in me… —Galatians 1:15-16

The call of God is not a call to serve Him in any particular way. My contact with the nature of God will shape my understanding of His call and will help me realize what I truly desire to do for Him. The call of God is an expression of His nature; the service which results in my life is suited to me and is an expression of my nature. The call of the natural life was stated by the apostle Paul— “When it pleased God… to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him [that is, purely and solemnly express Him] among the Gentiles….”

Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God. Service becomes a natural part of my life. God brings me into the proper relationship with Himself so that I can understand His call, and then I serve Him on my own out of a motivation of absolute love. Service to God is the deliberate love-gift of a nature that has heard the call of God. Service is an expression of my nature, and God’s call is an expression of His nature. Therefore, when I receive His nature and hear His call, His divine voice resounds throughout His nature and mine and the two become one in service. The Son of God reveals Himself in me, and out of devotion to Him service becomes my everyday way of life.

Quotes

~ Sir Henry Taylor

Does PM Modi’s “One earth, one family” slogan apply to India?

An Indian talking from a global platform may be a routine occurrence today, but it wasn’t on Sept 11, 1893, when Swami Vivekananda spoke at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which was convened in a hall in that city’s Art Institute. The space where the Swami spoke has been carefully preserved by this famous institute, where priceless exhibits daily draw large flocks of viewers.

Indians among the visitors to the exhibits are thrilled when they learn that only a few steps away lies the space where the celebrated address was given 130 years ago. Here is what Vivekananda, just 30 at the time, said there on a date in 1893, which in 2001 would become unforgettable for another reason:

“I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.”

Indians reading these words today cannot feel entirely comfortable. Our present government has declared more than once that there is at least one religion whose persecuted adherents in lands adjacent to India cannot qualify for Indian citizenship. However, the point I wish to make here is a different one, and it is this. While many today may mentally “accept” (as Vivekananda put it) that “all religions are true,” some seem unwilling to accept Indians adhering to Islam or Christianity as neighbours or fellow citizens possessing rights equal to the rights we enjoy. Accepting other “religions”? Yes, they are likely to say. Accepting Muslims and Christians? Sorry, no, would for some be the true answer.

After a face-to-face survey of 29,999 Indian adults of all faiths conducted between late 2019 and early 2020 - before the COVID-19 pandemic - the reputed Pew Research Center found 84% saying that to be “truly Indian”, it was very important to respect all religions. 80% were of the view that respecting other religions was a very impor-

tant part of what it means to be a member of their own religious community. These large majorities were found among Indians of all faiths.

Pew did not, it seems, ask the 29,999 Indians if they felt that fellow citizens of different religions should have full democratic rights. Nor can we be certain that all respondents would provide truthful answers to such a question. Still, we may safely assume that a majority of Indians want all their compatriots to enjoy full and equal rights.

We hear the oft-fiery voices of those who demand the abridgement of minority rights. At times, one might imagine that the poisonous winds that blew on our subcontinent in 1947 have returned after 75 years. Yet that is hardly the whole truth. Years ago, in 2005, when my wife Usha and I interviewed people with memories of the 1947 violence in both halves of what until that year was a single, undivided Punjab, the phrase zahreeli hawaa was used in Lahore by Chaudhry Muhammad Hayat, a retired squadron leader of Pakistan’s air force, to describe what had hit both halves of

Puppet of the magical Screen? A matter of concern

Nowadays, one might say that personal satisfaction, as a general rule, has improved since past ages. However, I do agree with this in general, but quality of life is a subjective term and not all people can claim to enjoy a better quality of life for oneself. Living in the 21st century yet We, many a times, are still Traumatised by how our world and surroundings has been so far.

In today’s fast growing modern society, various gadgets assume an impressive position in one’s life. Among all these factors cell phone usage makes up the top list of priorities among every individual.

Its usages may fluctuate as per the needs and expectations of the users, however one has been neglecting the illness of it behind. Which only brings out negative results, whether it be work, school , social relationships,etc. It has become a matter of concern for all the individuals out there with this so called “Puppet of the magical screen”.People seen enjoying and lost in one’s own solace and comforts, entertainment being at one’s fingertips, life has indeed came a long way.

In today’s era where Whatsapp is the daily Pill or so to say a bosom buddy, Instagram being the Soulmate and Facebook being the Alter Ego, our society has become more or less a Puppet of the magical screen (phone screen). Physical interaction or socialising with one another is at the bottom of one’s menu. One’s cultural values and ethics are also seen declining at the fastest rate. It has been replaced by virtual culture. Individuals are enslaved to digital technology as a source of salvation from the reality of a lonely culture and to achieve social disconnection from everyday life.

Nomophobia is at its peak among today’s generation. No doubt ,phones are a must in today’s era but because of its easy access to Social media, where it’s the new platform and hub for controversies, criticisms, slandering and provocations, etc. Many have been seen blending and sharing one’s own opinion or views, showcasing one’s own interest, etc with the magical screen only, eliminating the

socialise method and preserving one’s effort to have and maintain a good standard for oneself. Mental health and Health stability at stake among many individuals because of the unhygienic use and excessive exposure to MobileScreen.

Low self-esteem is one of the leading factors causing a huge illness in society because of addiction to screens. The Dopamine of eagerness to get huge likes and views and garnering thousands of followers , friends, etc. Is indeed a matter of legitimate concern among us , the youths - the future of the society. One can witness within oneself the lack of communication skills which lead to become an Alexithymia Person, having the fear to even step out of the house. Being dependent on the so-called “The Magical Screen” means sacrificing some of our own cognitive functions. However, no doubt because of the Mobile phones billions of individuals have been positively benefited but with this very positive impact we have also seen some black and dark effects of it too.

If one c ontinues to inculcate the same spirit of being a puppet of the so called “The Magical Screen”, then it might cost him/her a heavy penalty leading it to low productivity in one’s everyday life. One should inculcate the habit of communicating face-to-face instead of relying on your phone for every small task, so you can focus on what really matters in life. At the end of the day Communication plays a vital role for our survival in society. Without talking to each other, we would quickly be eaten up by our own loneliness. One should know that whether our attachment to our phones, is a 21st century cultural phenomenon or a life-altering addiction? High time to retrospect..! Lastly, it’s the time We are investing into it. So, the bad news is, time flies but the good news is you’re the pilot. Fly it wisely..!

Bidding off with this quote by, Benjamin Franklin - “You May Delay, But Time Will Not”.

Mao T, BA 6th semester, Political Science Honours, Immanuel College.

With warmth and emotion, Hayat recalled “Bhagat Saab”, as he called him, an old Sikh teacher who apparently “knew all the principals and headmasters of Gujrat tehsil (north of Lahore, south of Rawalpindi) and used to get tuition fees excused for poor Muslim boys, especially poor Jat boys”. Thanks to Bhagat Saab’s goading and monetary help, Hayat went to school, matriculated in the first division, and began a successful career. “Had it not been for Bhagat Saab,” said Hayat, “I would still be cutting grass in my village.” Bhagat Saab’s relatives were killed in that 1947 summer, and after spending many weeks on Hayat’s small farm, the old teacher simply disappeared. Hayat cried when he related his benefactor’s end.

What India is experiencing today (along with many other lands) is not so much a zahreeli hawaa that produced 1947’s senseless killings, as a relentless drive to subjugate and humiliate minorities and establish majoritarian supremacy. Accompanied by the arrogance

of power and wealth, and aided by strong propaganda engines, this drive is justified as history’s process of correcting its wrongs.

In India the line being pushed is this: “After Mughal rule and white rule, and then rule by the Muslim-appeasing, West-worshipping Congress, Hindu rule has at last arrived. Avenged!” Yet only a minority of India’s Hindus will likely buy such a characterization. Just as in 1947 the antar-atma, the zameer, spoke, and conscience-driven Indians (Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs) quietly, ingeniously, and bravely protected the “others”, so also today a great many Indians are aware of what their consciences are saying. Profoundly troubled, they express their anxieties in different ways, including by joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra. There’s a difference between the zahreeli hawa of 1947 and today’s heady mix of contempt and arrogance - of nafrat and ghamand. Hurts caused by real injuries may heal with time, or they may be set aside by wisdom, or by the warnings of our conscience. On the other hand, the enjoyment of power over those we are

exhorted to see as the descendants of centuries-ago conquerors may be harder to expel.

Since those willing to swallow the line don’t meet or converse with these “descendants of conquerors” - these Baburki aulad as the phrase of detestation goesthese “others” are not seen as humans with the same enjoyments, hopes, and anxieties that “we” possess. And when this detestation is joined to a love of coercion and violence, people may be ready to back even extreme proposals, such as the call from very high quarters to pulp the core of our precious constitution.

Prime Minister Modi’s slogan as he takes over the G20 presidency is “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” As they hear or read these stirring words, the people of the world, as also the people of India, will demand to know whether the Indian family is to be broken up, with some members pushed to a dark basement or a roofless outhouse. In many Indian minds, if not always on their lips, the refrain is likely to be, “We Indians accept one another.” Rajmohan Gandhi.

Question voters should ask

Elections are buttons in a representative democracy. It is through election that we get represented when we cast our votes. Unless we vote, no one can make decisions for us ,that is what our constitution guarantees us. It is a proud achievement that we Indians represent the largest democracy in the world. And election in this country has become no less than a festival.As festival tells us something about faith but also the unquestioning adherence to theGod of the festival. And so seems our faith in democracy is. And a white truth is that we unquestioningly submit our rights that they be represented through the representative we choose. Should we do that this time too?

It is election time, all in the mood but seeking answers without questions. Do we as voters have question that the representatives we are about to choose needs to answer as intending candidates.Do we count how many promise that were made last election has become a reality. In most cases the same rhetoric and promises and projects are repeated in a different fashion.

There is no doubt that the manifesto that a party brings out outlines the objective of the party and goals to be achieved but how sincerely it materializes into achievements is a larger question. And thus comes the need to frame question as an individual voter as ‘counter Manifesto’.

And this neveris a rocket science. Thesequestionsare simple ,logical, reason based and with true ‘democratic spirit’ that will bring out the means as to how the ‘to be’

representatives will carry out the promise and assurances he/ she makes during the election campaign or the goals in the party manifesto.

This question as counter manifesto may be based on the simple ‘ Interrogation’ lessons from our high school grammar like who, where, what, why , How aiming four broad pillars that govern our daily life i.eSocial, Political, Economic And Socio– religious. Let see how these question may be individually framed.

Who?

This should tells us who we are to choose. It should also tell some finer aspects of his personal charater likeEducation qualification, Awareness on contemporary issues on world,national and regional that concern the society on all the above four pillars etc. Individual voter may look for ‘deeper truths’( criminal background, corruption charges etc.)about the person she / he will like to vote through this question of ‘Who’

When?

As we all are aware, a person gets elected for five years. By raising this ‘when’ an individual voter should be able to know the “Time sense’ within this five year his promises and Assurances will be dilivered.

What?

The question of ‘what’ should make an individual voter know the economic promises that are made .These actually are public goods that form the part of our rights. Such goods like road, education, sanitation, electricity,health, social security etc. A voter should be very keenly observing such

economicpromises else they mostly end up as rhetoric’s. How?

Among the questions ‘ how’ is the means through which the promises will be achieved and delivered. As we are familiar that the ‘to be’ representatives promise all that can be in words but hardly or never tell the voter’s how it will delivered. Deliveryneed mobilization of resources and creation of capital – economic, social and political. Individual needs to be extra vigilant in this how the resources will be distributed to achieve the promises and assurances made during the campaign.

Why?

Why is from where this whole creation can be conceived and unlearn by a human mind. So, by raising this question and individual voter should able to know motive and intent of a ‘to be’ representative as ‘why he want to represent us ‘ and we submit our ‘rights’ to the state through him.

Under article 324 of the constitution, we are guaranteed a free and fair election by empowering the Election commission the power of superintendence ,direction and control of elections .And unless we the voter’s question, elections may be ‘free and fair’ but an abstract chain of ‘faith’ tethers it to an unquestioning mind.

Also the people in “ we the people’ in the preamble of the constitution is for whom it stands. Sovereignty lies with the people and election is the first tool to realise that. Frame your questions well. Let us question.

Sanjeev Bista, Student, M.A History, Dimapur.

How Gautam Adani is helping Modi govt with India’s foreign policy challenges

Three recent announcements have pretty much set the tone for Indian foreign policy in the year to come. First, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks on India-US relations were remarkable for their confidence and forthrightness. Second, Russia’s crude oil export to India surged to a new high of one million barrels a day, according to the energy tracker Vortexa.

And third, Gautam Adani, the third richest person in the world and said to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, completed the purchase of the Haifa port in Israel, strategically located on the Mediterranean, for a cool $1.15 billion.

All three seemingly unrelated events are actually related – and that too, quite interestingly. Jaishankar’s message to the highprofile audience at the closeddoor conference organised by the Ananta Aspen Centre think-tank in Delhi was, essentially, a piece of advice delivered to friends.

Which is, that the India-US relationship is not a transactional one, so don’t look at the purchase of defence goods as an indicator of things looking up or down.

Advice to the US

Jaishankar may or may not have been referring to the government’s plan to buy 26 French Rafale jets for the Indian Navy, and rejecting the US firm Boeing’s F/A 18 Super Hornet aircraft.

Now this is good advice, which by all accounts, the Americans are listening to. They are also learning to hold their peace. One big learning comes from the Indian backlash last year to US criticism of India’s decision to buy discounted oil from Russia, days after the latter invaded Ukraine.

The American angst is related to India’s decision to shore up a dictator, Vladimir Putin, when he was raining missiles down on innocent men, women and children – India agreed, but pointed out that the temptation to buy cheap oil was too great to be ignored.

That the Modi government’s top priority was to keep the

economy as healthy as possible for all its citizens. Buying nonRussian oil was far too expensive – especially since the US had also sanctioned traditional partners and oil-producing nations Iran and Venezuela – and would eat into India’s budget coming off Covid.

The Americans understood and are believed to have moved their unhappiness to private conversations. India’s purchase of Russian oil has only gone up – energy tracker Vortexa confirms that more than one million barrels of oil per day were bought in December.

India has been in that odd position over the past year –holding its nose at what Putin

is doing in Ukraine, but unable to say much about it because it needs Russia.

One look at the European situation this winter, when households are being forced to turn down their heat even for domestic use, will tell you that the Modi government has taken the right decision to walk this path.

Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s presence at the Aspen Centre conference reinforces the government’s middle path strategy on Russia and the US. That India very much believes in the special relationship with Washington DC and hopes that the Biden administration understands its compulsions.

Jyoti Malhotra, The Print.

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Conscience is, in most men, an anticipation of the opinion of others.

Punjab, destroying Hindu, Muslim and Sikh lives.

SNIPPETS

Woman Naxalite held in Chhattisgarh

DHAMTARI, JAN 17 (PTI): Two Naxalites, including a woman divisional committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist), and as many supporters have been arrested in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari city, a senior police officer said on Tuesday. The police have also detained a 16-year-old girl, who was travelling with the four, for allegedly being a supporter of Naxalites, he said. The five were rounded up on Sunday from the New Bus Stand area in the city, nearly 70 km from the state capital Raipur. Police seized Naxalite literature, pamphlets and banners from them, said Dhamtari Superintendent of Police Prashant Thakur.

Maha facing shortage of 1 cr eggs per day

AURANGABAD, JAN 17 (PTI): The Maharashtra animal husbandry department has chalked out a scheme to increase egg production in the state, which is facing a shortage of 1 crore eggs per day, a senior official said on Tuesday. Maharashtra consumes more than 2.25 crore eggs per day and is facing a shortage of 1 crore eggs per day, the official said. The state has a capacity to produce 1-1.25 eggs per day and the department has been chalking out a plan to meet the state’s need, Additional Commissioner for Animal Husbandry department Dr. Dhananjay Parkale told PTI. Currently, eggs are procured from Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu to overcome the shortage, he said.

53 injured in Maha bus mishap

LATUR, JAN 17 (PTI): Fifty three passengers were injured when a bus overturned in Maharashtra’s Latur district on Tuesday, police said. The accident took place near Borgaon Kale village at around 8.30 am when the bus belonging to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) was heading towards Pune from Nilanga via Latur, head constable Ratan Shaikh said. The bus was on a narrow bridge when its driver lost control over the wheels while trying to prevent hitting another vehicle coming from the opposite side. As a result, the bus overturned, he said.

Temple collapses in Raj; 1 dead, 2 hurt

JAIPUR, JAN 17 (PTI): A woman died and two people were injured on Tuesday when a portion of a temple in Rajasthan’s Karauli district collapsed on them, police said. The incident occurred at a Shiv temple in Sapotra as the victims were offering prayers, they added. The temple is built on a platform without a foundation and a part of it collapsed while an earthmover was digging land adjacent to it, the police officials said.The victims were rushed to the SMS hospital in Jaipur. Fiftyyear-old Seema died on the way, while another woman and a man are undergoing treatment, they added.

2 women choke to death in Maha fire

THANE, JAN 17 (PTI): A 70-year-old woman and her grand-daughter were killed in a fire that broke out in their apartment in Maharashtra’s Thane district in the early hours of Tuesday, a fire official said. The blaze erupted around 3.30 am in the apartment on the third floor of a building in Ghass Baug locality of Kalyan town, sub-officer Namdeo Chowdhary of the civic fire station said.

India’s best era coming: PM

Askspartyworkers toconnectwithall sectionsofsociety

NEW DELHI, JAN 17

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked BJP members to reach out to every section of society, including minorities such as Bohras, Pasmandas and Sikhs, and work for them without electoral considerations, party sources said here.

In his address at the BJP national executive, which concluded with his address, Modi noted that nearly 400 days are left for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and asked party members to serve every section of society with full dedication in a speech described by several participants as his big vision to expand the saffron organisation and lead the country in every aspects.

Various party members who were part of the audience said the prime minister spoke highly of ‘sufism’ and also asked them to meet professionals

from different walks and visit places like universities and churches to connect with them.

The prime minister said India’s best era is coming and the party should dedicate itself to the country’s development and turn “amrit kaal”, the 25 year period till 2047, into “kartavya kaal” (era of duties).

Sources said he also cautioned the party against any sense of “overconfidence” and cited example of the BJP’s loss in Madhya Pradesh in 1998 despite the unpopularity of then Congress government led by Digvijaya Singh. Modi was then a key minder of the BJP’s organisational affairs in the state.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis told reporters that Modi, in his address to the BJP national executive meet, emphasised on reaching out to all sections of society.

“The BJP is no longer merely a political movement but a social movement as well that is working to transform socioeconomic conditions,” Modi told the executive, he said.

The prime minister said people in 18-25 age group have not witnessed the political history of India and are not aware of “corruption and wrongdoings” that took place under previous governments.

“So, they need to be made aware. Let them know about the good governance of the BJP,” he said in an apparent swipe at the previous dispensations at the Centre.

Fadnavis said Modi also advised the party to conduct special programmes of its different ‘morchas’, especially in border villages so that it can connect with people there more and ensue that the government’s developmental schemes reach them.

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday used the Hindi proverb “begaani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana” to hit out at LG VK Saxena, questioning his authority with a “he is not my headmaster” jibe. Addressing the Delhi assembly on the issue of the LG’s alleged interference in his government’s work, Kejriwal even claimed that Saxena told him during their meeting last week that the BJP won 104 seats in MCD polls because of him.

Kejriwal’s comments came a day after he led a march to LG’s office from Delhi Vidhan Sabha to protest against his alleged interference in the functioning of the AAP government.

Kejriwal alleged that Saxena suffers from a “feudal mindset” and does not want good education for poor children in the city.

“Not even my teachers checked my homework as the LG scrutinises my files. The LG is not my headmaster. People have elected me as chief minister,” he said.

Last week on Friday, Kejriwal had met Saxena and following the meeting. The chief minister alleged

CBI searches retired Railway official’s premises

Unearthsassets

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): The CBI seized 17 kilograms of gold and Rs 1.57 crore in cash during searches at the premises of a retired railway principal chief commercial manager in Bhubaneswar, officials said on Tuesday. On January 3, the agency had booked Pramod Kumar Jena, a 1987-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service officer who retired in November last year, for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The officials said the Central Bureau of Investigation searched Jena’s premises in Bhubaneswar.

Over Rs 1.57 crore, 17 kilograms of gold and

jewellery (ranging between Rs 8 crore and Rs 10 crore), besides bank and postal deposit receipts of Rs 2.5 crore and a large number of property documents were found, they said.

Officials said Jena, who joined the service on March 6, 1989, and retired as PCCM in East Coast Railways, was booked under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets more than Rs 1.92 crore. “His wife Rosina Jena is a housewife with

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): Retired director general of the Border Security Force (BSF) Pankaj Kumar Singh has been appointed as deputy national security adviser.

According to an official order, Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed on a re-employment contract for a period of two years. Singh retired as BSF chief on

no big source of income, but she regularly files lTR (Income tax returns). PK Jena had no other source of income except his own salary and rental income. The daughters of Jena are also filing lT returns,” an official alleged, citing the FIR.

In locker after locker, the illicit wealth kept coming out, officials said, adding that the searches are still going on and some more lockers need to be opened up.

In its FIR, the agency alleged that at the start of the check period on April 1,

December 31, 2022

When Singh took charge of the BSF on August 31, 2021, he had created history of a son and a father holding the top post of a paramilitary force during their services.

His father and retired IPS officer of the 1959-batch, Prakash Singh, had also headed the BSF from June, 1993 to January, 1994.

2005, Jena had assets worth Rs 4.53 lakh in the form of bank balances and plots, which spiralled to over Rs 4.33 crore at the end of the period on March 31, 2020, they said.

“Information disclosed that after giving the benefit of incomes as mentioned in their Income-Tax Returns, the total income of PK Jena and his family members from all known sources was to the tune of Rs 3.25 crore during the check period from April 1, 2005, to March 31, 2020,” it alleged.

that Saxena had called the 2018 Supreme Court judgement “a mere opinion” after Kejriwal had told him that it said that LG has no independent decision-making authority. Reiterating those allegations, Kejriwal further claimed the LG told him during the meeting that the BJP won 104 seats in the MCD polls because of him and that the saffron party would win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in the next general elections.

Talking about how LG twice objected to the proposal of his government of sending teachers to Finland, he said Saxena said teachers can be trained in India.

The chief minister al-

leged that the LG “suffered from a feudal mindset and doesn’t want that the poor children in Delhi get good education”.

“I was a good student... My school teachers did not check my homework the way LG is checking -- this spelling is wrong or the handwriting is not good. He is not my headmaster. Who is LG, where has he come from? He is sitting on our heads. Begaani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana (a stranger who takes too much interest in the affairs of others),” lashed Kejriwal.

The chief minister said he has the mandate of two crore people of Delhi but who is LG.

“I told him during the meeting: ‘’I have been chosen by the people of Delhi. I asked him who has chosen you. He said that I have bee appointed by the President,” he said.

Kejriwal compared LG to the Viceroys that were appointed during the British rule.

“Viceroy used to say: You bloody Indians don’’t know how to govern! Today LG is saying: You Dilwallas don’’t know how to govern!” he added.

Continuing the attack, Kejriwal questioned LG whether he will decide where we should send our children to study?

“Our country is lagging because of such people with a feudal mindset,” he claimed. The chief minister also turned a bit philosophical and said that nothing is permanent and he might not be in power in Delhi in future. “Nothing is permanent in life. We may be in power at the Centre tomorrow, with our LG. Our government will not harass people. We will respect the mandate of people” Kejriwal said.

He said the LG does not have the power to make decisions on his own.

‘Interference in judiciary’: Mamata weighs in on SC collegium debate

KOLKATA, JAN 17 (IANS): Wading into the Supreme Court Collegium debate, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday termed the Union government’s approach in the matter as “interference in judiciary”.

Incidentally, her comments coincide with the timing on the hearing of two petitions at the Calcutta High Court over the twin incidents of the recent ruckus in front of the court of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha by a section of the lawyers close to Trinamool Congress and recovery of slanderous posters from in front of the residence of Justice Mantha.

“The Union government is trying to interfere in the judiciary by trying to push its representative in the

Supreme Court collegium. The court is as sacred as a temple or church. Any interference in the judiciary will ultimately impact the democratic structure of the country. We want total independence of the judiciary,” Banerjee told media persons before leaving for Meghalaya to attend a rally there.

She also alleged that the system followed by the Union government in giving clearance to appoint -

ment of judges is arbitrary. “The name of the judge gets cleared in a month for appointment in a month if the Union government feels that the judge concerned is soft towards it. However, in the case of others the clearance process is delayed by three months,” she claimed.

The Chief Minister also said that it seemed that the Union government had some plans regarding the Supreme Court collegium. However, she refused to answer any question on Tuesday regarding the recent fiasco over Justice Mantha’s court.

However, a state BJP spokesman rubbished the Chief Minister’s claims and said that the latter was unnecessarily trying to politicise the issue.

JOSHIMATH, JAN 17

(PTI): People staying in temporary relief camps in subsidence-hit Joshimath have sought permanent rehabilitation at a safe location where they do not have to face the same crisis again.

Joshimath, the gateway to famous pilgrimage sites like Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib and international skiing destination Auli, is facing a major challenge due to land subsidence. “We want relocation of a permanent nature at a secure place where we don’t confront the same situation again,” says Sunaina Saklani who completed her graduation recently said.

“They (authorities) are talking about rehabilitating

us in Pipalkoti and Gauchar. Karnaprayag has already begun to sink, what if the same thing happens there too? Where shall we go if we face the same situation in Pipalkoti and Gauchar,” she said.

Sunaina Saklani is one of the four daughters of Durga Prasad Saklani whose house in ward no. 7 of Sunil area was the first to develop cracks in Joshimath around one year ago.

“The cracks were small then. They have grown bigger since January 2. If action was taken when papa first gave his application to the administration, the situation may not have been as bad as it is today,” Sunaina’s younger sister Neha said.

Narendra Modi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal speaks during a session of the Delhi Legislative Assembl Tuesday. (PTI)

Gold, jewelery and cash unearthed by the CBI during searches at the residence of retired Railways officer PK Jena in Bhubaneswar. (PTI)

Mamata Banerjee

P K Singh

FY23 fiscal deficit at Rs 17.5 trn: SBI Gold falls Rs 130; silver

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (IANS): The upcoming Indian budget for 202324 will be a challenging one for the government to follow the roadmap for fiscal consolidation amidst a global environment of declining inflation, said a top economist of State Bank of India in a report.

For India, this could make things difficult to set a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) number significantly higher than 10 per cent, with a deflator about 3.5 per cent. But this could also mean a higher GDP growth than anticipated at about 6.2 per cent, he said.

He also said the fiscal deficit of the Indian government for FY23 will be about Rs.17.5 lakh crore.

According to Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser, SBI, for FY23, total receipts of the Government would be higher than the budget estimates (BE) by around Rs 2.3 lakh crore, on account of higher direct tax receipts (about Rs 2.2 lakh

crore), higher GST receipts (Rs 95,000 crore) but lower dividends (about Rs 40,000 crore), lower fuel tax net of cess (Rs 30,000 crore) and lower disinvestment receipts (about Rs 15000-20,000 crore).

“Meanwhile, expenditure is likely to be on the higher side of the BE by around Rs 3 lakh crore on account of higher subsidy bill and additional spending announced by the Government. Taking this into account, the fiscal deficit of the Government in FY23 is expected to come at Rs 17.5 lakh crore.

However, higher nominal GDP growth (15.4 per cent) estimates will help in keeping the fiscal deficit at 6.4 per cent of the GDP,” Ghosh said.

As regards FY24, the government’s expenditure is likely to increase by around

Rupee falls 19 paise to close at 81.77 against US dollar

MUMBAI, JAN 17 (PTI):

The rupee settled 19 paise lower at 81.77 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, tracking a rebound in the greenback overseas and firm crude oil prices.

Forex traders said sustained foreign fund outflows further weighed on investor sentiment.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 81.79 against the greenback, then lost ground and fell to an intra-day low of 81.89.

The domestic currency finally settled at 81.77, down 19 paise over its previous close. In the previous session on Monday, the rupee had settled at 81.58 against the US dollar. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies,

was trading 0.19 per cent higher at 102.40. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures advanced 0.46 per cent to USD 84.85 per barrel. The 30-share BSE Sensex ended 562.75 points or 0.94 per cent higher at 60,655.72, while the broader NSE Nifty advanced 158.45 points or 0.89 per cent to 18,053.30. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Monday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 750.59 crore, according to exchange data.

Meanwhile, on the domestic macroeconomic front, India’s exports contracted 12.2 per cent to USD 34.48 billion in December 2022, mainly due to global headwinds, and the trade deficit widened to USD 23.76 billion.

8.2 per cent over FY23 estimates to Rs 46 lakh crore, Ghosh said in the report.

Subsidy bill which increased significantly in FY23 is estimated to be reduced in FY24 to around Rs 3.8-4 lakh crore and capital expenditure is expected to grow by 12 per cent.

Meanwhile, receipts (minus borrowing and other liabilities) are expected to grow by about 12.1 per cent with tax revenue receipts growth likely at 11 per cent. With nominal GDP growth at 10 per cent, tax buoyancy is thus expected at close to 1.1 compared to expected tax buoyancy of 1.5 in FY23.

Thus, the fiscal deficit for FY24 is estimated at around Rs 17.95 lakh crore or 6 per cent of GDP in FY24, thereby resulting in fiscal consolidation of 40 bps from the current fiscal, the report notes.

“As far as borrowing is concerned, we believe net market borrowing of the Centre in FY24 will

be around Rs. 11.7 lakh crore and with repayments of Rs 4.4 lakh crore, gross borrowing is expected at Rs 16.1 lakh crore. We believe a switch of about Rs 50,000 crore is also likely to be announced,” the report said.

With higher tax devolution from the Centre, the states are likely to borrow around Rs 8 lakh crore in FY23, lower than earlier anticipated.

“In FY24, the overall gross borrowing by Centre and States is likely to be Rs 24.3 lakh crore (Rs. 22.2lakh crore in FY23) and net borrowings Rs. 17 lakh crore (Rs 16.7 lakh crore in FY23). We further believe that the Government will continue to rely on small saving schemes (Rs 5 lakh crore likely in FY24).

According to the report, the government can give a hard push to Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), through encouraging fresh registrations in a mission drive mode, allowing one time registrations for all leftover cases up to 12 years.

up Rs 232

NEW DELHI, JAN 17 (PTI): Gold price fell Rs 130 to Rs 56,680 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities.

The precious metal had closed at Rs 56,810 per 10 grams in the previous trade.

Silver also declined Rs 232 to Rs 69,793 per kilogram.“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 56,680 per 10 grams, down Rs 130 per 10 grams,” said an analyst at HDFC Securities.

In the overseas market, both gold and silver were trading in red at USD 1,911 per ounce and USD 24.03 per ounce, respectively.

“Focus this week will remain on the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting on Wednesday, after the central bank unexpectedly struck a hawkish tone during its december meeting,” Navneet Damani, Senior VP – Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said.

Govt endorses vax after-effects, rebuts RTI...

(From-1)

Rarely, few individuals may experience severe adverse events depending upon certain pre-disposing conditions.”

The Centre pointed out that as per the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s policy of proactive disclosure aligned with global scientific evidence in public domain, “ICMR provided responses to questions” related to advantages and disadvantages of Covid-19 vaccines.

It added that the ICMR response (to Sarda) simply provided links of reputed website of the Ministry, the World Health Organisation, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), where detailed information on various Covid-19 vaccines is available.

Welcoming the government’s stance, Sarda said that he had sent the RTI query to the Union Health Ministry, which, in turn, passed it to various departments like ICMRCDSCO, etc for their responses.

“To my queries on the after-effects of all these jabs, the concerned PIOs - ICMR’S PIO Dr. Leyanna Susan George and CDSCO’s PIO Sushanta Sarkar - have officially provided the information of all these vaccines comprising their FAQs,” he pointed out.

Sarda said that the government has also not denied the aftereffects of all the Indian vaccines, as mentioned very clearly through the FAQs it provided, which is “laudable and in public

interest”.

The government added that global research studies show that Covid-19 vaccines helped reduce severity of disease by preventing hospitalisation and deaths due to the disease, “and benefits of the vaccines overwhelmingly outweigh any adverse effects”.

Plus, India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has periodically reviewed the benefits and side-effects of Covid-19 vaccines used in India and has endorsed the above findings.

The IANS report on the vaccines’ side-effects published on Monday, struck a chord among all people who have been jabbed and evoked massive responses from different quarters, including on social media.

(From-1)

Speaking at the Precursor programme of B20 India Initiatives for North East States, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State of External Affairs highlighted the unique strength of North East Region and its business potential and invited representatives of diplomatic missions, bilateral and multilateral agencies to take part in the B20 programmes scheduled in the North East States.

Muktesh K Pardeshi,

OSD G20 Operations mentioned that apart from the B20 events being organized in the four North eastern States namely, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim other events such as Youth 20, Science 20, Space 20 etc are being organized in the remaining states of Northeast.

Harsh Vardhan Singla, Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency said that B20 events in Northeast will create a platform for one to one interaction not only with the

some Union Ministers.

Residence Commissioners of Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim in Delhi and the Home Commissioner of Nagaland highlighted the business opportunities in their respective states.

Pradeep Bagla, cochairman, CII North East Council invited Diplomatic Missions from G20 countries to facilitate trade and business delegations to participate in the B20 initiatives in the North East States.

NPF ready for solution but also prepared

(From-1)

He said after formation of the opposition-less UDA coalition government NPF party will continue to vigorously pursue for inking of a final solution to the long pending Naga political problem.

Azo reminded that NPF had joined the government, as alliance partner under UDA, on the condition that it (NPF) would collectively push for an early settlement of the Naga political issue and not for any portfolio or power.

Azo said NPF had been keeping silent for long since it was optimistic of a final settlement being arrived at before election. In the event elections are held, he said

the party will issue the tickets only to the winnable candidates.

Meanwhile, Azo lamented that many Nagas have forgotten its roots and expressed apprehension that a day might come when Nagas would lose their identity and culture for the sake of power and thirst of money.

Azo also reminded that as long as the oldest regional political party (NPF) exists, it would protect and preserve the true identity of the Nagas, as the guardian of the Naga people. He therefore, called upon the people to come out of their comfort zone and support NPF for progress and to safeguard the identity and the aspiration of the Naga people.

NDPP, NSF welcome NSCN (I-M), WC...

(From-1)

process so as to ensure that the aspiration of the Nagas for an inclusive, honorable and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga Political issue was brought about without any further delay.

While extending New Year greetings to the Naga people, NSF also fervently appealed to all to be mindful of individuals publicly

indulging in rhetoric, either in words or actions, pertaining to the “IndoNaga Political issue.”

NSF also urged upon all to zealously guard the Naga cause, which is legitimate, just, fair and righteous from the lure of these individuals, tirelessly scheming with the adversaries, to undermine it.

It reiterated that the distorted tales by the adversaries should not be

allowed to confuse Nagas but instead, people should “fearlessly advocate our inalienable historical and political rights’ to the world at large.”

State Ministers but also with

The

SNIPPETS

Biden to host Netherlands PM for talks

WASHINGTON, JAN 17 (AP): President Joe Biden is

to

‘Democracies under threat’: Swiss Prez

eralism in the UN Security Council.

Top US general, Mark Milley visits training site for Ukrainian soldiers

Dutch

Mark

the U.S. administration looks to persuade the Netherlands to further limit China’s access to advanced semiconductors with export restrictions. Tuesday’s wide-ranging talks are also expected to cover the countries’ efforts to thwart Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and an upcoming democracy summit, according to the White House.

Ukarine’s Dnipro: Death toll reaches 44

KIEV, JAN 17 (IANS): The death toll in the Russian missile attack on an apartment building in Ukraine’s Dnipro city reached 44 on Tuesday.

Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov has confirmed the toll, Ukrainska Pravda reported. On January 14, the Russians hit an apartment building in Dnipro smashing many houses.

In the attack, 72 apartments were destroyed and over 230 damaged in the apartment block, where two sections, from floor 2 to floor 9, were smashed.

Vietnamese President resigns

HANOI, JAN 17 (IANS): Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has resigned and has had his memberships at the Politburo and the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) removed, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Tuesday. He made the decision out of his personal wish, which was announced at a meeting of the Central Committee of the CPV’s meeting held on Tuesday, Xinhua News Agency reported quoting Vietnam’s official news agency.

Ukraine sets to get 3 bn euros from EU KIEV, JAN 17 (IANS): Ukraine is set to receive 3 billion euros (about $3.25 billion) from the European Union (EU) this week as a part of fresh financial aid, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. Shmyhal wrote on Telegram that Ukraine and the EU signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the macro-financial program for Kiev worth 18 billion euros (about $19.5 billion), Xinhua news agency reported.

Germany to appoint regional official as DM

BERLIN, JAN 17 (AP): German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday he will appoint a regional official as the new defence minister following the resignation of the much-criticized Christine Lambrecht. The defence minister-designate, Boris Pistorius, is a member of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party and has served as interior minister of Lower Saxony state since 2013.

DAVOS, JAN 17 (PTI):

Swiss President Alain Berset on Tuesday said the number of democracies worldwide has diminished very much and the world is at a tipping point with democratic institutions being weakened.

“In certain places, the rule of law is under threat – even in some democratically constituted states. And the rule of law is also at risk of eroding in the international system,” Berset said in a special address

at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 here.

He said the post-war order is currently experiencing its greatest crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes a brutal attack on a peaceful country.

“But it is also a brutal attack on international law and multilateralism. The war is causing great suffering. And it is playing a decisive role on the global development of democ -

Debt structuring talks with India, China successful: SL Prez

COLOMBO, JAN 17 (IANS): Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed the Parliament on Tuesday that much awaited debt re-structuring talks with India and China have been successful.

“I can tell this assembly that the talks are successful,” he said as the Indian Ocean island nation is awaiting the International Monetary Fund bailout to relieve worst ever economic crisis the country is going through.

“Very soon we will have an answer,” he said.

Wickremesinghe’s announcement came as a delegation from the Communist Party of China is on a visit to Sri Lanka while India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar is to make a visit on

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Thursday. Meanwhile, international media on Monday reported that India formally notified that it would support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan, clearing a major hurdle for the bankrupt nation to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout from the IMF.

State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe has stated that “Sri Lanka is confident of reaching IMF board approval in the first quarter of 2023”.

China opposes Dalai Lama’s planned visit to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, JAN 17

(PTI): China on Tuesday opposed a suggested visit by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to Sri Lanka, saying the bankrupt island nation must safeguard the bilateral relationship.

A top Chinese embassy official here met the powerful Buddhist prelates in the central town of Kandy to express opposition to the visit for which no dates have been fixed yet, a statement from the embassy said.

“Charged d’affaires Hu Wei stated that the government and people of China, including in the Tibet autonomous region, strongly oppose any foreign country receiving the Dalai Lama in any name because the 14th Dalai Lama is absolutely not a simple monk as he self-claimed, but the head of the feudal serfdom,” the statement said.

The embassy has

slammed the 87-year-old Dalai Lama as a “political exile disguised as a religious figure who has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities and attempting to split Tibet from China”. The Chinese concerns followed a meeting by several Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who had met the Dalai Lama at Bodh Gaya in India earlier this month and invited the spiritual leader to visit the island country, a predominantly Buddhist nation. The opposition to the Dalai Lama’s visit comes ahead of the muchanticipated response from China -- the largest bilateral creditor in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process.

China is the key for the island nation to clinch the USD 2.9 billion dollar bailout in the current economic crisis followed by Sri Lanka’s first sovereign default on April 12.

OFFICE OF THE SOLONUOMIA CHIENUO KROTHO T. KHEL, KOHIMA VILLAGE INFORMATION

The Solonuomia Chienuo Krotho is set to celebrate its triennial Day on Sunday Jan. 22nd 2023 at Keluongutuo Solo's Residence, Mission Compound T. Khel, Kohima Village at 12:30 P.M

Therefore all our Solonuomia Chienuo members are cordially requested to attend.

President Solonuomia Chienuo Krotho

racy,” he said.

He lauded the solidarity shown by democratic countries with Ukraine and rued that the aggression has come, of all countries, from a member of the UN Security Council, which as per the UN Charter: bears “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security”.

Berset said Switzerland will make every effort to again strengthen international law and multilat-

He also said inequality worldwide has continued to grow and inequality brings with it huge political and social collateral damage.

“What we call populism is essentially a reaction to growing inequality. We all know that: Extreme inequality undermines social cohesion. It creates resentment, causing us to seek scapegoats. And it is politically toxic, eating away at our faith in democracy,” he added.

“The number of democracies worldwide has diminished very much. According to Freedom House, around 50 per cent of the world’s population lived in democracies ten years ago – Today, that figure is just 20 per cent.

“Business as usual is no longer an option: We must take steps to defend steadfastly the foundations, that are a prerequisite for civilised coexistence,” the president said.

“Self-interest and supporting those weaker than ourselves – We have long considered these to be two different things. Now we know: They are one and the same,” Berset said.

GERMANY, JAN 17 (AP): Monday was just Day Two for Ukrainian soldiers at the U.S. military’s new training program, but the message was coming through loud and clear.

These are urgent times. And the lessons they will get in the next five weeks on weapons, armored vehicles and more sophisticated combat techniques are critical as they prepare to defend their country against the Russian invasion.

“This is not a run of the mill rotation,” U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Monday afternoon as he met with commanders. “This is one of those moments in time where if you want to make a difference, this is it.”

Milley, who visited the sprawling Grafenwoehr training area to get his first look at the new, so-called combined arms instruction, has said it will better prepare Ukrainian troops to launch an offensive or counter any surge in Russian attacks.

He spent a bit less than

Pak-based LeT’s deputy leader designated global terrorist by UN

India,China welcomesdecision

UNITED NATIONS, JAN 17 (PTI): In a major diplomatic victory for India, Abdul Rehman Makki was designated a global terrorist by the UN after China lifted its hold on a joint India-US proposal to blacklist the deputy chief of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The UN Security Council’s 1267 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee added 68-year-old Makki to its list of designated terrorists on Monday, subjecting him to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo, after years of efforts by India and its allies.

Makki’s listing comes seven months after China, a close ally of Pakistan, had put a hold on June 16, 2022 on a joint proposal by India and the US to designate the head of the political affairs wing of JuD/LeT and the brotherin-law of LeT chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.

Responding to a question on why China decided to lift its technical hold on blacklisting Makki as a global terrorist, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin defended the move, saying that listing of terrorists is conducive to enhancing global counterterrorism cooperation and praised Islamabad for backing counter-terrorism efforts.

“Terrorism is the

KATHMANDU, JAN 17 (PTI): A nine-member team of experts from France arrived here on Tuesday to help the Nepal government investigate a plane crash in which 71 people lost their lives. Yeti Airlines’ 9N-ANC ATR-72 aircraft with 72 people on board, including five Indians, crashed minutes before landing on the bank of the Seti River in the resort city of Pokhara on Sunday. A total of 68 passengers and four crew members were on board the aircraft. The Nepal government has formed a fivemember probe committee to investigate the crash.

Office of the WOKHA DISTRICT PENSIONER’S ASSOCIATION

WOKHA : NAGALAND

Regd, No. JUD/PA/84-85, Dated. 07/02/85

INFORMATION

The General Conference of the Wokha District Pensioner’s Association (WDPA) is scheduled on 20/01/2023 (Friday) at 10:00 AM at WDVCCA & WDVDB Hall (Near LTC Hall) Wokha.

Registration of the participants shall start by 9:30 AM.

All the registered pensioners/family pensioners are informed to attend the said conference.

Sd/- Yihamo Patton President, WDPA WC-08/23

OFFICE OF THE KOHIMA KHARLAR TELONGJEM FELICITATION

The Kohima Kharlar Telongjem,Kohima with immense joy and honor extends our heartiest congratulations to the following members on promotion and achievement under the Govt. of Nagaland Public Service recently.

1. Dr. Temjentsungla promoted to Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare Deptt.

2. Smti. Imcharenla IPS promoted to Inspector General of Police, under the DGP Estt..

The Telongjem wishes them grand success in their future endeavors.

(TEMSUKUMLA WALLING) (NOKSANGTEMLA) President Secretary K-140/23

common enemy of humanity,” Wang Wenbin told a media briefing in Beijing.

India on Tuesday welcomed the UN Security Council decision to declare Makki as a global terrorist and said threats from terrorism in the region remain high and sanctions by the UNSC are an effective tool to curb such threats.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi also said India will continue to press the international community to take credible, verifiable and irreversible action against terrorism.

Makki has occupied various leadership roles in LeT, including raising funds for the organisation, he said in New Delhi.

two hours at “Camp Kherson” — a section of the base named after a city in Ukraine where Ukrainian troops scored a key victory against Russia last year.

More than 600 Ukrainian troops began the expanded training program at the camp just a day before Milley arrived.

The U.S. has conducted training at Grafenwoehr for years, including for allied forces in Europe. But limited instruction for

Ukrainian

The new instruction comes as Western analysts point to signs that the Kremlin is digging in for a drawn-out war, and say the Russian military command is preparing for an expanded mobilization effort.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 17 (PTI): Pakistan has learnt a “lesson” and want to live in peace with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said, emphasising that the two neighbours should not waste their resources on bombs and ammunition.

Prime Minister Sharif made these comments during an interview with the Dubai-based Al Arabiya news channel on Monday.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. “We have three wars with India and it only brought more misery, poverty and unemployment to the people,” Sharif said.

“My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that let us sit down on the

table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning issues like Kashmir,” he said. He said Pakistan and India are neighbours and have to “live with each other.” “We have learnt our lesson and we want to live in peace provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems. We want to alleviate poverty, achieve prosperity, and provide education and health facilities and employment to our people and not waste our resources on bombs and ammunition, that is the message I want to give to PM Modi,” Sharif said. Meanwhile, a spokesperson of Pakistan PMO on Tuesday said Sharif has consistently maintained that Pakistan and India must resolve their bilateral issues, especially the core issue of Kashmir, through dialogue.

OFFICE OF THE OLD RIPHYIM STUDENTS’ UNION WOKHA : NAGALAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Old Riphyim Students’ Union takes this privilege to thank our Almighty God for His abundant blessings and also extends our heartfelt gratitude to all well wishers and individuals for contributing in different ways during the successful celebration of ORSU 75 Years Platinum Jubilee held on 28th -29th Dec’ 2022.

The ORSU also conveys our outmost respect and gratitude to the Jubilee Planning Convenor, Dr. N Renthungo Patton and Secretary Z Chibenthung Tungoe, Conveners of various Sub- Committees, Secretaries and Members for pioneering the Platinum Jubilee Celebration.

Words are inadequate to express our gratefulness in acknowledging your unceasing support and prayer rendered during the Jubilee celebration. May His Blessings be with you now and forevermore.

The Union would also like to convey our special gratitude to:

Shri.Yanthungo Patton, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland

Shri. E Mhonbemo Patton IAAS, Principal Secretary, Government

Jackson Patton & Family, Dimapur

Patton & Family, Wokha Town

Alain Berset (L) poses at the WEF with (from L to R) Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and WEF founder Klaus Schwab.

set

host

Prime Minister

Rutte for talks as

forces began last year, shortly after the Russian invasion. At the time it was focused specifically on various weapons systems that were being supplied by the U.S., such as the howitzer.

Gen. Mark Milley meets with U.S. Army leaders responsible for the collective training of Ukrainians on Monday. (AP)

Pak has learnt a ‘lesson’, wants peace with India, says PM Sharif

French team reaches Pokhara to assist in investigation

Indian series ‘Dahaad’ to have world premiere at BIFF

Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films’ “Dahaad” will have its world premiere at the upcoming Berlin International Film Festival (BIFF) under the Berlinale Series programme.

“Dahaad”, an eight part crime drama, is directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi. It features Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Varma, Gulshan Devaiah, and Sohum Shah in the lead.

Set in a small, sleepy town in Rajasthan, the story follows sub-inspector Anjali Bhaati (Sinha) and her colleagues at the local police station.

“When a series of women are mysteriously found dead in public bathrooms, Sub-Inspector Anjali Bhaati is tasked with the investigation. At first,

the deaths appear to be clear-cut suicides but as the cases unravel, Anjali begins to suspect that a serial killer is on the loose. What follows is a riveting game of cat and mouse between a seasoned criminal and an underdog cop as she pieces together evidence before another innocent woman loses her life,” the plotline reads.

Berlinale Series, the section established by the festival in 2015, offers an exclusive first look at new series productions from around the world.

The programme presents works of creators who consistently use the creative freedom of serial storytelling and complement the variety of formats with relevant and

contemporary narratives. Other shows which are part of Berlinale Series programme are “Agent” (Denmark), “Arkitekten” (Norway), “Bad Behaviour” (Australia), “The Good Mothers” (United Kingdom), “Spy/Master” (Romania/Germany) and “Why Try to Change Me Now” (China).

As per the festival website, the shows will be competing for the first ever Berlinale Series Award, inaugurated in cooperation with entertainment website Deadline. The winner will be chosen by the international jury consisting of actor Andre Holland, executive Dana Stern and screenwriter Mette Heeno.

Germany and Belgium’s co-production “Der Schwarm” (The

Swarm) will screen out of competition.

Cinema legend Satyajit Ray’s classic “Aparajito” will be screened as part of the Retrospective section of the festival.

Indian director Gautam Bora’s “Ein Herbst im Ländchen Barwalde”, documenting the everyday work and life perspectives of a family of farmers from Brandenburg, Germany, is part of the Documentary section.

“No Stranger at All” by Priya Sen will also have its international premiere at the gala. Through a collection of incomplete fictions, Sen’s film portrays Delhi in times of lockdown.

Berlin International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from February 16 to 26. (PTI)

Norway archaeologists find ‘world’s oldest runestone’

Archaeologists in Norway said Tuesday that they have found a runestone which they claim is the world’s oldest, saying the inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and date back to the earliest days of the enigmatic history of runic writing.

The flat, square block of brownish sandstone has carved scribbles, which may be the earliest example of words recorded in writing in Scandinavia, the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo said. It said it was “among the oldest runic inscriptions ever found” and “the oldest datable runestone in the world.”

“This find will give us a lot of knowledge about the use of runes in the early Iron Age. This may be one of the first attempts to use runes in Norway and Scandinavia on stone,” Kristel Zilmer, a professor at University of Oslo, of which the museum is part, told The Associated Press.

Older runes have been found on other items, but not on stone.

The earliest runic find is on a bone comb found in Denmark. Zilmer said that maybe the tip of knife or a needle was used to carve the runes.

The runestone was discovered in the fall of 2021 during an excavation of a grave near Tyrifjord,

west of Oslo, in a region known for several monumental archaeological finds. Items in the cremation pit — burnt bones and charcoal — indicate that the runes likely were inscribed between A.D. 1 and 250.

“We needed time to analyze

14 things no one tells you about aging

Lots of Know-How

They’re called the golden years for a reason. Getting older has its perks. For one, you’re good at using what you’ve learned. This is called crystalized intelligence, and it keeps getting better, even when you’re 65 or 70.

Mr. Nice Guy Turns out you might not be a grumpy old man (or woman), after all. You’ll probably get more agreeable as you age, at least through your 60s. You’re also likely to be happier and less inclined to get angry. Scientists haven’t figured out exactly why this happens, but they do have some theories. Older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.

Play Well With Others

You’re more in tune with other people’s emotions in your 40s than at any other time in your life. That insight into how others think and feel can make living with your loved ones easier and help you get along better with your coworkers, too.

Better Sex

Older women may have sex less often than when they were younger, but apparently they make it count. In a study of women 40 and over, researchers found that sexual satisfaction improved with age. Women over 80 were more likely than those between 55 and 79 to say they were satisfied during sex.

A Taste for Life

As you age, medications, illness (colds, flu, gum diseases, etc.) and allergies all can change your sense of smell and taste. And that can affect your diet and health. If you find things need to be spiced up, try some olive oil, herbs like rosemary and thyme, garlic, onion, peppers, or mustard. Just stay away from the salt.

What’s That Doing There?

Around the time the hair on your head starts to disappear, it can show up in the strangest places. This can mean large hairs in older guys’ noses and ears. Older women may notice small hairs on their chins. This is all caused by changes in our hormones.

Rise And Shine

There’s a good chance you’ll become the morning person you’ve always wanted to be -- in your 60s. Our sleeping patterns can shift as we age, so we get sleepier earlier and wake up earlier. That seems to work out well. One study showed that even though folks over 65 tend to wake up during the night, most said they regularly get a good night’s sleep.

Bye-Bye Migraines

Once you hit your 70s, those migraines you may have had much of your life may go away. Only 10% of women and 5% of men over 70 still report migraines. Even better news: If you do have a migraine, it may not actually come with the headache. As people age, some may experience migraines as visual or sensory disturbances without pain.

Don’t Quit Your Day

Job

Early retirement might not be the best thing for your health -- unless you have a fun second career. A study called the Longevity Project found that people who work hard at a job they enjoy live the longest. That, along with good friends and a good marriage, could be the key to sticking around

a while.

Fear Is Not Your Friend

You may worry more about breaking bones as you age. One study found that about a third of adults over 65 have that fear. And it’s understandable, because falls are the leading cause of injuries for older people.

Self-Confidence

Self-esteem soars as you age, studies show, and increases with wealth, education, good health, and employment. But it takes a dip after 60. That may be because people begin to have health issues and start searching for a new sense of purpose following retirement. With increasing life spans, healthier lifestyles, and working to an older age, we may see that change.

Less Stress

Baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts, according to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America report. That doesn’t mean, it goes away. Health and money problems still crop up. But, the APA says, 9 of 10 older adults say they’re doing enough to manage it.

Weight of the World

The longer you’re alive, the more gravity brings you down. The spaces between the bones in your spine -called vertebrae -- get closer together. That can make you about an inch shorter as you get older.

Strength in Numbers

The graying of America may be a good thing for you. Those 60 and over tend to cast ballots more than any other age group. And they’re the fastest-growing block of voters in the U.S. these days. That means more voting power on topics that matter as you age such as Medicare, Social Security, and health care.

and date the runestone,” she said to explain why the finding was first announced on Tuesday.

Measuring 31 centimeters by 32 centimeters (12.2 inches by 12.6 inches), the stone has several types of inscriptions and not all make linguistic sense. Eight runes on the front of the stone read “idiberug” — which could be the name of a woman, a man or a family.

Zilmer called the discovery “the most sensational thing that I, as an academic, have had.”

There is still a lot of research to be done on the rock, dubbed the Svingerud stone after the site where it was found.

“Without doubt, we will obtain valuable knowledge about the early history of runic writing,” Zilmer said.

The runestone will be exhibited for a month, starting on Jan. 21, at the Museum of Cultural History, which has Norway’s largest collection of historical artifacts, from the Stone Age to modern times. (AP)

YRF to open advance booking for ‘Pathaan’ in India on Jan 20

Production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) will open the advance booking for Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated movie “Pathaan” on January 20, five days prior its theatrical release.

“Pathaan”, directed by Siddharth Anand, also features Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

“The advance booking for ‘Pathaan’ will open on 20th Jan in India for the normal 2D version in Hindi, Tamil & Telugu along with premium formats like IMAX, 4DX, D BOX & ICE versions in Hindi.

“YRF is very excited to release the 4th film of the YRF Spy Universe which marks the entry of superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone & John Abraham to one of India’s biggest franchises,”

Rohan Malhotra, Vice President, Distribution, YRF said in a statement.

Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spy universe also includes Salman KhanKatrina Kaif’s “Ek Tha Tiger” and “Tiger Zinda Hai” as well as Hrithik Roshan’s “War”. The third film in the “Tiger”

franchise is set to arrive in December.

Salman will also make a special appearance in “Pathaan”.

“Pathaan” is set to hit cinemas worldwide on January 25. The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. (PTI)

SpaceX launches U.S. Space Force’s first mission of 2023

ASpaceX Falcon Heavy lifted off Jan. 15 at 5:56 p.m. Eastern from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, carrying the U.S. Space Force USSF-67 mission to geostationary Earth orbit.

USSF-67 was the Space Force’s first national security mission of 2023 and marked Falcon Heavy’s fifth flight since its 2018 debut, as well as its second national security space launch following the Nov. 1 launch of USSF-44.

About two and a half minutes after liftoff, both side boosters separated. The second stage separated from the core stage just over four minutes after liftoff.

Both side boosters landed back at SpaceX’s Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, about eight and a half minutes after liftoff. These landings marked SpaceX’s 163rd and 164th successful booster recoveries. They will be refurbished for future national

security space missions.

The expendable center core was jettisoned into the Atlantic Ocean and was not recovered as the mission’s performance requirements did not allow enough fuel to return the stage back to Earth.

SpaceX ended the live webcast after the booster landings and did not show views of the second stage or the payload at U.S. government request.

(Spacenews)

Reviewed by Sabrina Felson,

MD

Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Devaiah, and Vijay Varma in stills from ‘Dahaad’

The runestone found at Tyrifjorden, Norway, is shown at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, Thursday. (AP)

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched USSF67 for the U.S. Space Force on Sunday.

Thailand retain AFF Cup with win over Vietnam

BANGKOK, JAN 17

(AGENCIES): Thailand secured their second successive AFF Cup trophy Monday, seeing off a poor Vietnam side 1-0 in the second leg of the final to cement their status as the leading force in Southeast Asian football.

A fierce first-half drive from captain Theerathorn Bunmathan was enough to win in a scrappy encounter in Bangkok, played under the watchful eye of FIFA supremo Gianni Infantino.

Theerathorn and Peeradol Chamrasamee effortlessly controlled the centre for Thailand, leaving 2018 winners Vietnam chasing shadows for much of the match.

Without the full-throated support of the crowd they enjoyed in the first leg in Hanoi, Vietnam struggled to repeat the spirited perfor-

mance that saw them scrape a 2-2 draw.

The 3-2 aggregate win gave Thailand their seventh AFF trophy -- a record -- and means they have success -

fully defended the title on three separate occasions.

Theerathorn’s 24thminute goal was the fruit of patient build-up play through the midfield, as

Indian women’s hockey team registers stellar 5-1 win over SA

as she was selected to start against South Africa in this game.

Vietnam hung ever further back.

After a string of passes, lively number nine Adisak Kraisorn -- a thorn in Vietnam’s side all evening -- laid

F1 not replacing cancelled Chinese GP

LONDON, JAN 17 (AP):

the ball off as Theerathorn arrived at pace, took a touch and unleashed a ferocious shot into the bottom corner from 25 metres.

The goal rattled Vietnam, who shed what little cohesion they had shown and almost lost their heads, flying into rash tackles as the first half closed.

But it was the defending champions who ended the match a man short as Peeradol received a second caution in injury time.

Thai coach Mano Polking admitted it was not a “beautiful” performance but praised the professionalism shown by his team.

“All credit to the players -- they did a fantastic job,” he said.

Thailand have now won the AFF Cup seven times, well clear of their closest rivals Singapore, on four.

12th LFC tourney kicks off in Wokha

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN): 12th edition of Lotha Football Championship got underway at local ground Wokha on Tuesday with 16 teams vying for the coveted trophy. The tournament is being organised by Wokha District Football Association (WDFA).

On the first day, two exciting matches were played wherein the defending champion A1 Tsungiki defeated against Arsenic FC by a margin of 1-0. Victor Lotha of A1 Tsungiki scored

the lone goal in a match that saw the defending champions prove their mettle against a worthy opponent.

Unlike the first match, the second match was a goal galore in which the ball was netted six times in a back and forth manner. However, NRSA managed to edge past Tchuyiro pioneers 4-2 in the tightly fought match.

Earlier, the tourney was officially kicked off by advisor law & justice, Dr. Chumben Murry as special guest. Dr. Murry encour -

aged the players to give their best and hoped for the best team to win.

He dwelled on various topics in his speech ranging from Naga polity and upcoming elections.

Altogether, 16 teams are playing in the tournament. Matches start at 9 am daily.

MATCHES

Nagaland Jr Girls basketball team leaves for B’lore

CAPE TOWN, JAN 17

(IANS): The Indian women’s hockey team registered a stellar 5-1 win over South Africa in the first game of the four-match series here on Monday. For India, Rani (12’), Monika (20’), Navneet Kaur (24’), Gurjit Kaur (25’)

and Sangita Kumari (30’) scored, while South Africa found the back of the net through captain Quanita Bobbs (44’).

Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, the industrious midfielder took to the pitch as a senior for the first time

It marked a momentous occasion for the young player who led the Indian women’s junior team at the Uniphar U23 5-Nation Tournament 2022 in May. In the final phase of play, India was looking to extend their lead as South Africa were looking for a grandstand finish as they were hoping to get something out of the game. India was retaining the ball expertly as South Africa were chasing the game. Both teams did not find the back of the net in the fourth quarter and the game came to a close at 5-1 in favour of the Indian women’s hockey team.

Formula One confirmed Tuesday that it will not replace the canceled Chinese Grand Prix, leaving the 2023 season at what is still a record 23 races.

The race in Shanghai was canceled for the fourth straight year in December, when China had some of the toughest pandemicrelated restrictions of any country. Those rules have since been relaxed and cases of COVID-19 in China have surged.

“Formula 1 can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. All existing race dates on the calendar remain unchanged,” F1 said in a brief statement.

U19 Women’s T20 WC: Rwanda make history

DIMAPUR, JAN 17 (NPN): Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) Tuesday informed that Nagaland Junior Girls basketball team left for Bangalore on January 16 to participate in the 72nd Junior National Basketball Championship, which would be held at Sree Kranteerava Stadium, Kasturba Road, Bangalore from January 21-27, 2023. The Championship is organized by the Karnataka State Basketball Association under the aegis of Basketball Federation of India.

In a press release, NBA joint secretary Sentiningsang Longkumer informed that Nagaland Junior Girls basketball team qualified as the 3rd best team from the National Zonals held in Shillong Meghalaya last year. The team is led by cap-

tain Ruokuosanuo Sachu and Vice Captain Neikeduonuo Sachu.

Nagaland Squad: Ruokuosanuo Sachü (C), Neikeduonuo Sachü (VC),

K Deborah Newmai, Rokovino Pucho, Medosevino Nagi, Keneingunuo Keditsu, Rupa Gurung, Maria Goretti Beck, Phibalari Kharmaw, Skani Sumer,

Ibajanai Rani and Maryliana Jyrwa with Kevilhoubei Khezhie as coach, Temsu Longkumer as assistant coach and Seyievinuo Nguzhu as manager.

Shreyas ruled out of NZ ODIs due to a back injury

POTCHEFSTROOM

(SOUTH AFRICA), JAN 17 (IANS): Rwanda defeated their African counterparts Zimbabwe to record a famous victory on the fourth morning of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, while New Zealand made short work of Ireland.

This is Rwanda’s first win at an ICC World Cup.

Rwanda won a crucial encounter against Zimba -

bwe to bolster their chances of making it to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

Merveille Uwase (18 from 33) and Cynthia Tuyizere (30 from 44) were watchful yet solid in a partnership of 49, as Rwanda focussed on saving their wickets in the first 10 overs. An aggressive knock from skipper Gisele Ishimwe (34 from 23) guided them to a competitive total of 119/8.

T20 WC.

Coming off several poor batting performances, Zimbabwe were immediately put under pressure by a disciplined Rwanda.

By the 12th over, the asking rate had jumped to over eight runs an over. After the settled Kelly Ndiraya (20 from 38) fell to a brilliant diving catch from Sylvia Usabyimana, Zimbabwe lost the plot and never came close to their target. Hen -

riette Ishimwe ended their misery with a superb double hat-trick (4-13). In the second match of the day, Ireland collapsed on a good batting wicket to hand New Zealand an easy win. Already weakened by the loss of skipper Amy Hunter due to an injury, Ireland’s batters compounded their problem by losing four wickets, two of them to poor running between wickets, during the powerplay overs. The innings never recovered from this start as they were shot out for 95. Medium pacer Natasha Codyre (3-6) was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers.

The Kiwis made merry with the bat on a decent strip to chase down the target with 79 balls to spare. Having lost both their group games so far, Ireland will need to be at their best against Indonesia to make it to the next stage of the tournament.

La Liga’s Villarreal CF collaborates with Bengaluru’s AFA

MUMBAI, JAN 17 (IANS): La Liga club Villarreal CF have reached a collaboration agreement with Bengaluru’s Alchemy International Football Academy, making it the official affiliate academy of the Spanish club as part of their international expansion project. Alchemy International Football Academy will work hand-in-hand with

Villarreal CF to implement Yellow Submarine’s innovative methodology for the development of its players and coaches. Selected players from Alchemy International Football Academy will have the chance to visit Villarreal CF in Spain to take part in the Player Training Week and Team Playing Experience programmes in which they train

with or play against Villarreal’s youth teams. The Bangalore-based football academy was founded in 2013 and provides different programmes for players from 12 to 21 years of age. Alchemy

International Football Academy was nominated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to be part of FIFA’s High-Performance Programme.

MUMBAI, JAN 17 (IANS): Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a back injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday.

“He will be heading to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further assessment and management,” it said in a statement.

Rajat Patidar, who is yet to make his debut, has been named as Iyer’s replacement in the ODI squad for the series. Iyer played in all the matches in the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka, s coring 28, 28 and 38 batting at No. 4. He

is India’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs since 2022, after Shubman Gill, scoring 818 at an average of 51.12. The 28-year-old

India

Western Angami Students’ Union

WASU 75 th Years Jubilee Central Organising Committee

Khonoma Students’ Union

Parish Priest and Carmelite Sisters, St John the Evangelist Church, Khonoma

Khonoma Catholic Union

Khonoma Catholic Youth Association

Neilhusa Kikramia, Khonoma

Phetsu Kiku Club, Khonoma

are unable to thank everyone individually, but we sincerely hope you accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. Grandmother, brothers, sister and relatives

Thailand Head coach Alexandre Polking holds the trophy as he celebrates with Thailand team winning The Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup final.

(L) Participating teams during opening ceremony at local ground Wokha. (R) Dr. Chumben Murry speaking at the programme.

TODAY’S

Stallion FC vs Ordovician FC Friends Club vs XI Brothers

Nagaland Junior Girls basketball team and officials before leaving at Railway station.

Indian Women’s Hockey teammates celebrate scoring a goal against South Africa.

also played a starring role in India’s Test series win over Bangladesh in December last year, scoring 87 and 29* at Mirpur to help India win the deciding game.

play the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad on January 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. India’s updated ODI squad against New

Zealand: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.

Shreyas Iyer

Rwanda U-19 women players celebrate victory over Zimbabwe at U19 Women’s

Djokovic, Murray win as weather plays havoc at Aus Open

MELBOURNE, JAN 17

(AGENCIES): Novak

Djokovic returned to the Australian Open nearly 700 days since winning the title for a ninth time and continued exactly where he left off at the Grand Slam he has dominated with a commanding first-round win on Tuesday.

After regular Melbourne adversary Andy Murray conjured some old magic to stop last year’s semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini in a five-set classic, Djokovic was cheered on to Rod Laver Arena to complete a manic day with scorching heat and drenching rain.

Deprived of a tilt at a record-extending 10th title last year after being deported on the eve of the tournament for not having a COVID-19 vaccination, the Serbian showed his class as he glided past Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0.

Welcomed like a returning hero by the evening crowd, many sporting Serbian flags, the 35-year-old Djokovic was imperious throughout and rattled off the third set for the loss of four points to seal an 83rd win at the tournament.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere,” fourth seed Djokovic, who has now won 22 matches in a row in Melbourne since his last loss in 2018, said on court.

“Thanks for the welcome

and the reception that I could only dream of. Very happy to be back.”

After the bitter memory of last year when Djokovic was confined to a hotel housing asylum seekers while awaiting his fate, his return was incident-free as he showed no sign of the hamstring niggle that had cast a cloud in the build-up.

It was far from routine earlier, however, as five-time runner-up Murray rolled back the years and saved a

Hockey WC: Belgium play out 2-2 draw against Germany

match point to beat Berrettini 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-7(7) 7-6 (106) in a near five-hour slog and former world number two Alexander Zverev edged Peruvian lucky loser Juan Pablo Varillas in another five-setter.

Three-hour stoppage

Organisers had their work cut out as extreme heat forced a three-hour stoppage on the outside courts. As night fell, a storm

brought heavy rain, leaving 11 matches unfinished, including nine which did not even start.

Under the Rod Laver roof, second seed Ons Jabeur was given a scare by Tamara Zidansek before winning 7-6(8) 4-6 6-1.

Coming off a big preseason, Murray channelled his halcyon days of 2016 as he raced to a two-set lead against the 13th-seeded Berrettini, who beat him at the U.S. Open last year.

Berrettini stormed back though and missed an easy backhand on a match point before Murray sealed victory in the deciding tiebreak with a cruel net cord.

Twelfth seed Zverev had a huge scare against world number 103 Varillas but the German steadied himself to win a four-hour dogfight 4-6 6-1 5-7 7-6(3) 6-4 at the Margaret Court Arena.

It was Zverev’s first win since tearing ankle liga-

ments in last year’s French Open semi-final against Rafa Nadal.

Top 10 seeds Andrey Rublev and Taylor Fritz eased into the second round earlier on Tuesday with Russian Rublev beating former finalist Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3 6-4 6-2 as temperatures nudged 36 degrees Celsius.

Extreme heat

Women’s seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Caroline Garcia earlier enjoyed the

relative cool on Rod Laver Arena before the rising mercury sent fans scurrying for shade as organisers invoked the Extreme Heat Policy and halted play on outside courts without roofs.

Fifth seed Sabalenka, who opened the year by winning the Adelaide title without losing a set, kept up her fine form with an emphatic 6-1 6-4 victory over Tereza Martincova.

Fourth seed Garcia, who won the WTA Finals last season, was equally convincing with a 6-3 6-0 win over Canadian qualifier Katherine Sebov.

Garcia will face another Canadian in 2021 U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, who beat Alize Cornet 7-5 6-2, her first win in the main draw at Melbourne Park. Rublev and Sabalenka, like all Russian and Belarusian players, are competing at the tournament without national affiliation as a result of last year’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sindhu bows out; Sen, Saina win in India Open opener

BHUBANESWAR, JAN

17 (PTI): Defending champions Belgium found the equaliser with six minutes left in the match to play out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Germany and keep themselves in the hunt for a direct quarterfinal qualification in the FIH Men’s World Cup here on Tuesday.

Cedric Charlier gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a field goal but Germany came back strongly and struck two goals through Wellen Niklas (22nd minute) and Tom Grambusch (52nd,

penalty stroke).

Victor Wegnez scored a field goal in the 54th minute to save Belgium from defeat in the Pool B match.

Belgium and Germany are on four points from two matches and the group topper will be decided in their respective last matches on January 20 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.

Belgium take on Japan while Germany face South Korea. Belgium are currently on top of the pool on the basis of better goal difference of plus five as against

plus three of Germany.

South Korea came back from one goal down to beat Japan 2-1 in an earlier Pool A match.

Lee Jung-jun struck two field goals (eighth and 23th minutes) after Ken Nagayoshi had given South Korea the lead in the first minute through a penalty corner.

South Korea are at third spot with three points. They had lost to Belgium 0-5 in their first match. Japan had also lost their first match against Germany 0-3.

Ronaldo-Messi rivalry set for new chapter in Riyadh

spells at Manchester United, the last of which ended on a bitter note as he exited following his acrimonious split with the club.

Ronaldo and Messi, who have dominated football’s debate about the greatest of all time (GOAT) for the best part of 10 years, will face off on the pitch on Thursday for the first time since December 2020 when Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0.

Ronaldo will lead Riyadh ST XI, a team made up of players from Al Hilal and Al Nassr, against Messi’s Paris St Germain in the exhibition contest where nothing is at stake, but fans are still excited by the prospect of watching the two stars clash.

(PTI):

champion Lakshya Sen and London bronze medallist Saina Nehwal made winning starts at the India Open here on Tuesday.

World No. 7 Sindhu, a former champion, went down 12-21, 20-22 to Thailand’s world No. 30 Supanida Katethong in the Super 750 badminton tournament. The Indian had lost to the same player in the semifinals of the last edition.

It was Sindhu’s second first-round exit following the opening-round loss to Carolina Marin at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 last week.

World No. 12 Sen, seeded seventh, settled the score against world No. 9 HS Prannoy after his opening-round reversal at the Malaysia Open, with a

21-14, 21-15 win at the KD Jadhav Indoor hall in IG Stadium.

It was also a good day for former champion Saina, who eked out a fighting 2117, 12-21, 21-19 win over world No. 24 Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark in her opening match.

Sindhu, who is on a comeback trail after recovering from a stress fracture on her ankle, didn’t look at her best as she struggled against the left-handed Supanida, who was precise in her returns and looked in more control in the rallies.

A poor start saw the Indian trail 4-11 at the interval and even though she reduced the deficit to two points, Supanida reeled off four straight points from 1714 to take the opening game.

Supandia, who is coached by Sindhu’s former Korean coach Kim Ji Hyun, didn’t allow the Indian to

attack, curbing her lifts and engaging her in rallies in slow conditions.

The former world champion fought hard in the second game as she moved from 12-17 to grab one game point at 19-20. She had, in fact, left the court after the opponent’s return was called out.

But a video referral showed that the shuttle had actually kissed the line, handing her opponent a chance to close the match. And she did it in style after Sindhu went wide.

Reigning champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also produced a clinical display to storm into the second round after beating Scotland’s Christopher Grimley and Matthew Grimley 21-13, 21-15 in their men’s doubles opener.

The other doubles pairs, Krishna Prasad Ga-

While Krishna and Vishnu beat the Dutch pairing of Ruben Jille and Ties Van Der Lecq 21-11, 23-25, 21-19, Treesa and Gayatri notched up a 22-20, 17-21, 21-18 win over France’s world No. 29 Margot Lambert and Anne Tran in their opener.

Commonwealth Games champion Sen will next take on Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke, who knocked out two-time world champion Kento Momota of Japan 21-15, 21-11 earlier in the day.

Prannoy didn’t have a good start, committing too many unforced errors to fall behind from the start.

Sen, on the other hand, looked to attack and re -

mained steady in the rallies, producing some good winners to stay ahead at 15-9.

Sen brought down the shuttle with a thud every time it was in range, while Prannoy was erratic. Soon Sen moved to nine game points; he wasted three of them before Prannoy went to net again.

The second game looked more competitive at the start but Sen broke off at 9-9 and never looked back.

Satwik and Chirag, who had claimed a semifinal finish last week in Kuala Lumpur, will be up against either China’s Liu Yu Chen and Ou Xuan Yi or England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy.

Among other Indians, N Sikki Reddy and her new women’s doubles partner Shruti Mishra went down fighting 17-21, 19-21 to Germany’s Linda Efler and Isabel Lohau.

2020.

RIYADH, JAN 17 (AGENCIES): A new chapter in the celebrated rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will unfurl on Thursday when they meet in an exhibition match as the Portugal forward gears up for his first game in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Nassr.

After a glittering career in Europe that saw him win four Champions League titles with Real Madrid and two Scudettos at Juventus, Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr, describing it as the “right moment” to share his experience in Asia.

The Saudi club is the latest stop in Ronaldo’s career that began in 2002 at Sporting CP before the forward spent two

The highly anticipated showdown, which will take place at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, reportedly had more than two million online ticket requests.

The bidding for a VIP “Beyond Imagination” ticket to the match has already topped 10 million riyals ($2.66 million) in an auction that is set to end later on Tuesday. The game has also captivated fans as it comes just over a month after Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, the missing piece in his vast trophy collection.

The exhibition game will also feature other key PSG players such as Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and Neymar, while Saudi internationals Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored in the shock group-stage win over Argentina, and Saud Abdulhamid will play too.

Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray

Andrey Rublev

Taylor Fritz Ons Jabeur

Aryna Sabalenka

NEW DELHI, JAN 17

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was knocked out but defending

raga and Vishnu Goud Panjala, and Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also claimed first-round wins.

PV Sindhu

Lakshya

Sen

Saina Nehwal Chirag Shetty & Satwiksairaj Rankireddy

Belgium and Germany players vie for the ball during FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 match at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday.(PTI)

FILE—Lionel Messi in action with Cristiano Ronaldo during Champions League - Group G match in Dec 8,