2 March 2023

Nagaland Post

Head-on train crash in Greece kills 36

Tension grips Noklak after violence

Correspondent NOKLAK, MAR 1 (NPN):

Noklak town continues to be under heightened tension after post-poll violence claimed the life of a supporter of one political party and injury on another when security forces had to resort to blank firing to prevent torching of the DC Office at around 12 a.m. (March 1).

Tension began on February 27 night after supporters of the BJP candidate under 56 Noklak assembly constituency had demanded repoll. The BJP had also lodged a complaint to the

LPG price hiked by steep Rs 50; ATF price cut by 4 pc

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): Cooking gas LPG price on Wednesday was hiked by Rs 50 per cylinder -- the first increase in rates in almost eight months -- that came within days of end of polling in three northeastern states and was sharply criticised by the Opposition.

A 14.2-kg LPG cylinder in Delhi now costs Rs 1,103, up from Rs 1,053, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. State-owned Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd said Rs 1,103 was the rate for a 14.2-kg non-subsidised LPG cylinder.

The government doesn’t pay any subsidy to most non-Ujjwala users and this is the rate that they will have to pay for buying cooking gas refills. The government pays Rs 200 per cylinder subsidy to 9.58 crore poor who got free LPG connection under PMUY.

With the latest increase, LPG now costs Rs 1,102.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Mumbai, Rs 1,129 in Kolkata and Rs 1,118.50 in Chennai. Rates differ from state to state depending on local taxes.

Parallely, oil firms also hiked the price of commercial LPG, used in hotels and restaurants, by Rs 350.5 to Rs 2,119.5 per 19-kg cylinder. Separately, ATF price was cut by 4 per cent in line with softening international rates of the fuel.

CEO that the presiding officer had sealed the EVM and made the diary entry in the absence of its polling agents

Next day on the evening of February 28, the supporters of the candidate were informed that the demand for repoll had been refused after considering all aspects.

Despite warning by security forces to withdraw, the protestors continued to gather and then reportedly tried to storm the DC office against the decision to not order a repoll at Polling Station No.7 under Noklak village ‘A’. Police sources said the protestors turned

Counting of

violent outside the perimeter of DC’s office where the EVMs were stored. The sources said that the protestors then began throwing petrol bombs at the office which set fire to external portions of the office. However, there was no major damage to the office. As preventive measures, security forces resorted to blank fire in order to disperse the protestors. However, in the melee, one person was reportedly shot on the chest and succumbed to injuries while another person received bullet injuries. The victim was identified as

KCC condemns Feb 27 firing incident

DIMAPUR, MAR 1 (NPN): Kevijau Colony Council (KCC) has strongly condemned the February 27 night incident wherein unidentified miscreants fired several rounds in the air outside the residence of Kevijau Colony GB in Dimapur.

3rd Test: Khawaja puts Aus in lead against India

SPORTS,

Repoll in 4 polling stations peaceful: CEO

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 1 (NPN): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar said that the repoll in four polling stations in Zunheboto, Wokha, Mon and Noklak districts held on Wednesday ended successfully.

L. Tongpa aged 33 and son of Lusop. The injured person was rushed to the district hospital for treatment on the head/neck, while his condition was stated to be stable.

The protestors initially refused to allow the body of the victim to be released till repoll is held in the particular polling station. By late evening hundreds of youths, reportedly from nearby areas reached the public ground. Later tension eased when most of the protestors went away after releasing the body of the victim to authorities.

votes in Nagaland, Tripura

DIMAPUR, MAR 1

(NPN): Counting of votes to the 14th Nagaland legislative Assembly (NLA) general election would begin at 8am on March 2, 2023.

CEO office through its media cell informed that result trends would be displayed and can be viewed on its website (https://results. eci.gov.in/) or one could download Voter Helpline Mobile App. The assembly election was held on February 27 sealing the electoral fate of 182 candidates, who contested in 59 out of a total of 60 seats.

Agencies: With the stage set for counting of votes for the assembly elections

in three northeast statesMeghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland, the stakes seem higher for the BJP as results will signal if it has deepened its roots in Tripura, a Left bastion captured by the party in 2018, and made further inroads in Meghalaya and Nagaland, or if the

In a press release, KCC chairman Nokchi Jamir described as “cowardice” the act committed by those miscreants and said that “such unethical behaviour and action” was not acceptable in a civilised society.

KCC informed that it has already lodged FIR urging the law enforcing authority to look into the matter, arrest those perpetrators involved and award “stringent exemplary punishment”.

Meanwhile, the council has appreciated the sub urban police personnel for timely intervention.

Addressing a press conference here, CEO disclosed that repolling at New Colony polling station under 35-Zunheboto assembly constituency registered a voting percentage of 54.16%, 39-Sanis constituency in Wokha registered 67.66% voting, Jaboka village in Tizit recorded 97.55% and Pathso East Wing under 57-Thonoknyu constituency under Noklak district recorded 69.81%.

He pointed out, based on reports submitted by general observers after taking all material circumstances into account, Election Commission of India (ECI) had declared repolling at four

polling stations. He said the reason for repoll in Zunheboto and Noklak districts was proxy voting as per videography evidences and scrutiny of election-related documents, while repoll was held in Mon and Wokha districts since the presiding and polling officials did not follow the standard procedure/protocols during the polling process.

Shekhar said that elaborate arrangements have been put in place for counting of votes on Thursday whereby all 59 Assembly

constituencies (AC) would be monitored independently by 59 counting observers of ECI. He mentioned that postal ballots would be counted first and, after 30 minutes, counting of votes in EVMs would start in all AC counting halls from 8 am. He said votes of all 59 ACs would be counted in separate rooms – 33 AC in pre-constructed separate rooms and 26 ACs would be accommodated in a big hall with partition for each AC.

& Meghalaya today KPC denounces alleged ‘threat’ to member

in Meghalaya, which is projected to emerge as the single-largest party. The poll of three exit polls shows that NPP is going to win around 20 out of the 59 seats that went to polls in Meghalaya. Meanwhile, the Congress and BJP are expected to bag six seats apiece.

DIMAPUR, MAR 1 (NPN): Kohima Press Club (KPC) has condemned the veiled threat allegedly on a member of the club in connection with an issue that had recently cropped up between state BJP media cell convenor Sapralu Nyekha and the KPC.

opposition has managed to dent its influence. The BJP and allies are set to retain power in Tripura and Nagaland while Meghalaya could see a fractured mandate, various exit polls predicted. Various exit polls gave an edge to Conrad Sangma-led NPP

NBCC CEM thanks people for support

DIMAPUR, MAR 1 (NPN): Clean Election Movement (CEM) under the aegis of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has thanked the people of Nagaland for the courage and for standing by the pledge of clean election.

CEM convener Dr Villo Naleo in a press release said despite the limitations and challenges, he was encouraged and emboldened by the commitment of numerous individuals and organisations that came out in support and practised the principles of clean election.

According to him, these were the seeds of hope and indications of

change that were slowly but would definitely shape the Nagaland that everyone envisioned. “Because we believe that the smallest of light is more powerful and will conquer the darkest and strongest of force that seems insurmountable,” he added.

As the 14th Assembly election drew to a close, he said CEM acknowledged that clean election could not be practised in letter and in spirit. He expressed sorrow and condemned in strongest terms that precious lives were taken needlessly. He mentioned that he was saddened by the rampant violence, malpractices and proxy voting.

Naleo said when national media reported about over 84% voters’ turnout in Nagaland, CEM’s head hanged in shame because each conscientious voter in Nagaland knew the reality reflected in the highly inflated turnout percentage. He however expressed hope that with renewed vigour, commitment, lessons learned and faith in God, CEM would be reviewed and strategise the course of action. He also solicit continued support and active participation of all citizens, organisations and government establishments to make clean election a reality in the land.

In Nagaland, the NDPP-BJP alliance is expected to win 42 out of 60 seats while the former ruling party NPF is expected to bag just 6.

The BJP and its partner IPFT are expected to win around 32 out of 60 seats in Tripura, which is just above the majority mark of 31, the poll of exit polls shows.

Chungtia murder case: 4 arrested

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, MAR

1 (NPN): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested four persons in connection with the murder of Imkongchiba Kichu from Chungtia village, who went missing on February 21 and the dead body found the next day.

Updating media persons about the case at his office chamber, SP Mokokchung Manoj Kumar said that four persons were arrested till March 1. Since investigation was ongoing, Kumar said the police would be providing update as more development unfolds.

In a press note, KPC said it was making it public “without any malice, that if any untoward incident happens to the concerned member, or to any KPC member in the backdrop of such uncalled-for threat, the present state BJP media cell convener as well as the state party leadership will be held responsible.”

While stating that it accepted shortcomings from all sides as human beings, KPC, however, said that it would not tolerate expressions of threat to any member of the press fraternity, veiled or direct and condemned outright such threats levelled on not just journalists alone but on anyone. KPC said it was dismayed by the State BJP’s handling of the issue of “unprofessional and arrogant behaviour” of its media convenor while dealing with journalists after she handed out a press release on February 17 containing erroneous information

about the visit of a union minister to Nagaland. The club pointed out that the issue could have been put to rest with a simple admission of professional mistake and issuance of a clarification by the media cell convener. Instead, KPC said that the callous attitude of the state BJP leadership, to whom it had already notified about the matter with evidence on February 18, had emboldened the erring functionary to issue personal threats while continuing to publicly slander a senior member of the media fraternity.

Rs 4-5-crore loss in Mao Market fire

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 1 (NPN):

The devastating fire that broke out in Mao Market on Monday had completely gutted at least 78 rooms in NN Market here and nearby personal properties.

NN Market proprietor

Beizo estimated the losses in the fire to be around Rs 4-5 crore. A shopkeeper of the market informed Nagaland

Post that she had a received phone call around 4:50 pm from an eyewitness informing her that the market was on fire and that she rushed to the site to save whatever items she could.

However, she lamented

Extra-judicial confession weak piece of evidence: SC

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (IANS): Supreme Court has said that strong evidence is required to corroborate extra-judicial confession, which is a weak piece of evidence, as it acquitted a man in a 2007 murder case.

A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Vikram Nath said: “The extra-judicial confession is a weak piece of evidence and especially, when it has been retracted during trial. It requires strong evidence to corroborate it and also it must be established that it was completely voluntary and truthful.”

The apex court made this observation while hearing a plea filed by murder accused Indrajit Das challenging the order of the Tripura High Court. The

bench said: “We do not find any corroborating evidence to support the extra judicial confession, rather the evidence led by prosecution is inconsistent with the same.” It observed that in a case of circumstantial evidence, motive has an important role to play. Motive may also have a role to play even in a case of direct evidence but it carries much greater importance in a case of circumstantial evidence than a case of direct evidence and it is an important link in the chain of circumstances, it added.

The high court had declined to entertain an appeal filed by Das, while confirming the conviction by the trial court under Section 302/34 (murder and common intention) of the

IPC and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of IPC. Das was handed down imprisonment for life and allied sentences to run concurrently. The police have claimed that Das, along with a juvenile, confessed before them that they had gone to Fatikroy and Kanchanbari area in north Tripura district on the bike of the deceased Kaushik Sarkar.

According to the police, the accused assaulted the deceased with a big knife and threw his helmet, purse, and two knives in the nearby jungle and dragged the body and the motorcycle to a nearby river and threw them into it. The bench noted that the dead body has not been recovered and only a limb was recovered but no DNA testing was carried out to

establish that the limb was that of the deceased Sarkar. “As such, the entire case of the prosecution proceeds on presumption that Kaushik Sarkar has died. The principle of corpus delicti has judgments on both sides stating that conviction can be recorded in the absence of the recovery of the corpus and the other view that no conviction could be recorded in the absence of recovery of the corpus,” it said.

In conclusion, the bench said: “We find that the major links of the chain of circumstances have not been proved by the prosecution evidence and as such it would be unjust to uphold the conviction of the appellant. The appellant would be entitled to benefit of doubt.”

Remnants of the Mao Market complex after Monday’s fire. (NP)

that she could retrieve nothing as the blazing inferno had already consumed her shop. Some eyewitnesses claimed that the fire started from Mao Market and, after

sometime, LPG cylinders from nearby hotel burst that further fuelled the flames, completely engulfing NN Market.

Pangnyu dismisses allegations

DIMAPUR, MAR 1 (NPN): Sitting MLA and BJP candidate from 50 Longleng assembly constituency S Pangnyu Phom has dismissed as “totally baseless and without any ground evidence” the allegations that he violated model code of conduct (MCC) by trying to allow the voters to cast they vote after 4 p.m. at Yachem village polling station.

In a statement, Pangnyu Phom claimed that as a candidate, he visited the polling station “without any ill intentions”. However, Phom said that soon after reaching, he was informed that the Presiding Officer (PO) was refusing to allow the voters to cast their vote by citing that voting should end at 4pm. Pangnyu

Phom said he therefore requested the security personnel and polling personnel to allow all the voters those who were already in queue as per

the norms of the Election Commission of India. Hoeever, he said the PO refused and insisted that voting process would be closed at 4pm and asked the voters in queue to disperse. In this regard, the sitting MLA has appealed to the competent authority to initiate necessary action against those who were “trying to tarnish my image by randomly making a video which went viral on social media.”

Pangnyu demanded that investigation by the authority against the polling personnel must made public and take appropriate action, if found guilty. Further, Pangnyu clarified with regard to what he called as “false” reporting by a local new channel over the incident that took place at Polling Station High School Ward, (Part No. 19) Longleng on February 27, 2023 evening.

Crowd gathered at the local ground near the DC’s office and security personnel stand guard outside the DC’s office, Wednesday. (NP)

Post-poll scrutiny for Peren and 42 Tapi A/Cs

DIMAPUR: Post Poll Scrutiny of Form 17 A and other documents was conducted for Peren Assembly Constituencies and 43-Tapi Assembly Constituency on February 28.

According to DIPR report, the scrutiny was carried out by the general observer of 6-Tening and 7-Peren Assembly Constituencies, Manoj Kumar and Returning Officer (RO) of 6-Tening & 7-Peren Assembly Constituencies in the presence of candidates’ representative agents at ADC conference hall Peren.

Scrutiny was done for any of the following categories in polling stations:

Polling stations where

complaints of poll ringing and malpractice were received during the polling

process; polling stations where any significant event EVM related or otherwise

Training on scientific beekeeping

was reported, polling station where poll took place in the absence of any polling agent or in the presence of polling agent of only one candidate, polling stations where the number of electors who cast their vote using documents other than EPIC and exceeding 25% of the total votes cast in the polling station, polling stations where more than 10% of electors have been identified as ASD turned up to vote, polling station where polling percentage is plus 15% or minus 15 % than the average polling percentage of the AC and polling station where there are at least five tendered votes/ challenged votes reported.

After no complaints were received from the political candidates’ agents, Manoj Kumar declared that there will be no re-polling in the Peren district of 6 Peren & 7 Peren Assembly Constituencies.

For 43-Tapi Assembly Constituency the post poll scrutiny was conducted in the presence of General Observer with the representatives of the candidates at the chamber of Returning Officer Rongsenmenla. They Verified Form 17A and other documents, whether the poll was conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner, as per the guideline of the Election Commissioner of India (ECI).

DIMAPUR: District Horticulture Officer (DHO) Tuensang, Tiakaba Longchar, distributed oyster mushroom spawn to beneficiaries at his office chamber on

March 1. A DIPR report stated that the DHO speaking at the distribution programme, stated that it was the first spawn sampling manufactured in

the district. He advised the beneficiaries to nurture it carefully as per the training so that the department can take note of the result since it was on a trial basis.

Relief fund handed to Mao market fire victims

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 1(NPN):

Damaged Assessment Committee headed by ADC Kohima, Rhosietho Ngouri which was been formed to oversee the distribution of relief materials to fire victims and their rehabilitation on Wednesday handed an immediate relief to the fire victims and vendors of Mao market and NN Market that were completely razed down on February 27.

Officials and participants of the training.

DIMAPUR: Two-day training on Scientific Beekeeping with Stingless Bees

ESH condemns: Eastern

Sumi Hoho (ESH) has vehemently condemned the poll-related violence in Kiphire where the house of its vice president, Phutoi Awomi was allegedly destroyed by unidentified miscreants on February 26 at around 11 pm. In a condemnation note, ESH president, Vikato Yeptho and general secretary, Z. Robert Heeto stated that such unscrupulous activities perpetrated against its executive was unfortunate while the Hoho was relentlessly advocating for clean and fair election. ESH urged the law enforcing agencies to identify the culprit and take appropriate action at the earliest.

Late Khodao death anniversary observed: Lotha Region of NSCN/ GPRN observed the 13th death anniversary of late Khodao Yanthan, former Kedallo of NSCN/ GPRN, at a function held at office of the CAO, Lotha Region. A press release by Lotha Region, NSCN/GPRN, stated that a short life biography of Yanthan was shared by deputy kilonser, and grandson of the deceased leader, Simon Yanthan. The function was chaired by region secretary and invocation pronounced by region chaplain.

Seminar on career options: Royal Global School (RGS) Gauwhati will be hosting a seminar on March 4 at auditorium of Christian English School, for parents and students of Dimapur willing to know about various career options and changes in the education system due to New Education Policy 202. A press release by Target Media, stated that the seminar would be conducted by speakers, principal, RGS, Sanjay Tiwari and Keshav Agarwal from Delhi. The seminar will feature two sessions from 12:30-1:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm, covering range of topics, such as career counseling, memory techniques, and academic leadership.

and Apis cerana for better honey production and pollination in Nagaland was conducted at Punglwa Village in Peren on February 17 and 18.

A press release by SASRD, NU Medziphema, stated that specified topics on scientific Stingless beekeeping, basics on apiary establishment, scientific hives and maintenance, bee diseases and pests, importance of bees

and insects on pollination, scientific honey harvesting, etc. were delineated by resource speakers.

The participants were also given scientific boxes for rearing stingless bees after the training.

Altogether, 64 beekeepers from six nearby villages attended the intensive training which included practical demonstration by resource persons apart from discussion hours.

1st Death a nniversary

According to DIPR report, an immediate relief fund of Rs. 20 lakh by state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio and Rs. 30 lakh by the Nagaland State Disaster

ADC Kohima, Rhosietho Ngouri hands relief fund to one of the fire victims on March 1 in Kohima. (DIPR)

Management Authority (NSDMA) were handed over to the affected victims and vendors by the committee.

A total of 20 families and 55 persons were affected in the residential ar-

Acknowledgement

Lt. Chingmei Konyak (Hundokhu)

Born on : 06/08/1988

Died on : 24/02/2023

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Chingmei Konyak would love to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to every individuals, friends, neighbours, churches and unions who stood by us during our sad loss.

We convey our special gratitude to :

1. KBBC Chumoukedima

2. K.U. Chumoukedima

3. Wakching Area Union

4. Kongan Union Dimapur

5. All the companies of NAP Delhi Battalions

6. Delhi NAP Fellowship & Nagaland Police Baptist Church

7. Sangtam Baptist Church Chumoukedima

We regret and apologize for our inability to acknowledge each and everyone individually. Yet, it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless each one of you abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children & Relatives

eas of Upper Chandmari, Porterlane, and Dzüvüru colony. The relief funds were handed to the victims as per the number of members of the household. In commercial areas, a total

of 92 shops/vendors at Mao Market and 61 at NN Market were affected and a

relief fund was handed to the vendors/shop owners who were affected in the fire incident.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that properties worth Rs. 4 to 5 crore were completely destroyed in the inferno.

About 78 rooms in the NN market including three tenants’ rooms and 61shops houses were completely engulfed in the inferno. Proprietor, NN Market, Beizo informed that around Rs. 4-5 crore of the property were completely destroyed.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

dp-816/23

Died on : 13.02.2023

Born on : 14.12.1959 –

We the bereaved family members of Late Vihoshe Sumi (James) wishes to acknowledge the expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, neighbours and well-wishers who visited our home, attended the wake, service and burial and who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. We are truly grateful to those who called, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, messages of condolence, as well as those who made charitable donations.

A special word of thanks to :-

1) Management, Nurses and Staff of Eden Hospital, Faith Hospital, Zion Hospital and Apollo Excel Care Guwahati.

2) Mrs. Ilika DRC and Dr. Chenjei Nagaland House Guwahati

3) Sumi Christian Fellowship Guwahati

4) Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church

5) Kheshito Baptist Church

6) Satoi Town Baptist Church

7) Tsuruhu Baptist Church

8) Ghokhuvi Baptist Church

9) Shoipu Baptist Church

10) D.C Court Fellowship Dimapur

11) Tsuruhu Prayer Fellowship Dimapur

12) Women Department Kheshito Baptist Church

13) Dimapur Sumi Council

14) D.C Court Sumi Council

15) Dimapur Sumi Totimi Loka ( DSTL)

16) Dimapur Sumi Student's Union (DSSU)

17) DSTL D.C Court Dimapur

18) B.J.P. Legislators and State Unit

25.07.1968 – 02.03.2022

One year has passed since you left us but your memory still lingers a fresh in our hearts. We miss you in silent tears and May God grant eternal peace to your soul.

Loving Wife, Children and Relatives

Though

Er. Lt. D. B. Thapa 02. 03. 2022

DHO Tuensang, Tiakaba Longchar with the beneficiaries.

Post Poll scrutiny of form 17 A and other documents for 43-Tapi A/C on February 28. (IA Mon)

Assembly election: training for counting personnel and officials

DIMAPUR: The counting of votes for assembly election in Nagaland will take place on March 2. In this connec-

tion, the last round of briefing and training for polling personnel and other officials assigned for ballot counting was held at the respective district headquarters on March 1 to acquire thorough knowledge of counting process, proceedings, relevant conduct rules and guidelines of ECI thereby no mistake is committed during counting of votes.

Training for counting personnel under Mokokchung district in progress at Town

The final briefing and training for the polling personnel assigned for ballot counting under Mokokchung district was held at Town Hall, Mokokchung on March 1, 2023.

The counting of ballot will be carried out in the office premises of Deputy Commissioner Mokokchnug on March 2 from 8 am onwards.

Master trainer, Vinod demonstrated and gave instruction on the procedures to be carried during the process of ballot counting.

Earlier, ADC Mokokchung, Chumamo Humtsoe expressed appreciation to all the polling officials for their collective effort in conducting the polling successfully in the district.

SDO(C) Mokokchung, Longti Sangtam briefed the polling officials on the procedures to be followed for Postal ballot vote counting while AEO Mokokchung, Renben Mozhui briefed them on the arrangement made for the counting process.

Training for counting personnel was held at DC’s Conference Hall Kiphire. The training was conducted in the presence of two ROs from both the 59th A/ C & 60th A/ C respectively.

At the training, Master Trainer Gagan encour-

Counting observer for 6-Tening A/C, Purushottam Paswan along with DC & DEO Peren, ROs and other officials at the interaction at ADC Office, Peren. (DIPR)

The last round of training for Counting Supervisors, Assistants, and Tabulators was held at Town Hall, Peren Town. The training programme was held in the presence of Counting Observer for 6-Tening A/C, Purushottam Paswan.

The trainees were given a demonstration on the counting of votes recorded on EVMs, and the counting of postal ballots in detail and were also briefed on relevant Form filling procedures. He also informed them

KIPHIRE

aged all the trainees to be sincere and attentive while counting the votes so that any mistakes can be avoided.

Every table will be assisted by a Micro Observer and as per the directives from the ECI and therefor

that counting for 6-Tening A/C, counting will be held at DB’s Court, ADC Office, Peren Town while for 7-Peren A/C, would be held at the Conference Hall of ADC Office, Peren Town. Further, he highlighted on the arrangements that were put in place at the Counting Centres. During the course of training, the trainees clarified their doubts with the Master Trainer. The training was imparted by Nodal Officer for Training Management & Master Trainer, Albert.

those assigned have been asked to reach the place of counting by 5 a.m. The counting will be held in two places for 59th A/C Seyochung - Sitimi DB’s Court DC Office and 60th A/ C Pungro- Kiphire in DC’s Conference Hall Kiphire.

Assembly polls: Re-poll at Zunheboto, Tizit

Training for all categories of counting officials for the general election at Multi-Purpose Hall, Zunheboto on March 1. (DIPR)

SHAMATOR

Training for vote counting in the presence of Political Party Counting Agents at DBs Court and Counting Centre Shamator on March 1 (DIPR)

Capacity building workshop for students of KCK

DIMAPUR: A capacitybuilding workshop titled “Campus to CorporateAdvancing Northeast” was organized by the Students’ Counseling and Mentoring & Career Guidance Cell, Kohima College, Kohima (KCK) in collaboration with North East Council (NEC) on February 21.

According to DIPR, the initiative of NEC, DoNER was implemented by NEDFi and was launched in May 2022 with the objective of providing mentoring support to the youth of North East region in the fields of education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Misuse of licensed firearms on rise in Mnp

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAR 1: Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday told

Q.: Is it desirable and democratic if there is no opposition-less formation after March 2?

NEXT POLL

Q: Has the recent assembly election been free and fair and peaceful?

the house of state Assembly that instances of misuse of licensed firearms was on the rise in the state while reviewing the use of licensed firearms.

The re-verification and renewal of the firearm license was initiated to curb and prevent the incidents of violence involving licensed arms as well as to ensure that the rule of law prevails in the state, Singh said.

In reply to motions raised by members -Vungzagin Valte and Paolienlal Haokip – from the treasury bench, the chief minister said district magistrates of all the districts have taken up the re-verification processes.

While drawing the attention of the house, the two members alleged that through a notification,

Churachandpu r district magistrate instructed the armed license holders to submit their licenses along with the arms.

The re-verification process was not for a particular district but for the state-wide for the protection and prevention of illegal arms, Singh said. He stated that instances of misuse of licensed firearms including killing cases in the state were on the rise in the state in the last two or three years. This has compelled the state government to take up the re-verification of the license holders, he said.

The state home department has also instructed the district magistrates and superintendents of police to examine the purpose carefully before issuing an arm license, he added.

He also informed the house that if arm licenses were not renewed after the expiry of the given period, it would be considered as illegal.

Earlier this month, district magistrates across the state had issued notices for re-verification of arm licenses as per the provisions of “The Arms Act, 1959 and The Arms Rules, 2016 and amended from time to time.

Sikkim all set to host 150 delegates for G20 event

GANGTOK, MAR 1 (AGENCIES): As part of India’s G20 Presidency, Sikkim has been chosen to host two meetings: the Business (B20) meeting on March 16 and the Startup 20 summit on March 18–19 in Gangtok, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Sikkim is the only state in the northeast to be chosen to host two different G20 gatherings is Sikkim. Nevertheless, because there have been no flight services at the Pakyong Airport since October 2022, uncertainty lingers over how the delegates will get to Sikkim.

Vijay Bhushan Pathak, the chief secretary of Sikkim, however, stated that chartered flights will be used to transport the more than 150 delegates from 20 nations who are due to attend the two G20 events in Sikkim.

“We will make sure

that the G20 delegates are flown in on chartered flights, even though commercial flight services to and from the Pakyong Airport won’t start until the end of March.” The G20 Secretary confirmed the same.

The delegates were previously planning to travel to West Bengal’s Bagdogra Airport in the absence of flight services. Given the five-hour drive from Siliguri to Gangtok, Sikkim accelerated NH10 road construction. However, Pathak claimed that there would no longer be a need for the drive.

“Our priority is to repair the road that our delegates would use to travel from Pakyong to Gangtok. Similar to this, we have asked several ministries to concentrate on improving the appearance of homes, offices, and other structures along the Pakyong-Gangtok road”, he added.

Woman arrested with heroin in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAR 1: Manipur police on Wednesday arrested a woman and seized 4.27 kgs of heroin from her possession in Bishnupur district, Manipur.

According to Manipur police, the woman has been identified as Khupsian Kim alias Kimboi (30) wife of Khupkhanhao

Drug recovered by Manipur police. (NP)

of Gouchinkhup Veng of Churachandpur district. She was arrested by a combined team of VDF

and police commando personnel on routine frisking and checking along Tiddim Road (Imphal-Churachand-

pur Road).

Bishnupur district SP N

Herojit Singh, told reporters that the personnel on duty stopped the vehicle (Winger MN 02A/8676) for routine checking and on checking found the contraband.

The woman along with the seized items has been handed to Moirang police station for further investigation after registering a case, SP said.

Organized for the 6thsemester students of BA and B.Com, Kohima College, Kohima, the workshop comprised two sessions with Nishie Agarwal Learning & Development Specialist, and

Chandni Shivam, Junior Consultant, as resource persons. The programme was chaired by Temjenrenla Asst. Prof, Dept of English and the vote of thanks by Diesino Soho,

Asst Prof, Department of Economics. Ngiplon Rachel Chohwanglim and Akono Phira, both Asst. Prof of Commerce Dept. recorded the proceedings of the workshop.

AR pay homage to Maj(Rtd) Khathing

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles paid homage to the iconic figure of the Northeast, Maj Bob Khathing, Padamshree, MC, MBE at Imphal on February 28, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

According to a press release by Assam Rifles, the ceremony was led by Director General, Assam Rifles, Lt Gen PC Nair, along with Major General Ranjan Sharawat, IG, Assam Rifles.

John Khating, son of Major Bob Khathing and other important dignitaries both military and civil also attended the ceremony. It may be recalled that Major Bob Khathing was a legendary figure from the North East. During World War II, he served with the famous V Force and for his gallantry, was awarded the Military Cross and Member of the British

Empire (MBE). Apart from his committed service in Assam during the great earthquake of 1950, he played key roles in the transitional period in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Sikkim.

Major Khathing’s name has special relevance to Arunachal Pradesh as he served as

the Assistant Political Officer in erstwhile NEFA. He was also the first officer to successfully unfurl the Indian Tri-colour at Tawang in 1951.

Owing to his immense contribution to the North East Region he was awarded the “Padmashree” by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1957.

Hall Mokokchung on March 1. (DIPR)

Resource persons with the students at the workshop.

Lt Gen PC Nair and others at the ceremony on February 28.

Voters stand in queue at polling station

Jaboka Village

Hall,

Stakes high for BJP ahead of counting in 3 NE states

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): Stakes are high for the BJP ahead of the counting of votes on Thursday for three state assembly polls as results will signal if it has deepened its roots in Tripura, a Left bastion captured by the party in 2018, and made further inroads in Meghalaya and Nagaland, or the opposition has managed to dent its influence.

Among the three states, it is Tripura which promises to have more national resonance than the two others as traditional rivals Congress and the Left have joined hands for the first time to challenge the BJP in the election to the state’s 60-member assembly.

In this battle among the national parties, it is the Pradyot Debbarma-led TIPRA Motha that has emerged as an X-factor as the sway of its founder, scion of erstwhile royalty, among a big section of the tribal population has disturbed conventional calculations, more

so as the BJP and its ally Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) had done well in the tribal region in 2018.

The BJP had won 36 seats and the IPFT eight last time. With the IPFT in decline following the death of its founder N C Debbarma, the burden of delivering a majority rests largely on the shoulders of the BJP while its two main rivals have united.

The BJP’s stunning rise after having failed to win a single seat in 2013 to

Sangma meets Himanta in Ghy ahead of counting of votes in M’laya

a majority on its own five years later by decimating the Left citadel for two decades was projected by the party as its ideological victory over its rivals, and a loss will be seen as a setback despite Tripura’s relatively marginal influence on national politics.

While regional parties remain bigger players in both Meghalaya and Nagaland, the BJP ran a determined campaign with its bigwigs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in the states to expand

its footprints.

For the first time, the BJP has fought on all 60 seats in Meghalaya and constantly targeted National People’s Party leader and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for running the “most corrupt” state government in the country.

The BJP was a partner in the state government but broke ties ahead of the polls.

The party hopes to boost its strength from two in the assembly to emerge as a more powerful player if the verdict throws up a hung assembly like the last time.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP’s pointsman for the northeast region, met Sangma after the polls in an indication that the two parties can do business together again.

An interesting sideshow to these election is the strong push by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress to make an impact

in the polls to project itself as a stronger challenger to the BJP than the Congress, more so as the countdown to the next Lok Sabha polls in 2024 begins.

The Congress has also run an intensive campaign, with Rahul Gandhi holding a rally in Meghalaya, in its bid to claw back its lost influence in the states it once dominated.

In Nagaland, which had the unique feature of having no opposition as all parties with presence in the 60-member assembly backed the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party-led government, the BJP is again fighting the polls in alliance with the NDPP.

Sarma has claimed that there will be no hung assembly in Tripura, Nagaland or Meghalaya, as predicted in some exit polls, and the BJP-led NDA will form governments with absolute majority in all three northeastern states.

Preparations completed for counting of votes in Tripura: CEO

SECURITY TIGHTENED TO PREVENT POST POLL VIOLENCE

AGARTALA, MAR 1 (PTI):

Preparations have been completed for the counting of votes in Tripura on Thursday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao said. Elections to the 60 assembly constituencies in the state were held on February 16, with around 89.98 per cent of voters exercising their franchise.

“The counting process will commence at 8 am amid tight security. There will be around five to eight rounds of counting. The trends are expected to be clear by noon,” the election official told PTI on Wednesday. “Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been clamped across the state from 6 pm on March 1 to 6 am on March 3 to prevent any untoward in-

Video of eviction affected child in Assam goes viral

GUWAHATI, MAR 1

(PTI): The heart wrenching appeal of a seven-year-old to a policeman at the eviction site near Silsako Beel (lake) here to ask bull dozers that will erase his home, to wait for some time has gone viral in the social media on Wednesday.

The 19-second clip has visuals of the boy carrying two plastic baskets containing some light household items.

SHILLONG, MAR 1 (PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Assam CM Himanta

Biswa Sarma in Guwahati ahead of the counting of votes for the assembly elections, sources said on Wednesday.

Sarma, who heads the BJP-led North East Development Alliance (NEDA), met Sangma at a hotel in Guwahati on Tuesday night, they said.

“Sangma was in Guwahati last night and Sarma, his friend, came and visited him at the hotel. They had a one-to-one meeting,” a source told PTI.

The meeting comes amid exit polls predicting a hung assembly in Meghalaya with Sangma’s NPP emerging as the single largest party in the assembly elections, the polling for

which was held on Monday while the votes will be counted on Thursday. The BJP and NPP ran the government in Meghalaya for the last five years as a part of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) but the two parties fought the elections on their own.

On Tuesday evening, Sarma claimed that there will be no hung assembly in either Tripura, Nagaland or Meghalaya, and the BJP and its partners will form governments with an absolute majority in all three states. No NEDA members will enter into any alliance with either the Congress or the TMC, he claimed, adding that the next Meghalaya chief minister will be decided after considering the number of seats won by the BJP.

He is seen approaching a policeman video recording the eviction drive and requesting him, “Uncle ask them not to come now, we have not taken away our belongings yet. It’ll take 10 more minutes,”

He is heard urging his family members, who are shifting their meagre belongings, to hurry. It is followed by visuals of the demolition of a house, reportedly his home.

Local channels telecast visuals showing the same boy crying and sitting on the rubble reportedly of his home. Netizens, ranging from the common people to social activists, advocates, journalists and opposition lawmakers are making fervent appeals to the government to halt the drive immediately.

LPG transport workers to go on indefinite strike from Mar 4 in Assam

GUWAHATI, MAR 1 (PTI): The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) on Wednesday announced an indefinite strike from March 4 by all workers engaged in carriage of LPG tankers and cylinders across Assam demanding higher remuneration and other statutory benefits.

The strike will stop the movement of all LPG carrying tankers and cylider trucks which will result in shortage of the fuel in the retail market, APMU general secretary Ramen Das told PTI.

The workers will stop loading and unloading at seven LPG plants in Assam -- six owned by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and one by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), he said.

Das claimed that transporters engaged by oil marketing companies are “exploiting” the workers by giving “very little salary” without any benefits like provident fund, gratuity and Employees State Insurance Corporation.

He said that a worker usually earns Rs 6,000-7,000 a month after working 12-15 hours a day. “No labour law is followed by the transporters and the companies also do not ensure that. Left with no option,

we have decided to go on an indefinite strike from March 4 in Assam ... We requested transporters as well as oil PSUs to look into the matter, but they are ignoring it. This cannot go on,” Das said.

IOC has sent letters to all transporters and distributors to amicably address issues raised by APMU so that there is no disruption in the supply of LPG supplies, the company said.

“The Assam government administration has also been informed about the said strike notice for suitable intervention on the issue,” it added.

An IOC spokesperson said there is no direct relation between the LPG carrying workers and the PSU company as it is the transporters’ obligation to comply with the labour laws in relation with their staff.

“The said union represents the employees engaged and/or appointed by the transporters and distributors engaged by IOC and other oil companies. All transporters and distributors are inde-

pendent business entities,” he told PTI over email.

The contracts between the IOC and the transporters or distributors do not have any relation with the employee engaged by the transporters or distributors, the official said.

“Hence the notice of APMU to carry out agitational programmes throughout all the LPG plants situated in the state of Assam is beyond our comprehension,” he added.

A senior official of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), which supplies LPG to BPCL said the strike notice has been served by workers engaged by transporters for loading and unloading of LPG cylinders.

“NRL only issues gate passes to them based on BPCL’s recommendation,” he added. Meanwhile, the North Eastern Packed Transporters’ Association, an umbrella forum of Assam-based LPG cylinder transporters, informed the IOC that they have called for a meeting with the APMU on March 2 to discuss the matter.

IndianOil-AOD, IOC’s Northeast division, rolls out 1,33,397 cylinders from the six Assam-based plants, while NRL’s current LPG output stands at 42 TMT, officials said.

Nonetheless, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday remained firm and asserted that the ongoing eviction drive, which is into its third day, will continue and be expanded gradually.

He said the Tata Group hotel Ginger, the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, which is an autonomous research institute of the ICSSR and Government of Assam and the Chilarai Bhawan of All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani will also be evicted from the area.

The drive in the heart of Guwahati saw scores of houses, offices and shops being pulled down by the administration. Around 40

excavators, bulldozers and excavator machine transporters have been pressed into service by the Kamrup Metropolitan district administration, which has been provided with security by about 1,200 police personnel.

It has prompted the opposition to term the exercise as “inhuman”. It also appealed to the state government to halt it as hundreds of students answering the ongoing Class 10 and 12 board examinations are affected.

Several school students from the area broke down in front of the media and wondered why the exam season was chosen to carry out the “heartless deed”.

Sitharaman visits Sikkim’s Gurudongmar lake

Initially the authority had planned to demolish about 450 buildings within 100 m on both sides of the Silsako Beel, but the government has now announced that the entire area around the water body will be made encroachment free.

The government had declared the lake a protected waterbody in 2008 through a legislation and prohibited any construction or settlement in around 1,800 bighas (over 595 acres) of the lake area. “I have asked to evict Ginger (hotel) and it might take up to two months. The OKD Institute, lawn tennis court, Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani office - all will be evicted. Badruddin Ajmal’s (the chief of AIUDF) land will also be taken. The government will not show love to anyone,” Sarma said . Satellite pictures show encroachments took place between 2009 and 2015. “We must remember wetlands are a natural solution to the global threat of climate change,” the chief minister said. The government will evict all those who settled in the area illegally, while lands will be requisitioned from those who managed to get the rights, Sarma added.

Gitte Kirankumar

cident, but essential services and examinees have been kept out of its purview,” he said.

Security personnel conducted flag marches in different areas of Agartala as a confidence-building measure. Around 25,000 security forces have been deployed in the state. As many as 259 candidates from different political parties are in the fray.

A triangular electoral battle between BJP-IPFT, and Left Front-Congress alliances, and regional party of Tipra Motha is being witnessed.

Chief Minister Manik Saha is contesting from Town Bardowali constituency, while Union minister Pratima Bhowmik is fighting from Dhanpur constituency in Sepahijala district. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury is contesting from Sabroom seat.

For the first time, the Left Front is contesting assembly elections with its erstwhile arch rival Congress. In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP won 36 seats, while its ally IPFT bagged 18 constituencies. The CPI(M)-led Left Front emerged victorious in 16 seats, while the Congress drew a blank.

Manipur doctors’ strike: ZCOs appeal govt to address demands

DIMAPUR, MAR 1

(NPN): Even as the doctors in Manipur continue with indefinite protest over their pending demands, the Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs) have appealed to the Manipur government to take concrete measure so the agitating doctors resume their duty at the earliest possible consider the suffering of the common people.

ZCOs including Zeliangrong Baudi and Zeliangrong Youth Front through their media and publicity cell stated that the medical doctors’ indefinite strike, which was launched more than days ago, has extremely impacted to the economically distressed hills people in the absence of other alternative health care services centres in the

hills districts. ZCOs maintained that the demands raised by medical doctors seemed to be “genuine” and required consideration by the government. The ZCOs have also urged the doctors to consider the suffering of the common people. Further, ZCOs have appealed to the Manipur government to hold talks with the doctors and explore every possible way to fulfil their demands. They said that delaying in resolving the issue could cause public uproar against the government as well as the agitating doctors “as the life of the common people cannot be reduced to that of valueless commodities and rendered into unnecessary suffering for any longer.”

Arunachal Cabinet discusses bill to check unfair means in recruitment

ITANAGAR, MAR 1 (PTI): The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet discussed the under-preparation draft for framing the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, which will be placed in public domain soon to seek suggestions and inputs from all stakeholders.

Bura and Gaon Buri institutions and the traditional village councils in the state.

GANGTOK, MAR 1 (PTI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday visited the scenic Gurudongmar lake near the China border in Sikkim on Wednesday. She interacted with the security personnel stationed there, and also offered prayers at the holy lake, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft.

Sitharaman inaugurated an SBI ATM at the remote hamlet of Lachen in North Sikkim.

She also attended a credit outreach programme organised by the State Level Bankers’ Committee and SBI at Dzumsa Hall in Lachen. She urged the Dzumsa community and the state administration to work together for the economic development of Lachen. She asked the SBI and NABARD to join the development works in remote villages so that the benefits of various central schemes reach the people.

The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday also took various important decisions. The cabinet also decided to write to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) with a request to conduct recruitment of Group A and B posts under the state government till the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) is fully functional under Article 315(4) of the Constitution, government spokespersons Nyato Dukam and Nyamar Karbak told reporters here.

“Our government is committed to development and duty bound to deliver quick decisions in public interest,” they said.

In another significant decision, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation, 1945, in order to strengthen the indigenous local customary delivery of justice system and the Gaon

“The proposed amendment incorporates necessary provisions to empower the traditional village institute in delivering justice. This also empowers the head gaon burahs, gaon burahs and village council,” the spokespersons said adding, the bill would be tabled in the ensuing Budget session of the assembly slated from March 6.

In view of the importance and urgency of protecting the drinking water sources from depletion, the cabinet also approved the proposed Bill for Arunachal Pradesh protection of catchment areas Bill 2023.

The bill is aimed at reversing the present trend of water depletion through various conservation activities and preservation of the natural resources.

“As we all know future growth or progress of humanity very much depends on availability of water. Arunachal Pradesh has been witnessing rapid drying up of streams and rivers of late and if immediate steps are not taken to halt this impending catastrophe, the future generation would be deprived of water,” Dukam said. The bill has been prepared with a view to preserve and protect drinking water sources and catchment areas. The proposed bill is intended to make our water catchment areas more resilient to climate change and vulnerable risk reduction through its proposed protection activities, he added.

The bill envisages participation of various stakeholders with constitution of state level board, district level board and a committee at the village level.

Change of a ddress

I, No. C/5025285 x Rank : Hav/clk n ame : dee Pa K KUM ar B a LMIKI , presently serving in 27 Assam Rifles, C/o 99APO. That due to change of residence, I wish to change my address from Nagaland, Razhuphe R/O- Dimapur Pin-797112 to Haryana, Garhi Keshri P/O- Ganpur Pin-131101. Vide Regd. No.- 256 dated 17/01/2023. DP-814/23

File photo of a BJP rally in Tripura

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Conrad Sangma.

GMDA carries out a demolition drive against the illegal settlers, at Silsako Beel in Guwahati, Wednesday. (PTI)

Nirmala Sitharaman at the Gurudongmar Lake, in North Sikkim, Wednesday. (PTI)

SNIPPETS

KCR, Jagan greet TN CM on B’day HYDERABAD/AMARAVATI, MARCH 1

(PTI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday extended birthday greetings to his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin, who turned 70. A brief statement from Rao’s office said he wished Stalin a happy and long healthy life. Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in a tweet extended birthday wishes to the Tamil Nadu CM. “My best wishes to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Sri @ mkstalin garu, on his 70th birthday. I wish you good health, happiness and success in this year ahead,” Jagan tweeted.

Fire breaks out at factory in Delhi

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): A fire broke out at a factory on Roshanara Road near the Pulbangash metro station in north Delhi on Wednesday, Delhi Fire Service officials said. No injuries have been reported yet, they added. “We received a call around 11:50 am about a fire at a factory near Jaipur Golden Transport on Roshanara Toad. Eighteen fire tenders have been rushed to the site. Fire-fighting operations are underway,” said Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Service. The cause of the fire is not known yet, he added.

FCRA licence of thinktank suspended

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): The Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended the FCRA licence of prominent public think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR) over violation of laws, officials said. CPR was under scrutiny after Income Tax surveys on it and Oxfam India in September last year. The FCRA licence of CPR has been suspended over violation of laws, the officials said. Oxfam’s FCRA licence was suspended in January last year, after which the NGO had filed a revision petition with the home ministry. With the suspension of its licence, given under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), CPR will not be able to receive any funds from abroad.

Beef seized in Thane district

THANE, MAR 1 (PTI):

As much as 1,500 kg of beef worth Rs 1,50,000 was seized from a tempo in the district, police said on Wednesday. A case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Maharashtra Animal Protection Act was registered against the vehicle driver as he did not have the license to transport bovine meat, said an official. The tempo was intercepted at Kharegaon toll naka on the MumbaiNashik road around 4 am on February 27, he said.

After 2 AAP ministers with, BJP asks when will Kejriwal quit

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): A day after two Delhi ministers facing corruption charges resigned, the BJP on Wednesday intensified its attack on CM Arvind Kejirwal and asked when will he resign. Ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain resigned from the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Sisodia, who was handling 18 of the total 33 departments in the Delhi government, was arrested on Sunday evening by the CBI in the Delhi excise policy case, while Jain, currently lodged in Tihar jail, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in May last year in connection with a money laundering case.

“His pawns have resigned. When will he resign,” BJP spokesperson

Kejriwal picks Atishi, Saurabh for Cabinet: Sources

“The resignation letter of Manish Sisodia raises very pertinent questions as it does not have a date. Is it because the kingpin of the excise policy scam Arvind Kejriwal has yet again played with the Constitution. The surfacing of this undated letter reveals a lot about their practices,” he said.

Gaurav Bhatia asked at a press conference and added that Kejriwal was the “kingpin” of the alleged corruption in framing of the Delhi excise policy, now withdrawn, in which his deputy Sisodia has been arrested by the CBI. Bhatia also targeted Kejriwal over Sisodia’s resignation letter, saying that it is undated which raises a lot of questions.

Kejriwal heads the Cabinet and council of ministers and “you are in a position to influence the ongoing investigation, in which your involvement is writ large”, the BJP spokesperson said.

Bhatia also demanded that Kailash Gahlot should also resign as minister as he was part of the group of ministers of the Delhi government that approved the liquor policy.

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has recommended the names of AAP MLAs Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj to the Lieutenant Governor for their appointment to the Cabinet, sources claimed on Wednesday. The development comes after the resignation of AAP ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, the key faces of the city government, who were instrumental in steering the national capital through the coronavirus crisis.

Bhardwaj, who is also the party’s national spokesperson, is currently serving the Delhi Jal Board as its vice chairman. The legislator from Greater Kailash was also a minister during the first stint of the AAP government. Atishi, who represents the Kalkaji constituency, has been a key member of

Sisodia’s education team. She had also contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from the East Delhi constituency and lost to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir. Till Atishi and Bhardwaj are inducted into the cabinet, ministers Raaj Kumar Anand and Kailash Gahlot will take care of the portfolios that have fallen vacant following Sisodia’s resignation. While Gahlot has been given the additional charge of finance, PWD along with some depart -

Australian minister lauds National Education Policy NEPtosetIndiaonpathofbecoming‘greatesteconomicsuperpower’:AustralianMin

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): The National Education Policy (NEP) will set India on the path of becoming one of the “greatest economic superpowers” of the world as it will transform the country and skill up its younger generation, said Australian Education Minister Jason Clare here on Wednesday.

Clare is on a visit to India from February 28 to March 3. He is leading a delegation of Australian higher education leaders to promote institutional partnerships and boost collaboration between the two countries.

“The NEP is a nationchanging (policy). It will transform India and skill up its younger generation. It will also set the country on the path of becoming one of the greatest economic superpowers of the world,” he told PTI on the sidelines of an event at Delhi University’s Sri Venkateswara College.

Clare visited the col -

lege with the delegation and former cricketer Adam Gilchrist – global ambassador of the University of Wollongong.

The NEP approved by the Union Cabinet replaces the 34-year-old National Policy on Education framed in 1986 and is aimed at paving the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems to make India a global knowledge superpower.

The choice between three or four-year undergraduate courses, multiple entry and exit options in

degree courses, adding 3.5 crore seats in higher education institutions, which will now have a single regulator, discontinuation of M.Phil programmes and fixation of fees are among the higher education reforms outlined in the 2020-introduced policy. Clare noted that both India and Australia will sign an agreement on Thursday for mutual recognition of university degrees of the two countries for making it easier for students studying in one country to get their degrees recognised in the other.

“There will be 10 agreements between Indian and Australian universities which will help in building a great partnership. At present, Australian universities offer courses. We are moving from providing courses to establishing campuses,” he added.

His visit is a build on Dharmendra Pradhan’s trip to Australia last year.

The delegation being led by Clare aims to promote institutional partnerships and boost collaboration between the two countries.

The delegation comprises Australian vice-chancellors and other highereducation leaders, including those representing institutions such as the University of Queensland, RMIT University, Australian National University, University of Sydney La Trobe University, University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University, Central Queensland University, University of NSW, University of South Australia and the Charles Darwin

BJP accounts for more than half of total income declared by 8 national parties in FY 2021-22: ADR

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): Eight recognised national parties have declared a total income of Rs 3289.34 crore collected from all over India in the financial year 2021-22, with the BJP accounting for more than half of it, according to a prominent NGO working for electoral reforms.

The Trinamool Congress declared the second highest income of Rs 545.745 crore, which forms 16.59 per cent of the total income of the eight national parties, the Association for Democratic Reforms said on Wednesday, citing documents shared by parties with the Election Commission.

The BJP declared a total income of Rs 1917.12 crore during 2021-22 and spent Rs 854.467 crore or 44.57 per cent of it. The Congress’ total income was

Rs 541.275 crore, while it spent Rs 400.414 crore or 73.98 per cent of its income.

The eight parties given national status by the Election Commission include Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and National People’s Party (NPEP).

The TMC spent Rs 268.337 crore which was 49.17 per cent of its total income, the ADR said.

Four out of the eight national parties - BJP, TMC, Congress and NCP - collected 55.09 per cent or Rs 1811.9425 crore of their total income from donations through electoral bonds

Haryana govt justifies parole for Ram Rahim

CHANDIGARH, MAR

1 (PTI): The Haryana government has justified the parole granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, saying he does not fall under the definition of a “hardcore prisoner” and cannot be termed a serial killer.

The dera chief, who is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two disciples, was granted 40-day parole on January 20. He has also been convicted in two murder cases.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) recently challenged the parole order in Punjab and Haryana High

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh

Court. In its reply through the superintendent of the Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail, where the Sirsa-based sect chief is serving out his sentence, the state government said no illegality was committed by granting parole.

According to the state government submission, the petitioner projected before

the court that after having been convicted in two murder cases, Gurmeet Ram Rahim is now covered under the definition of a “convicted hardcore prisoner” under section 2(1)(g) of the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. The SGPC also argued that his conviction in two murder cases amounted to “serial killings” under that Act. The dera chief and four others were convicted in 2021 for hatching a conspiracy to kill Ranjit Singh, a dera manager. In 2019, he and three others were convicted for the murder of a journalist 16 years ago.

for FY 2021-22. The BJP received donations through electoral bonds worth Rs 1033.70 crore, TMC Rs 528.143 crore, Congress Rs 236.0995 crore and NCP Rs 14 crore.

According to the data shared by SBI in response to ADR’sI application, electoral bonds worth Rs 2673.0525 crore were redeemed by parties in FY 2021-22 of which 67.79 per cent of this has been redeemed by national parties.

“Given the anonymity provided to donors by the scheme, it is seen that electoral bonds emerged as the most popular mode of donations to national political parties for FY 2020-21 as well,” the ADR said.

Between FY 2020-21 and 2021-22, the income of BJP increased by 154.82 per cent or Rs 1164.783 crore

from Rs 752.337 crore in FY 2020-21 to Rs 1917.12 crore in 2021-22. The income of TMC increased by 633.36 per cent (Rs 471.328 crore) from Rs 74.417 crore during FY 2020-21 to Rs 545.745 crore during FY 2021-22.

The Congress’ income increased by 89.41 per cent or Rs 255.51 crore from Rs 285.765 crore during FY 2020-21 to Rs 541.275 crore during FY 2021-22, it said.

National parties that received the highest income from donations or contributions include BJP - Rs 1775.43 crore, TMC - Rs 582.523 crore, Congress –Rs 347.996 crore, NCP – Rs 71.956 crore, CPI(M) – Rs 65.878 crore, and NPEP –Rs 43 lakh. The due date for submission of annual audited accounts for the parties to the EC was October 31, 2022.

University. This comes ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to India next month.

Later in the day, Clare also addressed a gathering at a Kendriya Vidyalaya where he said the high-powered delegation comprising of educational policymakers and university administrative stakeholders shall pave way for such collaborative tie-ups.”What happens in universities, can change the world as the power of education is to do good, and to transform nations and life of individuals. Many Australians who have been educated at the University of Delhi are now making a mark in the world.

“Australia is a different country today than what we were 50 years ago and that is because of education, and India will be a different country by 2035 due to NEP as 1 in 4 people in the world will graduate from Indian universities in the future,” he said.

ments, Anand, who is also the social welfare minister, will take care of education, health and other departments.

AAP’s second-in-command, Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday in connection with alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in May last year in a money

laundering case.

Sisodia and Jain resigned from the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Official sources said Gahlot is likely to present the Delhi Budget next month. Gahlot is already in charge of six departments, including revenue and transport, while Raj Kumar Anand has four portfolios.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai is looking after three departments, while Imran Hussain is in charge of only two departments -- food and civil supplies, and election.

Sisodia’s workload had almost doubled after Jain’s arrest, and he was handling most of the crucial departments of the city government.

Jain continued to be a minister in the Delhi government even after his arrest but without any portfolio.

UK Foreign Secy James Cleverly raises BBC tax issue with EAM

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): All entities operating in India must fully comply with relevant laws, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Wednesday told his British counterpart James Cleverly, who raised the BBC tax surveys issue during a meeting with him.

Cleverly is in India to attend a crucial meeting of the G20 foreign ministers on March 1 and 2. Jaishankar and Cleverly held bilateral talks on a range of issues including ways to expand two-way engagement in a number of areas.

“UK Foreign Secretary brought up the BBC tax issue with EAM today. He was firmly told that all entities operating in India must comply fully with relevant laws and regulations,” a source in the Indian government said.

Last month, Indian tax authorities carried out surveys at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.

The action by the tax authorities came against the

James Cleverly

backdrop of a controversy over a documentary released by the British Broadcaster about the 2002 Gujarat riots. In a tweet, Jaishankar said the two sides reviewed the progress in the bilateral relations and exchanged views on the global situation as well as the G20 agenda. “Began the morning with a bilateral meeting with Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly of the UK.Reviewed the progress in our relationship since our last discussion. Noted in particular the commencement of the Young Professional Scheme,” he said. “Also exchanged views on the global situation as well as the G20 agenda,” he added.

Rahul sports new look on UK visit

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): After sporting a flowing salt-and-pepper beard all through the recently concluded Bharat Jodo Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen in a new look with a trimmed beard.

Gandhi landed in London on Tuesday for a weeklong tour of the United Kingdom during which he will deliver a lecture on “Learning to listen in the 21st century” at his alma mater Cambridge University. He is also slated to interact with students at the university’s business management department.

Gandhi’s long beard became a topic of discussion among Congressmen, who kept guessing whether he would continue to don the look or trim the beard. Many in his party wondered whether he would do away with his beard ahead of his visit to the United

Rahul Gandhi with a trimmed beard at the University of Cambridge, in London, United Kingdom. (PTI)

Kingdom. Interestingly, his long beard invited comments from his political

adversaries who compared his looks to a former Iraqi dictator.

awarded by a rec-ognized University/ Institution.

(vii) Aya (Female) 02 -

2. Candidates having experience certificate will be given preference.

3. Salary negotiable.

4. Application with bio-data and a recent passport size photograph should reach the office on or before 15th March 2023. Interview will be conducted on 17th March 2023 at Assam Rifles High School, Tuensang, Nagaland at 0930 hours. All candidates are requested to bring original certificates at the time of interview.

5. Application can also be forwarded online at our e-mail

Saurabh Bhardwaj

Gaurav Bhatia

Atishi Marlena

Jason Clare with Dharmendra Pradhan

Unaffordable system

Aweak and overcrowded public health system in most states, has led to the burgeoning private healthcare business across the country even though these hospitals are poorly regulated and expensive. In short, today the cost of medical treatment has become so high that those from economically weak background cannot afford the cost. Worse is that government hospitals are not providing even the basic treatment despite huge money being spend on medical health. Except in Kohima or Dimapur or to a small extent, in Mokokchung, hospitals in other districts lack basic facilities. There have been reports published in local dailies regarding non functional x-ray machines or non availability of laboratory technicians or unavailability of needed medical equipments. This has led to proliferation of private hospitals and speciality clinics across several towns in Nagaland. Still most of these modern private hospitals lack many specialists and modern equipments available at other metro cities such as Guwahati, Kolkata etc. The further one went westwards, the better the medical facilities and also the super cost that came with them. The reason why medical treatment in cities is very high comes from the financial targets set for doctors working in profit driven hospitals that lead to expensive but unnecessary tests and surgery . According to Dr Gautam Mistry, a cardiologist in Kolkata, such unethical practices are widely known about in medical circles but public discourse has been lacking. He said doctors in 5-star hospitals or medical research institutes face pressure from the management to “overprescribe surgeries or investigations”. Those who meet the targets are given “financial incentives”, it was said. It has become a routine matter that whenever ignorant patients go to such hospitals they are asked to undergo several tests, most of which are unnecessary and also to be done at ‘ preferred laboratories’ linked with the hospital. Next once a patient is admitted to a hospital, more tests are done and very expensive medicines are prescribed which are mostly unwarranted when less expensive ones are available outside. Often many such medicines/ vaccines are available only at prescribed chemist shops. That benefits pharma companies and the doctors who prescribe them but inflate the bills for patients. Top private hospitals are charging according to the room a patient selects even for the same operation by the same doctors in the same operation theatre. For heart problems, patients are given stent implants even if it is not needed in most cases. A stent may cost a patient anything between Rs. 60,000 -100,000 or more depending upon the status of hospitals or pockets of gullible patients. It’s not uncommon to give stents to patients at three times the import price. Worse, it may be harmful and may cause death yet doctors take bribes to recommend stents. The other scam is persuading expectant mothers to opt for C-section for deliveries instead of advising normal treatment. Patients are kept unnecessary for long durations in hospital mainly to fleece money. Patients are also charged with everything under the sun except sunlight and air. It is overdue that new rules are framed to streamline health care system across both government and private sectors for the benefit of the patients.

DailyDevotion

The Piercing Question

Do you love Me? —John 21:17

Peter’s response to this piercing question is considerably different from the bold defiance he exhibited only a few days before when he declared, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Matthew 26:35; also see Matthew 26:33-34). Our natural individuality, or our natural self, boldly speaks out and declares its feelings. But the true love within our inner spiritual self can be discovered only by experiencing the hurt of this question of Jesus Christ. Peter loved Jesus in the way any natural man loves a good person. Yet that is nothing but emotional love. It may reach deeply into our natural self, but it never penetrates to the spirit of a person. True love never simply declares itself. Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men [that is, confesses his love by everything he does, not merely by his words], him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8).

Unless we are experiencing the hurt of facing every deception about ourselves, we have hindered the work of the Word of God in our lives. The Word of God inflicts hurt on us more than sin ever could, because sin dulls our senses. But this question of the Lord intensifies our sensitivities to the point that this hurt produced by Jesus is the most exquisite pain conceivable. It hurts not only on the natural level, but also on the deeper spiritual level. “For the Word of God is living and powerful…, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…”— to the point that no deception can remain (Hebrews 4:12). When the Lord asks us this question, it is impossible to think and respond properly, because when the Lord speaks directly to us, the pain is too intense. It causes such a tremendous hurt that any part of our life which may be out of line with His will can feel the pain. There is never any mistaking the pain of the Lord’s Word by His children, but the moment that pain is felt is the very moment at which God reveals His truth to us.

Quotes

Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: world’s biggest failure

On this day in 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The possibility that Russia’s own security would be threatened if Ukraine joined NATO led Russia to launch a special campaign against Ukraine that has turned into a fierce and devastating war. In the current unstable world situation, the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on for the past one year, is gradually increasing in intensity. Time passes quickly, the suffering people are forced to go through a time of misery and horror, humanity is lost and the infrastructure of the warring countries is reduced to rubble. Ukraine is going through that situation now. A large part of the population has taken refuge as refugees in various European countries and many are displaced in their own countries.

Modern and powerful tank fleets from Europe’s military powers as well as the United States and Canada are joining the Ukrainian military. Ukraine has sought fighter jets from friendly countries to counter Russian forces. Apparently, this war is limited to Russia and Ukraine, but from the political and economic point of view, it is affecting the wider region from Europe to America and the rest of the world. Even after a long year, the international community has failed to reach a peaceful solution to this deadly armed conflict. By supporting Ukraine, the Western world and America are indirectly involved in the war and this crisis is turning into a protracted war. As a result of this war, the infrastructure of Ukraine is

being destroyed day by day and the common people are being displaced and forced to live as refugees with immense suffering.

The Russian army has taken over Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia in Ukraine by attacking civilian installations and other places in important cities of Ukraine.

Martial law has been imposed in the occupied territories. Ukraine has counter-attacked to regain Russian-occupied territories. The NATO military alliance and the Western world have extended their help in support of Ukraine in this war, and Russia is seeking support and cooperation from China, Turkey and Iran. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated water and electricity shortages in the country and millions of Ukrainians are living without electricity. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend their territory from Russia since the beginning of the war. Ukraine has been at war with Russia for the past year, backed by its allies, including the UK, with financial, military and humanitarian aid provided by the US. Since the beginning of the war, Western countries have been helping Ukraine with various types of weapons. NATO countries and Western allies have agreed to supply advanced tanks to Ukraine.

Military cooperation has now included powerful and advanced tanks from the United States, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. Russia has started using its own powerful weapons against the Western countries to join forces to supply new

weapons to Ukraine. German tanks are joining the Ukrainian army in the war against Russia. Germany was defeated by Russia during World War II. Again, after 80 years, German tanks are repelling the Russian invasion on the battlefield. Ukraine is asking the NATO alliance and the United States for warplanes to continue the war. Allies have been at loggerheads over the delivery of warplanes to Ukraine. US says it will not supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also expressed a positive attitude towards the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine, saying such a move would be made in “full coordination” with NATO countries. Russia has warned the Baltic countries and Poland about supplying warplanes to Ukraine.

Due to the RussiaUkraine war, high oil prices in the global market have influenced the US voters. As a result of these wars, the aggressor powers are profiting, the use and production of weapons is increasing, people are becoming homeless and refugees, food security is being disturbed, and people are being swallowed by the coral of inflation. As developing countries’ growth slows or stalls, the World Bank and IMF step up to the forefront of lending. The Germans were becoming stronger in Europe, while the British were waning. The rise of the Germans was well understood by the European powers, which would diminish German capabilities in this war. China and Japan were advancing in

Asia, now the conflict between China and Japan will reduce the power of both countries and it will take time for them to regain this capability. Russia is slowly declining, if the power of Russia, China, Japan and Germany declines, the world will go back to the way it was before and the current situation will last for several more decades. In the meantime, the developing countries of Asia and Africa will return to their previous positions, which is unfortunate for us. Due to the disruption of supply due to the effects of war, the price of goods has increased. Prices of various consumer goods and services including fuel oil and wheat have increased in the international market. The complex interaction of sanctions and counter-sanctions has adversely affected global price growth and led to high inflation of commodities, food, energy and fertilizers. The supply chain has been disrupted in many cases. Currency markets are volatile, national debt levels are rising, and many economies are depleting foreign exchange reserves. Governments and central banks have been forced to take tighter monetary and fiscal measures.

Experts have warned that Russia-Ukraine war is going to have a big impact on Bangladesh. Bangladesh imports military equipment, food products, etc. from Russia and Russia is also important for Bangladesh as a new market for ready-made garments. If this war continues for a long time, it will have an adverse effect on Bangladesh. Russia and Ukraine

Corruption in our society: Its response

In the e ra of foreparents fighting (head hunters) was a part of lives and nature all the time. The Nagas are strong built, simple, honest, and hard working. They also believed in the existence of a supreme Being who is the creator of heaven and the earth, and also believed in the existence of evil spirit whom they attempt to reconcile by offering sacrifices. However in times of prayer the Nagas’ addressed in supreme God the creator of heaven and the earth. When Nagas were still primal faith, the gospel of Christ came Naga Hills through the American Baptist Mission (ABM). The American missionary Rev. Miles Bronson worked among Nagas about 1842-1852 and taught them Christianity and sowed the word of God into the heart of Nagas, then the Holy spirit began to work in a every dynamic way among the Nagas. The spiritual awakening known as revival movement had changed the Nagas by 1950 Nagas turn to Christianity faith individually or whole society.

The coming of foreign missionaries to Naga Hills had opened the eyes of the people to see God more clearly, Nagas were transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit. The coming of Christianity in Nagaland have changed in every area, including traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles. However, on the other hand when Christianity was introduced with the people, Nagas were compiled to leave their own traditions, and asked to adopt foreign environment. And therefore Nagas have lost many good practices in the olden days. When the growth of Naga Christianity took place, it produces many denominations are came up and that create lot of crises within churches. Churches are becoming more

like competitive to one another. Church gives more priority to the outward appearance, rather than winning souls and spiritual growth. This is dangerous issues in Nagaland, because the more people looks on materials that’s also created more envy and began root causes of corruptions within churches.

Sadly, today it’s like a virus in our every Nagas, it began from unlimited wants of human beings with limited means to meet their ends, makes them use unfair means to achieve their goals. Always looking for easy money by doing shortcut work, the majority are from politicians, officers, social workers, government, employees, civil society leaders, even church leaders, nation workers and individuals etc. In many countries, corruption is caused by weak regulatory institutions, and enforcement practices. It is also caused by Government regulation and authorization, lack of transparency and quality of the bureaucracy. The inequality in the distribution of income is another factor affecting corruption.

Since, the top leaders are corrupted themselves so there are not willing to correct their sub-ordinates. The mentality of our people is that even things stolen from government or some NGOs are not counted as stealing. That is where corruption is a part of life in our present Naga society. and other hands the pressure and explosion of educated population and fewer employment opportunities. Because most of the people were only to pleasing people to find their own way and not for society just love of money and searching easy ways to fulfil their dreams. Not a concern for others needs and problems. It shows that we lost our integrity and dignity. Our great, gran dfather was

are important producers of wheat, but the war has also created a wheat crisis that could become even bigger in the future. So world peace and stability and one country should stop the war by supporting the security and sovereignty of the other country. In the backdrop of RussiaUkraine conflict, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her view that ‘immediately stopping the war and joint action is necessary to deal with the situation’.

On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution calling for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace to be reached as soon as possible”. This proposal will demand the withdrawal of troops from Moscow. The US and its Western allies have been calling the Russian invasion of Ukraine an unprovoked occupation of the country’s sovereign territory. US President Joe Biden visited Ukraine in this war situation and reiterated his support for Ukraine. Support for the war in Ukraine has declined among the American public for a number of reasons. Thousands of people in the United States have marched and demonstrated in the Washington DC area to demand an end to arms supplies to Ukraine. They have made several demands, including no more money spent on the Ukraine war, the dissolution of the NATO alliance and cuts to the defense budget. According to many, they are angry that the United States has ignored domestic affairs and allocated massive amounts

of money to Ukraine. Due to this war, the developing countries are under the most pressure to survive the recession. In addition to this, the World Bank believes that the crisis of many other emerging economies like Bangladesh will increase. Import-dependent countries will have to spend foreign exchange to cover import costs and inflationary pressures will increase if currency devaluation is not stopped. As a result of increasing foreign debt pressure, countries will try to reduce their trade deficit in various ways. After many years of war among themselves, European countries have learned that war never brings peace and sustainable development cannot be achieved by producing war materials. This war is hindering the peace and development of Europe. European countries with many years of war experience know how to stop war. If this war spreads throughout Europe and turns into a world war, global destruction will begin and again poverty, hunger, bloodshed will engulf the world. No one wants war, and no one wants Ukraine to lose or Russia to end. In this context, to ensure global development, peace and security, active initiatives should be taken to stop this war immediately. Avoiding war and solving the existing problems of both sides through diplomacy is the work of the wise. Everyone should come forward to stop this war for the sake of world peace and protection of human rights.

Dr Arpita Hazarika, Gauhati University, Assam

Can Young Nagaland, do it?

respected and appreciated by others for their simplicity and honesty. We have become too materialistic and we are even grinding social acceptance and legitimacy to corruption.

So, day by day the faith of the Nagas are fading away. Nagas are influencing more and embracing by the beauty of this world rather than the beauty of Christ. Nagas become like Judas who betrayed His Master Jesus Christ. Here it say that (James 4:4) “Friendship with the world (materialistic) means enmity against God” Although, Nagas have lost the fear of God. Nagas have failed to equip the people with the word of God which to lead them to produce a lifestyle to see the beauty of Christ in their lives. but never use own talent and gifts to glorify God, and we know that God is all sources of our life, as we preach and teach others but not applying in life and this is what the word of God condemn. (Roman 2:17-24).

“ Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of litle children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge in truth- you then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonour God by breaking the law? As it is written: God’s name is blasphemed among the gentiles because of you.”

P. Wanmai Konyak D.Min (Scholar), Discipleship Bible College, Dimapur

When control over money, muscle and tribal groups is the sole determinant of success in a political set up, we cannot expect anything better. Can young Nagaland rise up to this challenge and provide an alternative? Can we put in place a set up where people go up the political ladder based on meritocracy, capability and integrity instead of dynastic and tribal affiliations, money power and nepotism?

Nagaland is a very young state and in a political democracy like ours, the political system is the lifeline of the state. Every aspect of our society is affected by the health of the political system. Sadly, today this one system, the political system which was intended and created to solve the problems of the state has itself become the biggest problem for the state.

We have a system where the sole determinant of success depends upon tribe, money power and the influence of money or dynastic affiliations. That one man who is born in a particular family or that man who can bring enough money to this game of politics gets the ticket. This is a system where meritocracy is not respected, where talent is not respected. In this system where hard work and sincerity is not rewarded, can we ask the same of our young people? Can we encourage them to get into a system like this? This problem of young people not being encouraged and welcomed by the political system is just a symptom of a larger malaise that is afflicting the body quality of the state.

Can we have a David Cameron in Nagaland? Can we have a Barack Obama in Nagaland? Who, without any strong political background rose to occupy the highest offices in their countries based on sheer merit of their talent, competence and capability.

As young people of the state, what hope and changes can we bring? I agree that there are many pressing challenges but you and I should understand that long-lasting solutions to all these problems can be found if we correct this political system.

So how do we do this? There are a lot of innovative solutions. Say, for example, if we want to curb the influence of ‘tribe’ in the electoral scenario, can we cut and resize our constituency in such a way that no one tribe or religion becomes the decisive majority? Can we also bring systems like preferential voting which will induce and encourage

voters and political parties to appeal to the electorate on broad-based issues rather than sectarian and narrow appeals? Can we think of how to prevent people with criminal antecedents to even enter the system? Can we bring in a legislation which bars people who have been chargesheeted of committing heinous offences? And then we come to the question of money and this is a very complex question. Can we think of new solutions? Can we think of more effective measures to curb the meanness of freebies during elections? Can we think of institutionalizing mechanisms through which transparent funding for political parties and candidates can be brought about and to address the problem at its root?

If we are successful in doing this, this is going to have an effective impact on the state’s political scenario. It is going to serve the purpose but the question is, who will do it? The question is, will the ones who are presently occupying these positions, the present lot, deliver these goals? Can those people who are benefitting from the status quo assure change? So who will bell the cat? The answer is right before us. The youth of this state, the young people of our land. You and I have to take this initiative. Armchair cynics will say that this is a very difficult proposition. Our plans and dreams are mere wishful thinking but not all is lost. We need not lose hope. By pinning our hopes, by pinning our energies and by reposing our faith in the common people of this land, we are seeking a better future for ourselves and for this state. We need to make and build a fair and a more egalitarian political system where any of us coming from modest backgrounds, coming from backgrounds which do not have a political legacy can find a place in this system.

As one of the principal architects of the country’s constitution, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar once said these ominous words, “However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.” The founding fathers of this country gave all of us a sublime constitution. And yet, you and I have to resolve. Let us resolve for today, for posterity and for the future of this land. Let us not leave politics to be the last resort of the scoundrel.

Ms. Moarenla Jamir, B.A. 6th semester, Modern College, Piphema

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

~ Albert Einstein

and responsibility of Naga Christian

SNIPPETS

Himachal approves 34 projects

SHIMLA, MAR 1 (PTI): Himachal Pradesh’s Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority approved 34 projects for setting up new industrial enterprises and the expansion of existing units in its 26th meeting held on February 28, an official release said on Wednesday.

These projects involve a total proposed investment of Rs 1,754.44 crores (approximately) with employment avenues for about 3,635 persons. The new proposals have been approved for manufacturing frozen snacks, bathroom fittings and accessories, LPG cylinder refilling, Bulletproof Ballistic Helmets etc.

Guj gets new DGP

AHMEDABAD, MAR 1 (PTI): The Gujarat government on Wednesday appointed Vikas Sahay as the state’s director-general of police, a month after the Indian Police Service officer was made the incharge DGP. “Shri Vikas Sahay, IPS (GJ 1989) Director General of Police (Training) Gandhinagar is appointed to the post of Director General and Inspector General of Police…,” a notification issued by the state home department said. Sahay was made the in-charge DGP of Gujarat on January 31, following the retirement of incumbent DGP Ashish Bhatia, who was on an extension.

2 juveniles

detained for armed robbery

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): Two juveniles were apprehended for allegedly robbing a shop owner at gunpoint in northwest Delhi’s Prem Nagar, police said on Wednesday. The incident was reported on Tuesday. The victim told the police that two persons allegedly entered the shop and robbed him of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 at gunpoint, a senior officer said.

Footage from CCTV cameras in the area showed the two persons robbing the complainant. The accused were identified as residents of Shani Bazar Road in Kirari Suleman Nagar, the officer said. The duo, both 16, have been nabbed. A country-made pistol, a knife and two rounds used in the robbery were seized from the them.

Liquor worth Rs 30 lakh seized in Palghar

THANE, MAR 1 (PTI):

Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 30,56,000 was seized in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Wednesday, an official said. Officials of the Konkan flying squad of the Maharashtra excise department intercepted a tempo at Talasari, he said. IMFL meant for sale only in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was being transported to Palghar district, he said. The tempo was intercepted near Khanvel Udhva Road and liquor of several brands packed in 400 boxes concealed under the bags of sawdust was seized, the official added. Two persons were arrested and further probe was on.

Thane police

recover 98 mobiles

THANE, MAR 01 (PTI):

The Naupada police here have recovered 98 mobile phones that were either stolen or lost within their jurisdiction recently, an official said on Wednesday.

Ganesh Gawde, deputy commissioner of police zone I, Naupada, said the devices have been recovered from across the country. The official said they took the help of the Central Equipment Identity Registry (CEIR) to trace the handsets.

Important to build futuristic infrastructure, says PM Modi Congress workers protest against Adani group in Mumbai detained

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that well-planned cities will determine the fate of the country, asserting that India’s position in the world would have been completely different if 75 planned cities had been developed since Independence.

Addressing a postBudget webinar on ‘Urban Planning, Development and Sanitation’, he noted that only one or two planned cities have been developed in the country in 75 years of India’s Independence

The prime minister said with India urbanising rapidly, it is important to build infrastructure that is futuristic. “Urban planning will determine the fate of our cities in ‘Amrit Kaal’ and it is only well-planned cities that will determine the fate of India. When planning is better, our cities will become climate resilient and water secure,”

the prime minister said.

He urged the participants of the webinar to focus on three main questions about how to strengthen the urban planning ecosystem in the states, how to properly use the expertise available in the private sector in urban planning and lastly how to develop a centre of excellence that will take urban planning to a new level.

The government has organised a series of postbudget webinars to seek ideas and suggestions for the effective implementation of

the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2023.

He informed that an incentive of Rs 15,000 crore has been declared in this year’s budget for the standards of urban development and expressed confidence that it will provide impetus to planned urbanisation.

Well-planned cities, he said, are going to be the need of the hour in the fast-paced environment of India in the 21st century. Underlining that the development of new cities and the modernisation of services in the existing cities are the two main aspects of urban development, Modi highlighted the significance of urban development in every budget of the country.

He pointed out that poor planning of cities or lack of proper implementation after planning can create huge challenges in the development journey of India and stressed the need to work in a very focused way in areas of

Raut’s ‘chormandal’ remark rocks Maharashtra assembly

“The lawmakers are being called thieves and it is an insult to the state,” he said.

Atul Bhatkhalkar, another BJP legislator, said he has submitted a notice of breach of privilege against Raut and urged Narvekar to admit it.

Leader of Opposition

MUMBAI, MAR 1 (PTI):

Maharashtra Assembly

Speaker Rahul Narvekar on Wednesday called Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s alleged “body of thieves” reference for the legislature “serious” and said he would inquire into the matter.

The speaker adjourned the Lower House for the day after chaos prevailed over the Rajya Sabha MP’s utterance.

Narvekar said he has accepted a notice of breach of privilege against Raut and would give his decision on it on March 8.

Earlier in the day, talking to reporters in Kolhapur, Raut allegedly called the

“vidhimandal” (legislature) a “chormandal” (a body of thieves), triggering uproar in the assembly.

Narvekar said the issue is very serious and an insult to the legislature, its members and the people of the state. He said a detailed inquiry was required into the matter.

The speaker said Raut’s remark has hurt the “dignity, sanctity and sovereignty of the house and its members”. He said, “I have the constitutional obligation to protect it.”

The issue was raised by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashish Shelar as soon as the House assembled for the day.

NBDSA raps TV news channels on programmes violating ethics

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has asked News18 India, TimesNow and Zee News to remove from their online platforms videos of certain programmes aired by them after it found them to be in violation of the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards and Specific Guidelines.

In an order on a complaint against News18 India for its programme ‘Desh Nahi Jhukne Denge’, the NBDSA found the debate on the premise that 20 per cent Muslims were ganging up against Hindus constituting 80 per cent of the country’s population to be violating the fundamental principles of impartiality, objectivity and neutrality in reporting.

The NBDSA imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the channel and also directed it to run a ticker once every hour for 24 hours, starting at 8 am on March 6, stating that the said programme was found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards relating to Impartiality, Objectivity and Neutrality and Specific Guidelines Covering Reportage relating to Racial and Religious Harmony. Another programme pertaining to alleged police action during ‘Garba’

events in parts of Gujarat was broadcast on October 4, 2022. The NBDSA said News18 India had failed to condemn the police action and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the channel.

A separate order pertained to a News18 India report dated September 29, 2022, about Muslim men being physically assaulted by alleged Bajrang Dal members at ‘Garba’ events. The NBDSA said while the broadcaster had merely reported the said incidents as transpired in Ahmedabad, Indore and Akola, the language used in the tickers gave a “communal tilt to the broadcast”.

A complaint was also lodged against the news channel’s August 5, 2022, “Desh Nahi Jhukne Denge” debate titled “Ghazwa-eHind”. The authority observed that the broadcast attempted to communalise the issue in respect of demographic changes around the border areas of the country due to infiltration. In this matter also, it imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the channel.

In its order on a complaint against a Zee News programme, dated July 12, 2022, related to the Uttar Pradesh-Population Control Bill, the NBDSA said the broadcast apparently “lacked objectivity and neutrality.”

spatial planning, transport planning, and urban infrastructure. Industries should maximise the potential of waste management, he said, adding that the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0) was launched for clean drinking water in cities after the success of the AMRUT scheme.

Modi noted that used water is being treated and sent for industrial use in some cities. “Our new cities must be garbage-free, water secure, and climate-resilient,” the prime minister said as he highlighted the need to increase investment in urban infrastructure and planning in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Modi underlined that future cities should be defined on parameters such as architecture, zero discharge model, net positivity of energy, efficiency in land use, transit corridors and use of AI in public services.

MUMBAI, MAR 1 (PTI):

Mumbai Police detained local Congress leader Bhai Jagtap and a number of other party workers on Wednesday while they were protesting outside the National Stock Exchange (NSE) building against the Adani group and its Chairman Gautam Adani, an official said.

Hundreds of Congress party workers, including women, gathered outside the NSE building in BandraKurla Complex (BKC) and started shouting slogans against the Adani group.

Later, 40 to 50 party workers and leaders including Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Jagtap, were detained and taken to the BKC, Kherwadi and Nirmal Nagar police stations, the official said. The action were taken under the Bombay Police Act and the protesters were later let off, the official said, adding that no one was arrested. Jagtap said they

were protesting against the move to include some Adani group stocks in dedicated indices by the NSE. “We also demand that Gautam Adani’s passport be seized so that he cannot flee the country like (diamond merchants) Mehul Chowksi,

Nirav Modi, etc. Why is the government silent on the Adani issue?” the Congress leader asked. There have been allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud against the firms of Adani, but the group has denied them.

Will end loot if party comes to power: Cong on LPG hike

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): The Congress on Wednesday hit out at the government over the hike in price of LPG cylinders, saying if it comes to power at the Centre, it would end the “loot” by providing cylinders for domestic users under Rs 500.

Ajit Pawar and Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Balasaheb Thorat also said that such remarks were unacceptable. Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress are allies of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

“There is a need to check what actually has been said. At the same time, everyone should be careful what words are spoken in the House. We have also been called ‘anti-nationals’,” Thorat said. Protests over Raut’s alleged remark led to four adjournments.

BJP and Shinde-led Sena legislators also trooped into the well demanding Raut’s arrest. After his appeals to the members to go back to their seats went unheeded, the speaker adjourned the house for the day.

Cooking gas LPG price on Wednesday was hiked by Rs 50 per cylinder -- the first increase in rates in almost eight months -- that came within days of end of polling in three northeastern states and was sharply criticised by the Opposition.

In Delhi, a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder now costs Rs 1,103, up from Rs 1,053, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the price of domestic cooking gas cylinder has been raised by Rs 50 and that of commercial gas cylinder by Rs 350 at a time when every person in the country is facing the brunt of high inflation.

“The public is asking - how to make Holi dishes now, for how long will these orders of loot continue?

Every person is facing the brunt of back-breaking inflation implemented by (Nar-

endra) Modi government,” Kharge said in a tweet in Hindi. Party spokesperson Gaurav Vallabh said Prime Minister Modi has given a Holi “gift” to the people in the form of the LPG price hike. If the Congress comes to power at the Centre, it would provide gas cylinders under Rs 500 on the lines of that provided by its government in Rajasthan, he said.

“If the Congress comes to power, the party pledges to provide domestic LPG cylinders at below Rs 500 as being provided by the Rajasthan government. Modi

ji should draw lessons from the Congress government in Rajasthan and not loot the people of the country with high taxes,” Vallabh told reporters. He added that any hike in prices has a cascading effect on all articles.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the BJP government has again increased the prices of cylinders and this time just before Holi.

“Since 2014, the government has raised the price of cylinders by 275 per cent.

The cylinder was Rs 400 in the Congress government, the Congress government of

Rajasthan is providing cylinders for Rs 500. The prime minister should tell, then why is your government looting the public like this,” Priyanka Gandhi asked.

On the hike in prices, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) said Rs 1,103 was the rate for a 14.2-kg nonsubsidised LPG cylinder.

The government doesn’t pay any subsidy to most non-Ujjwala users and this is the rate that they will have to pay for buying cooking gas refills.

The government pays Rs 200 per cylinder subsidy to the 9.58 crore poor who got free LPG connection under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The effective price for them would be Rs 903 per cylinder.

State-owned fuel retailers are supposed to revise rates on a monthly basis in line with cost but they have not done so since 2020 and were in October last year given a one-time grant of Rs 22,000 crore to make up for losses they incurred between June 2020 and June 2022. They last revised domestic LPG price on July 4 last year.

EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Russian counterpart Lavrov

NEW DE LHI, MAR 1 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held wide-ranging discussions with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on bilateral cooperation, the Ukraine conflict and issues relating to G-20.

The Russian Foreign Minister landed in the national capital on Tuesday night to attend a two-day meeting of the G20 foreign ministers that is taking place amid Russia’s escalating confrontation with the Western powers over the Ukraine conflict. “A wide ranging discussion with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on #G20FMM sidelines. Exchanged views on our bilateral cooperation and G20 issues,” Jaishankar tweeted. It is learnt that the

Ukraine conflict figured in the talks. Coinciding with Lavrov’s visit to India, the Russian foreign ministry said Moscow considers the G20 as a prestigious forum for the world’s leading economies where “balanced” and “consensus” decisions should be made in the inter-

ests of all.

“We support India’s G20 presidency in its commitment to promote a unifying agenda that will restore confidence in multilateral diplomacy and prevent the fragmentation of the global economy,” it said in a statement issued late Tuesday

night.

The Russian foreign ministry said Moscow shares the relevance of India’s stated priorities such as ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth, accelerating progress towards the achievement of sustainable development goals, reforming multilateral institutions

and digital modernisation.

“We support India’s effort to improve working mechanisms and create specialised processes to respond to natural disasters and launch start-ups. We are ready to make a significant contribution to making progress in all these areas,” it said.

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Bhai Jagtap and party workers being detained by police personnel during their protest outside NSE building. (PTI)

Congress MLAs protest against the state government outside the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, in Bhopal. (PTI)

S. Jaishankar with Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov during a meeting, in New Delhi, Wednesday. (PTI)

Narendra Modi

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde arrives for the Budget Session of Maharashtra Assembly, in Mumbai. (PTI)

GST collection up 12 pc in Feb

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): Goods

and Services

Tax (GST) collections rose 12 per cent to more than Rs 1.49 lakh crore in February as domestic economic activities and consumer spending on high-end goods gained momentum.

However, the collections are lower than January mop up of Rs 1.58 lakh crore, which was also the second highest monthly revenue figure since the rollout of GST on July 1, 2017.

“Rs 1,49,577 crore gross GST revenue collected in February 2023; 12 per cent higher than GST revenue in same month last year,” the finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Generally, February being a 28-day month, witnesses a relatively lower collection of GST revenue, the ministry said.

During the month, revenues from domestic transaction (including import of services) were 15 per cent higher while revenues from import of goods was 6 per cent higher compared to the same month last year.

KPMG in India Part-

ner, Indirect Tax, Abhishek Jain said this indicates a growing self reliance within the domestic market and is a positive sign for the Indian economy. As per the ministry data, out of the gross GST revenue, Central GST was Rs 27,662 crore, State GST was Rs 34,915 crore, Integrated GST was Rs 75,069 crore (including Rs 35,689 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess was Rs 11,931 crore (including Rs 792 crore collected on import of goods).

The cess collection of Rs 11,931 crore was the highest since implementation of GST. AMRG & Associates Senior Partner Rajat Mohan said enforcement action by tax authorities against pan masala and tobacco manufacturers in the past few months could have led to higher collection

of taxes and thus contributed to the cess pool. “Indian automakers reported solid domestic sales for vehicles which also fuelled collection of compensation cess during February,” Mohan said.

ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar said the sequential dip in the GST collections in February 2023 is partly on account of the boost to the January figure from the quarter-ending inflows for the month of December, which were remitted in the following month.

On the ‘large divergence’ in the growth of the revenues from import of goods and that from domestic transactions, Nayar said, “the GST revenues from imports of goods are likely to have been dampened by the sequential and Y-o-Y contraction in merchandise imports in

Repoll in 4 polling stations peaceful: CEO

(From p-1)

He revealed that Mokokchung district would have the highest counting tables-- 49. Shekhar stated that elaborate security arrangements too had been put into place, while one of the counting tables in the counting hall would be a VVPAT counting booth for counting VVPATs. He said paper slips of randomly selected five polling stations per AC and mandatory verification of paper slips would be done. Counting of VVPAT paper slips would be done under CCTV coverage and CCTV coverage for movement of EVMs and VVPATs from strong rooms to counting hall was also arranged, he added. CEO on Noklak incident: Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland V Shashank

Shekhar attributed the loss of one life in Noklak district to a law and order issue and disclosed that post-mortem would be conducted on Thursday.

Addressing the media in Kohima, he, however, maintained that the situation was now under control and that arrangements had been made to ensure that there was no disruption to the counting of votes. He said a three-member team comprising of one administrative officer, one police officer and one ECI observer had reached Noklak to monitor the law-and-order situation.

Responding to a query, Shekhar mentioned that the dead body was with the police and that he would not be able to comment further on the matter until the post-mortem was conducted.

Rs 4-5-crore loss in Mao Market fire

(From p-1)

Due to polling day, the market gates were locked for which no one could break into their shops to salvage their items, another lady shop owner lamented. Rokoneizo Viswensto claimed that he had lost goods worth Rs 1.60 lakh approximately. He said he lost all his original documents pertaining to his business and that he was able to retrieve only his wallet and a card holder.

January 2023. We expect the FY2023 RE for CGST collections to be met”.

N.A. Shah Associates Parag Mehta said the GSTN portal gives a lot of data and information to the authorities to cross verify and detect suspicious transactions.

“Even the spending by the consumers have increased substantially leading to increase in collections on ongoing basis,” Mehta said.

Tax Connect Advisory Partner Vivek Jalan said the improvement in GST collections is a result of increased audits, assessments and proceedings in large entities which thereafter impact the entire supply chain.

The monthly GST revenue has remained at more than Rs 1.4 lakh crore for 12 months in a row, including February.

Deloitte India Partner M S Mani said all the large states have reported significant increases ranging from 10 per cent to 24 per cent compared to the same month last year and this indicate that the economic growth and the steps taken to improve compliance are yielding results.

Gold jumps Rs 475; silver plummets Rs 1,225

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): Gold prices jumped by Rs 475 to Rs 55,955 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday amid strong global trends, according to HDFC Securities.

The precious metal had ended at Rs 55,480 per 10 grams in the previous trade.

Silver, however, plummeted by Rs 1,225 to Rs 63,825 per kg.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 55,955 per 10 grams, up Rs 475 per 10 grams,” said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities.

In the overseas market, gold was trading higher at USD 1,833 per ounce while silver was marginally up at USD 21.04 per ounce.

“COMEX gold strengthened above USD 1,830 per ounce in the Asian trading hours on Wednesday, as the dollar eased from recent highs,” Sriram Iyer, Senior research analyst at Reliance Securities, said.

Pangnyu dismisses allegations

(From p-1)

MLA sough to clarify that supporters of a rival candidate “tried to manipulate the voting process and disturb the peaceful environment.”

He said that in the evening, when the voting process was progressing peacefully, but the supporters of the rial party started to gather in front of the school gate “with the intention to breakdown and enter the school premises to disturb the voting process.”

Pangnyu stated that “without much delay” another group of supporters arrived from one private residence with stones, catapult and firewood “because of which my supporters were compelled to retaliate for personal safety and in selfdefence”.

He said that the security personnel present in the scene were witness to tell who started the violence. Pangnyu also

clarified that no polling officer was injured in the clash.

He also claimed that another BJP supporter was assaulted on February 28, 2023 while returning from the market at Medical Ward. Pangnyu said after BJP supporter was brutally attacked, another mob tried to attack his private residence by provoking the situation. He also said that another group of supporters of the rival candidate from High School and Medical ward started to attack his political agent’s residence, adding his supporters were only trying to retaliate for safety of lives and property. In the course of clashes, the NCP supporters even opened blank fire.

Pangnyu affirmed that he was committed to maintain peace and tranquillity in Longleng district for a “brighter future of the present generation and generations to come.”

(From p-1)

Sources said that the body was later kept in police custody and would be sent for post-mortem.

Authorities also rushed in additional security forces to prevent any untoward incident. Eventually most of the crowd

dispersed but authorities were still keeping a high alert.

State police personnel, BSF, SBB and CRPF personnel were deployed at strategic locations to thwart any untoward incident especially ahead of the counting which will take place on March 2 morning.

Parul University gets NAAC A++ accreditation

DIMAPUR,

MAR 1

(NPN): Private University, Vadodara, has received A++ grade with CGPA of 3.55 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council to become the India’s youngest university to attain such a higher grade in its first assessment cycle. The university in a press communique stated that the NAAC assessment focused on the key parameters such as the University’s curriculum design and development procedures, the teaching innovations employed, student teacher profiles, research promotional policies, innovation practices, extension initiatives, governance structures, healthcare services, gender equity, environmental consciousness among others.

University president, Dr. Devanshu Patel said that the evaluation, conducted on the basis of the University’s quantitative and qualitative metrics, took into account the initiatives, policies and milestones achieved from by the university since its establishment seven years ago.

“As a University we have witnessed a significant trajectory of growth and development, from our digital mobilisation & IT infrastructure, to our 180 start-ups and incubators across the city and campus, this accreditation truly affirms our continuous efforts in ensuring quality education and it is truly a proud moment for us as an University”, Dr. Devanshu Patel said.

Dr. Geetika Patel, the

KPC denounces alleged ‘threat’ to member

(From p-1)

KPC said Nyekha not only lacked professional decency to gracefully accept a professional error, but tried her best to turn it around, claiming it was a personal issue between her and a member of the club. The club insisted that it was her bounden professional duty to retract the press release that had already been circulated to all media houses after the error was pointed out, and issue a corrected statement. The club also clarified that the issue was never about her as an individual, but as a responsible representative of a political party.

KPC said it was absolutely ridiculous that she tried to turn this matter into a personal issue when the matter started in a WhatsApp group of professionals over a professional subject.

It said that the two senior journalists, with the sole concern that disseminating misinformation compromised the credibility of the media, had merely suggested that she crosscheck all statements before releasing these to the media.

KPC said that Nyekha reacted to this suggestion with unwarranted aggression and, in the following days, launched an unrelent-

ing personal attack singling out one particular journalist, who was its senior member, amplifying a false narrative that the issue at hand was personal between her and the journalist concerned.

In her attempt to turn it into a personal issue, the club said that Nyekha purportedly “allowed her husband to call the KPC president and make veiled threats on the concerned member of the club to the extent of locating the concerned member’s residence with his “youth”.”

KPC said it was not concerned with whom the BJP media cell convener had personal problems with. But, if she had any personal issue with any journalist, she should address it personally and not in a professional setting. She could even bring evidence and lodge complaint with the club if any of its member was harassing her, KPC pointed out.

In view of the unprecedented turn of events with regard to the issue, KPC stated that it held a special general meeting on Wednesday and unanimously acknowledged that the matter was being interpreted as personal, whereas it never was.

University’s Vice President, Quality, Research and Health Sciences said that the achievement of the university showcased the collective strides made towards delivering the highest quality in education.

“This achievement is truly a significant milestone in the University’s journey towards offering the most quality centred academic experience and we will continue reinforcing our practices and policies in maintaining this standard,” said the Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Amit Ganatra.

“This accreditation would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our students, staff members, management, parents and alumni,” added Dr. Ganatra.

Royal Global School to conduct seminar on career options

DIMAPUR, MAR 1 (NPN): The Royal Global School Guwahati will host a seminar on March 4, in the auditorium of Christan English School for parents and students of Dimapur who are willing to know about various career options and the changes that will come into education due to New Education Policy. The seminar will be conducted by experts from the Royal Global School led by Sanjay Tiwari (Principal Royal Global School) and Keshav Agarwal from Delhi, both of whom have extensive experience in education and leadership. Sanjay Tiwari, is the Principal of Royal Global School and has worked with several leading schools in India and abroad. Keshav Agarwal is a renowned career coach with 25 years of experience working with schools across India. The seminar will feature two sessions that parents and students can attend from 12:30-1:30 PM or 1:30-2:30 PM. The seminar will cover a range of topics, including career counseling, memory techniques, and academic leadership.

SNIPPETS

Twitter faces global outage again

SAN FRANCISCO, MAR 1 (IANS): Microblogging platform Twitter on Wednesday faced a major outage globally, with users reporting that the site’s timeline is not loading on either the web or mobile apps. According to the outage monitor website Down Detector, over 56 per cent of people had reported problems while using the application, 37 per cent while using the website, and 7 per cent with server connection. Users from various countries, including the US, the UK, Japan, and India, began reporting issues with the site. For most users, Twitter showed “What’s happening?” while using the application. Last month, the microblogging site also faced a global outage. According to the outage monitor website, over 85 per cent of people had reported problems while using the application, 8 per cent while using the website, and 7 per cent with server connection.

Nigerian ruling party candidate wins presidential election

ABUJA, MAR 1 (IANS):

Bola Tinubu from Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress party has won the country’s presidential election, the lectoral body announced on Wednesday. With over 8.79 million ballots, Tinubu secured the highest number of the total votes cast during the disputed election, Xinhua news agency quoted Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, as saying. The 70-year-old president-elect defeated his closest rival, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party. Abubakar got over 6.98 million votes and was closely trailed by Peter Obi, candidate of the Labor Party, who secured about 6.1 million votes. About 15.5 mn children in US infected with Covid

LOS ANGELES, MAR

1 (IANS): Almost 15.5 million children in the US are reported to have tested positive for Covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic, according to the latest report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Children’s Hospital Association.

Over 121,000 of these cases have been added in the past four weeks, and almost 28,000 child Covid-19 cases were reported in the latest week ending February 23, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the report. Over the past five months, weekly reported child cases in the United States have plateaued at an average of about 32,000 cases. Reported cases are likely a “substantial undercount” of Covid-19 cases among children, according to the report.

US Prez announces pick for new labour secretary

WASHINGTON, MAR 1 (IANS): US President

Joe Biden announced that he’s nominating Julie Su to serve as his administration’s labour secretary. Su currently serves as the deputy secretary of labour and would replace Marty Walsh, who’s stepping down to lead the National Hockey League Players’ Association, Xinhua news agency reported. Previously, Su was California’s labour secretary and spent 17 years as a civil rights attorney, according to the White House. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Su is the daughter of immigrants, speaking Mandarin and Spanish, the White House said.

Head-on train crash in Greece kills 36

TEMPE (GREECE) MAR

1 (AP): A passenger train carrying hundreds of people, including many university students returning home from holiday, collided at high speed with an oncoming freight train in a fiery wreck in northern Greece, killing at least 36 people and injuring some 85, officials said Wednesday.

Multiple cars derailed and at least three burst into flames after the collision just before midnight Tuesday near the town of Tempe as the passenger train was emerging from a highway underpass.

Rescue crews illuminated the scene with floodlights before dawn on Wednesday as they searched frantically through the twisted, smoking wreckage for survivors.

After sunrise, they turned to heavy machinery that had been brought in to start moving large pieces of the trains. What appeared to be the passenger train’s third carriage lay atop the crumpled remains of the first two, where emergency crews were directing their focus.

Officials said many of the passengers on board the Athens to Thessaloniki train had been university students

The trains crashed just before the Vale of Tempe, a gorge that separates the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia. Costas Agorastos, the regional governor of the Thessaly area, told Greece’s Skai Television the two trains collided head on at high speed.

“Carriage one and two no longer exist, and the third has derailed,” he said.

China dismisses FBI statement on COVID-19 lab leak theory

BEIJING, MAR 1 (AP):

For the second day in a row, China on Wednesday dismissed U.S. suggestions that the COVID-19 pandemic may have been triggered by a virus that leaked from a Chinese laboratory.

Mao on Tuesday insisted that China has been “open and transparent” in the search for the virus’ origins and has “shared the most data and research results on virus tracing and made important contributions to global virus tracing research.”

Debris of trains lie on the rail lines after a collision in Tempe, near Larissa city, Wednesday. (AP/PTI) returning home after celebrating Carnival over the long weekend.

“This is a terrible tragedy that is hard to comprehend,” said Deputy Health Minister Mina Gaga. “I feel so sorry for the parents of these kids.”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was to visit the scene later in the day.

Survivors said several passengers were thrown through the windows of the train cars due to the impact. They said others fought to free themselves after the passenger train buckled, slamming into a field near a gorge, about 380 kilometres (235 miles) north of Athens.

“There were many big pieces of steel,” said Vassi-

lis Polyzos, a local resident who said he was one of the first people on the scene.

“The trains were completely destroyed, both passenger and freight trains.”

He said dazed and disoriented people were escaping out of the train’s rear cars as he arrived.

“People, naturally, were scared — very scared,” he said. “They were looking around, searching; they didn’t know where they were.”

Eight rail employees were among those killed in the crash, including the two drivers of the freight train and the two drivers of the passenger train, according to Greek Railroad Workers Union President Yannis Nitsas.

Jaishankar hosts reception for foreign ministers attending G20 meet

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(PTI): A day ahead of a crucial G20 meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday evening hosted a welcome dinner for the foreign ministers attending the deliberations but the reception was missed by his counterparts from the US, China, Germany and France.

US Secretary of State

Antony Blinken, Chinese foreign Qin Gang, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and France’s Catherine Colonna had not landed in Delhi when the reception began at around 7 pm at a luxury hotel in Delhi.

However, a significant number of foreign ministers and their delegates attended the reception.

Blinken arrived in the national capital later in the night. Overall 40 delegations are expected to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center.

Besides the G20 member countries, the meeting is being attended by foreign ministers of nine guest countries – Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Sin-

gapore, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

Foreign ministers at the reception exchanged pleasantries and held brief conversations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles, Canada’s Mélanie Joly, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Argentina’s Santiago Cafiero are among those who had already landed in Delhi.

The foreign ministers from the world’s largest industrialised and developing nations will hold crucial deliberations on key global challenges at the meeting in Delhi on Thursday which is taking place amid an increasing rift between the Us-led West and the RussiaChina combine on the Ukraine conflict.

The foreign ministers are also likely to discuss ways to deal with falling economic growth, increasing inflation, lower demands for goods and services as well as increasing prices of food, fuel and fertilisers.

However, the major flashpoint between the West

and the Russia-China combine is expected to be the Ukraine conflict even as India is set to make all out efforts for a joint statement following the crucial meeting.

Russia on Sunday alleged that the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Bengaluru ended without a joint communique because of the “confrontational” approach towards Moscow by the “collective West” over the situation in Ukraine.

The G20 meeting of finance ministers and Central Bank governors on Saturday was unable to come out with a joint communique following opposition by Russia and China on making any references to the war in Ukraine.

“For India, the G20 presidency also marks the beginning of Amrit Kaal, which will lead to the centenary of our independence, towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society with a human-centric approach at its very core,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a media briefing.

During the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Kwatra said, Jaishankar will be chairing two sessions.

Rescuers wearing head lamps worked in thick smoke, pulling pieces of mangled metal from the cars to search for trapped people. Others scoured the field with flashlights and checked underneath the wreckage. Several of the dead are believed to have been found in the restaurant car near the front of the passenger train.

Greece’s firefighting service said some 66 people were hospitalised, including six in intensive care.

“The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains,” said fire service spokesperson Vassilis Varthakoyiannis.

The possible cause of the collision was not immediately clear. Two rail officials were being questioned by police but had not been detained.

Responding to comments by FBI Director Christopher Wray, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the involvement of the U.S. intelligence community was evidence enough of the “politicisation of origin tracing.”

“By rehashing the lableak theory, the U.S. will not succeed in discrediting China, and instead, it will only hurt its own credibility,” Mao said.

“We urge the U.S. to respect science and facts ... stop turning origin tracing into something about politics and intelligence, and stop disrupting social solidarity and origins cooperation,” she said.

In an interview with Fox News that aired Tuesday, Wray said, “The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in (central China’s) Wuhan.”

“Here you are talking about a potential leak from a Chinese government-con-

trolled lab,” Wray said.

Referring to efforts to trace the origin of the coronavirus, he added, “I will just make the observation that the Chinese government, it seems to me, has been doing its best to try to thwart and obfuscate the work here, the work that we’re doing, the work that our U.S. government and close foreign partners are doing. And that’s unfortunate for everybody.”

On Tuesday, Mao pushed back at a report from the U.S. Department of Energy that assessed with “low confidence” that the virus that was first detected in Wuhan in late 2019 leaked from a nearby government laboratory.

The report hasn’t been made public and officials in Washington stressed that U.S. agencies are not in agreement on the origin of the virus.

A World Health Organisation expert group said last year that “key pieces of data” to explain how the pandemic began were still missing.

The scientists cited avenues of research that were needed, including studies evaluating the role of wild animals and environmental studies in places where the virus might have first spread.

The Associated Press has previously reported that the Chinese government was strictly controlling research into the origin of the pandemic that has killed more than 6.8 million people worldwide, clamping down on some work and promoting fringe theories that it could have come from outside the country. Some scientists are open to the lab-leak theory, but many scientists believe the virus came from animals, mutated, and jumped to people, as has happened with other viruses in the past.

Imran Khan’s party suspends ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’

LAHORE, MAR 1 (PTI):

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party on Wednesday suspended its “Jail Bharo Tehreek” (court arrest movement) after the Supreme Court ordered the election commission to hold polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces within 90 days of the dissolution of the assemblies as stipulated by the Constitution. The Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies were dissolved on January 14 and 18 respectively by Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) as part of its bid to force early general elections in the country. A five-member bench headed by chief justice Umar Ata

Bandial issued the decision on Wednesday that paved the way for elections in the two provinces, currently run by interim governments. The court also ruled that President Arif Alvi’s orders to hold elections on April 9 will be binding on the Punjab assembly but

not on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly, as the latter was dissolved by the governor, while the former was not. “We welcome the SC judgement. It was responsibility of SC to uphold Constitution & they have valiantly done that through their judgement today. It is an assertion of Rule of Law in Pak. We are suspending our Jail Bharo movement & moving forward with election campaigns in KP & Punjab,” Khan tweeted. The former cricketerturned-politician’s tweet comes a day after 280 activists from his party were arrested during the last two days, taking the total number of arrests to 600.

Khan kicked off the “Jail Bharo Tehreek” on February 22 from Lahore over what he called was a gross violation of human rights in the country, abuse of the Constitution and an economic meltdown. Khan was ousted from power in April after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership, which he alleged was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China, and Afghanistan. The PTI chief, who came to power in 2018, is the only Pakistani Prime Minister to be ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament.

25 Chinese planes, 3 ships sent toward island: Taiwan

TAIPEI, MAR 1 (AP): China sent 25 warplanes and three warships toward Taiwan on Wednesday morning, the island’s Defence Ministry said, as tensions remain high between Beijing and Taipei’s main backer Washington. The ministry said 19 of those planes crossed into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone while the ships were continuing to operate in the Taiwan Strait. It said Taiwan responded by scrambling fighters, dispatching ships and activating coastal missile defence systems to “closely monitor and respond.” China stages such incursions on a near-daily basis,

Sri Lanka’s trade unions hold nationwide strike

COLOMBO, MAR 1 (PTI): The one-day token strike organised by Sri Lanka’s trade unions on Wednesday to protest the government’s massive tax and utility rate hikes has brought daily life in the crisis-hit island nation to a grinding halt and disrupted services in key sectors like airports, ports and banking.

The trade unions belonging to various sectors called the strike after defying an essential services order issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and urged his government to withdraw its tax hikes.

In January, President Wickremesinghe, who is also the country’s finance minister, hiked corporate taxes to 30 per cent from 24 per cent, after raising VAT (Value Added Tax) to 15 per cent last year.

The Sri Lankan government introduced tax hikes with effect from January widely believed to be on demand by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “We have launched

the strike from 7 am today to 7 am tomorrow. We won’t accept the essential services order. This is an action to highlight our hardships with tax increases,”

Niroshan Gorakanage, a port trade union leader, told PTI.

He said the eight ships that were set to arrive on Wednesday and ships that were scheduled to leave the Colombo port were hit by the strike. Channa Dissanayake, a bank employees trade union official said work in the two state banks, including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have been curtailed on Wednesday.

Joseph Stalin, the teacher’s trade union spokesman said teachers were wearing black armbands to work to protest the government’s move.

Charuka Ilangasinha of the University teachers’ federation said the strike would be resorted to until the government rolled back the tax hikes.

Wickremesinghe said raising taxes to get over the current economic crisis was an essential step.

However, trade unions allege the tax revisions were meant to please the IMF as the island awaits a nod from the world lender for

a 2.9-billion-dollar bailout package.

Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka needed to raise its tax revenue to that of 2019.

In 2019, Wickremesinghe’s predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa drastically reduced tax revenue while ignoring calls for an IMF bailout.

The president has said he was aware of the burden placed on people by higher taxes but the high taxes are part of the rescue operation of the Sri Lankan economy.

The IMF in September last year approved Sri Lanka a 2.9-billion-dollar bailout package over 4 years pending Sri Lanka’s ability to restructure its debt with creditors -- both bilateral and sovereign bondholders.

Wednesday’s strike is all set to add to the uncertainty over the upcoming local body polls.

The Election Commission announced that the local body elections would not be held on March 9 as planned, and a fresh date will be notified on March 3.

part of what are termed “gray zone” tactics, aimed at intimidation and wearing down Taiwan’s equipment, exhausting its personnel and degrading public morale. Those also include cyberwarfare and disinformation campaigns, along with a relentless drive to deprive Taiwan of diplomatic allies.

Taiwan has responded by upgrading its fleet of F-16 fighter jets and ordering 66 more of the planes from the US, while purchasing a range of other weaponry and extending its mandatory term of military service for all males from four months to one year. Relations between Beijing and

Washington, Taiwan’s primary ally and source of defensive weaponry, have spiralled over China’s actions toward the island, trade, technology and the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled a visit to Beijing last month after the US shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the US east coast, drawing furious protests from China.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and has been rapidly expanding its military to meet that challenge should it arise.

Turkiye intends to hold elections on May 14 despite quake

ANKARA,

MAR 1 (AP):

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated on Wednesday that his government still intends to hold elections a month earlier than scheduled despite an earthquake last month that devastated parts of southern Turkiye.

In an address to legislators of his ruling party, Erdogan chided critics of the government’s handling of the earthquake’s aftermath and said the people would give their response to those critics on May 14 — the election date his ruling party had tentatively set for before the deadly tremor hit.

The February 6 earthquake and strong aftershocks that struck Turkiye and Syria have killed around 50,000 people — the vast majority in Turkiye.

Close to 204,000 buildings either collapsed or were severely damaged in Turkiye, leaving hundreds of thousands of people home-

less. Officials say 14 million people were affected by the quake and millions of people have either left or had been evacuated from the quake-stricken region.

Erdogan didn’t provide information on how the elections could be organised in the quake zone or say whether displaced survivors would be able to cast ballots

in their new locations. The Turkish leader, who has been in power since 2003, is seeking a third term in office as president. The presidential and general elections, which need to be held no later than June 18, come at a tough time for Erdogan who has seen a decline in his ratings because of skyrocketing inflation.

APOLOGY LETTER

I, Mr. Kimiyeka Achumi would like to admit that I have created a fake facebook account by the name of Bebekali Yep's and I have misused the Instagram picture of Lee_Vi_Ka from her Instagram account. And I would like to admit that I have created the fake account and misused the instagram picture without her knowledge and I have done it for my own interest and I have duped money from many people using the fake facebook account and picture of Lee_Vi_Ka for which I would like to sincerely apologize Ms. Livika Kiho for this shameful act and I admit that any such cases won't occur in near future and I shall endeavour not to repeat this again.

Regards Mr. Kimiyeka Achumi

dp-812/23

Mao Ning

Imran Khan

Sri Lanka trade union members during the protest.

Singers Sipligunj, Bhairava to perform ‘Naatu Naatu’ at Oscars ceremony

Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, the singers of “Naatu Naatu” from SS Rajamouli’s feature film “RRR”, will perform the Oscarnominated song at the upcoming edition of the Hollywood awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) shared the announcement on its official Instagram account late Tuesday night.

“Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava. ‘Naatu Naatu.’ LIVE at the 95th Oscars. Tune into ABC to watch the Oscars LIVE on Sunday, March 12th at 8e/5p! #Oscars95,” the Academy said in the post.

Sipligunj, who will take the Oscars stage at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, tweeted the Academy’s announce-

ment via his official Twitter page. “This is going to be unforgettable moment in my life (sic),” he wrote. Other nominees in the category are: “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman”, “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick”, “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “This Is a Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. Composed by vet

Ed Sheeran announces UK and Europe arena tour

Ed Sheeran has surprised fans by announcing details of a UK and European arena tour that kicks off later this month. Check out full dates and ticket details below.

eran music director MM Keeravaani and penned by Chandrabose, “Naatu Naatu” is a Telugu song from Rajamouli’s celebrated period action blockbuster “RRR”.

Earlier this year, the track -- which translates to bucolic in Telugu and demonstrates the spirit of fun in country music in over 4.35 breathless minutes of song and dance -- won the Golden Globe Award and a Critics Choice Award.

Big B to star in courtroom thriller

84’ helmed by Ribhu Dasgupta

chan on board in our next film and I’m thrilled to be starting this adventure with him and Ribhu in Section 84.”

“RRR” follows a preIndependence fictional story woven around two real-life Indian revolutionaries - Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem - in the 1920s. The film stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR in the lead as well as Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn, and Shriya Saran in key roles.

The lavishly mounted epic is the first Indian film in over two decades to be nominated for the Academy Awards. Besides “RRR”, Indian documentaries such as “All That Breathes” by Shaunak Sen and “The Elephant Whisperers” by Karthiki Gonsalves are also nominated at the 2023 Academy Awards in the best documentary feature and best documentary short segments, respectively. (PTI)

The news comes after the singersongwriter today (March 1) announced details of new album ‘-‘ (‘Subtract’), his fifth LP to date and the final in his “mathematical album era” of records named after symbols.

To launch and celebrate the new material, Sheeran will be playing dates in Manchester, London, Glasgow and Dublin this month, with a once-off show in Paris in April. These are Sheeran’s only scheduled UK and European shows for 2023.

Fans can pre-order the album before 9am on Tuesday 7 March via Sheeran’s official website here to gain early access to the ticket pre-sale before tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 10 March.

Sheeran’s new album is the follow-up to 2021’s ‘=’, and is released on May 5 via Asylum/Atlantic. ‘-‘ is described in press material as the “last in his decade-spanning mathematical album era” and is an acoustic-driven album that was written and rewritten against a backdrop

of personal turmoil.

Aaron Dessner of The National teamed up with Sheeran on writing and production. “I had been working on ‘Subtract’ for a decade, trying to sculpt the perfect acoustic album, writing and recording hundreds of songs with a clear vision of what I thought it should be,” said Sheeran of the record. “Then at the start of 2022, a series of events changed my life, my mental health, and ultimately the way I viewed music and art.

He continued: “Writing songs is my therapy. It helps me make sense of my feelings. I wrote without thought of what the songs would be, I just wrote whatever tumbled out. And in just over a week, I replaced a decade’s worth of work with my deepest darkest thoughts.”

Earlier this year Sheeran told fans that a “turbulent” time in his life had stopped him engaging with social media, but he didn’t detail what those troubles were.

Now, he has spoken of how “within the space of a month, my pregnant wife got told she had a tumour, with no route to treatment until after the birth. My best friend Jamal [Edwards], a brother to me, died suddenly and I found myself standing in court defending my integrity and career as a songwriter. I was spiralling through fear, depression and anxiety.

“I felt like I was drowning, head below the surface, looking up but not being able to break through for air.”

The news follows reports that Sheeran declined to perform at King Charles’ coronation this May.

Elsewhere, the soloist recently launched ‘Tingly Teds’, his own range of hot sauce. (NME)

The Weeknd to star in film he co-wrote, produced opposite Jenna Ortega

currently untitled and has been kept shrouded in mystery regarding its plot, genre and the like is being directed by Trey Edward Shults, the filmmaker behind ‘Waves’ and aIt Comes at Night’.

After working together in ‘Yudh’ and ‘Te3n’, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and filmmaker Ribhu Dasgupta will be seen collaborating for the upcoming courtroom drama thriller ‘Section 84’. Reliance Entertainment, Film Hangar, Saraswati Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and Filmmaker Ribhu Dasgupta’s ‘Section 84’,

in association with Jio Studios, will star the legendary Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

Director Ribhu Dasgupta expresses: “I feel happy, blessed, and honoured to collaborate with Sir again. Looking forward to it.”

Vivek B. Agrawal, Producer, Reliance Entertainment, said: “It’s an honour to have Mr Bach-

Sameer Chopra, VP Marketing, Reliance Entertainment, said: “We are absolutely delighted to start work on Section 84. Mr Bachchan’s unparalleled superstardom paired with Ribhu’s amazing story telling craft would make Section 84 an incredible watch for audiences worldwide.”

‘Section 84’ is presented by Reliance Entertainment in association with Jio Studios and produced by Reliance Entertainment, Film Hangar, and Saraswati Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The film is written and will be directed by Ribhu Dasgupta. (IANS)

CDC Warns of Possible Severe Flu Season Ahead

Australia is experiencing its worst flu season in five years, and that doesn’t bode well for the United States, federal health officials warned Tuesday.

America’s flu season often mirrors what unfolds in Australia, where winter spans April through October.

Making matters worse, only 49% of Americans plan to get a flu shot during the 2022-2023 flu season, according to a new survey of more than 1,000 people by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). In addition, one in five people at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications aren’t planning to get vaccinated this year, the survey showed.

“We don’t know exactly what to expect this flu season, but we do know the best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated each year, ideally before flu activity begins in your community,”

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a media briefing on the upcoming flu season.

It’s never too late to get your flu shot, and it’s safe to get it at the same time as your COVID-19 booster, she stressed.

People who are 65 or older should get one of the ramped-up flu shots for better protection, Walensky added. There are three types available: Fluzone HighDose and Flublok, which contain higher doses of the main anti-flu ingredient; and Fluad Adjuvanted, which contains an ingredient to boost immune re -

sponse. If one of these flu shots isn’t available, older Americans should get whatever flu shot is, Walensky noted.

Besides getting your annual flu shot and other vaccines, including those for COVID-19 and pneumonia, take precautions to stave off illness, officials said.

“Stay home if you are sick, avoid people who are sick, practice good hygiene, wash your hands often, and cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze,” Walensky said. If you do get the flu, antiviral drugs can shorten its duration and lessen its severity.

There have been worrisome drops in flu vaccine coverage during the past two flu seasons, Walensky said, with the main reasons being that some people don’t think it works or are concerned about side effects.

Each year, scientists track flu patterns and make an educated guess about which strains will circulate. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they don’t. But getting a shot still helps.

“Even if the flu vaccine is not a perfect match, it provides some protection against severe disease

and complications of influenza,” said NFID director Dr. William Schaffner.

Just 58% of kids aged 6 months to 17 years got the flu shot during the 2021-2022 flu season, which is about 6% less than it was in 2019-2020, according to CDC statistics.

Meanwhile, only half of pregnant women, who are at high risk for severe flu-related complications, got the shot during the 2021-2022 flu season, compared to nearly 55% in the previous season. The flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and can also help protect the baby, said Dr. Tamika Auguste, chair of women’s and infants’ services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

“Women can receive the flu shot during any trimester, postpartum and even while breastfeeding,” Auguste said.

Patricia Stinchfield, president of NFID, stressed that “the flu is not just a bad cold. It can cause lifethreatening complications including hospitalization and death, and healthy individuals at any age can get severe influenza.”

The message is clear:

“Anyone 6 months of age or older needs a flu vaccine, and this is particularly important for those at high risk for influenza complications including young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, people aged 65 or older, people with chronic conditions, and certain racial and ethnic minorities,” Stinchfield noted.

By Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter

Musician ‘The Weeknd’, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye will have his first

starring role in a feature film that he wrote and is also producing. The picture, which is

Shults also co-wrote the movie and is executive producing it. We do know that it is shooting in Los Angeles, but aside from that the “logline is being kept under wraps,” reports ‘Variety’.

Whether comedy or tragedy, action adventure or

musical extravaganza, this impressively vague feature has lined up a top shelf cast. Beyond The Weeknd, a Grammy-winning recording juggernaut, the film also stars Jenna Ortega, the star of ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Scream VI’, as well as Barry Keoghan, the Oscar-nominated actor from ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’.

The film will also be produced by Tesfaye’s producing partner Reza Fahim, who is a co-writer, as well as

Kevin Turen and Harrison Kreiss. Chayse Irvin will handle the cinematography, while composer and producer OPN will be scoring the film alongside The Weeknd. OPN has previously done the scores for ‘Good Time’ and ‘Uncut Gems’, in which The Weeknd had a cameo role as himself. The Weeknd will also star in the hotly anticipated HBO series ‘The Idol’, cocreated with Euphoria’s Sam Levinson and Fahim. (IANS)

‘Section

Chelsea announce fan advisory board

LONDON, MAR 1 (AGENCIES): Chelsea will create a fan advisory board (FAB) to “engage in discussion, exchange information and share insights” on matters affecting supporters, the Premier League club said on Wednesday, as they look to step up engagement with fans.

In June, Premier League clubs agreed on a plan to improve the league’s “collective offer for fans,” which included the introduction of Fan Advisory Boards and the development of a ‘Fan Engagement Standard’.

Chelsea said the FAB will be made up of six supporters, with three places reserved for ‘Supporter Advisors to the Board’ and three places going to supporters selected through an open application process.

“... the FAB will engage in discussion, exchange information and share insights on potential decisions that impact Chelsea FC supporters,” Chel-

sea said in a statement.

“The focus will be on the club’s strategic vision and objectives, as well as medium and long-term decision making”.

“The FAB will meet at least three times a year with Chelsea FC board members, with additional senior club executives also in attendance at all meetings.”

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) said it was a “momentous day” for supporters, but add -

ed there was still work to be done “before many of our concerns over the unelected nature of a large percentage of the FAB are removed”.

“It must go further than what has been included within this initial proposal before it is fully endorsed by the CST,” said the group, which worked with the London club on the proposal.

Other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool,

have set up similar boards in recent years.

A government white paper published last week outlined the role of an independent regulator for English football, the key recommendation of a fanled review into the governance of the professional game. The regulator would set a minimum standard of ‘fan engagement’ as part of its licensing regime, including on issues such as name changes, stadium moves and even changes of kit.

Clubs would have to show that they are regularly consulting a representative group of fans on key strategic matters at the club. “Through my position on the board, I want to ensure the club has the ability to respond reactively to supporter issues,” said Conservative peer Daniel Finkelstein, a Chelsea board member who will have strategic oversight of the FAB.

“Through our fans’ forums and other communication channels, we believe we are working well to capture this feedback and will continue to develop mechanisms to do so.

“In addition, I want to ensure our supporters are represented when we are considering long-term plans for the club.”

Chelsea are 10th in the league standings with 31 points after 24 games, 14 points outside of the top four, following a miserable run under manager Graham Potter. They host Leeds United on Saturday.

Carlos Alcaraz, Cameron Norrie withdraw from Acapulco ATP 500

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (IANS): World no 2 Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco with a right hamstring strain while Cameron Norrie pulled out due to fatigue, the tournament organisers said.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in @AbiertoTelcel. I have a grade 1 strain in my right hamstring that will keep me out for several days, according to the tests we did this morning,” Alcaraz tweeted.

“I’m really sad I can’t compete here, but now it’s time to think about recovering and being ready as soon as possible. I hope to see you all soon!” he added. Alcaraz owns an 8-1 record on the season after winning the Argentina Open and reaching the final of the Rio Open. The Spaniard missed more than three months following last year’s Paris Masters due to injury.

Norrie claimed the

biggest clay-court title of his career in Brazil, where he battled past Alcaraz in the final. The left-handed Briton leads the ATP Tour in match wins this season with 18 (18-3).

“Unfortunately I have to withdraw from Aca -

pulco,” Norrie said in an Instagram Story. “It’s one of my favourite tournaments, so it’s really tough for me to withdraw.” “We wish you both a speedy recovery,” the Acapulco tournament wrote on social media.

Legendary French footballer Fontaine dies Bismah steps down as Pakistan women’s team captain

PARIS, MAR 1 (IANS):

Legendary French footballer

Just Fontaine, who holds the record for the most goals ever scored at a single World Cup, passes away at the age 89.

In the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, Fontaine scored a record 13 goals at a single World Cup. At the 2014 World Cup, he was awarded a Golden Boot for his record in Sweden.

“RIP Just Fontaine. A legend of French football

who has sadly left us and a sad day for all at Paris SaintGermain, a club he led to the first division 50 years

ago,” Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain tweeted. He scored 30 goals in 21 games between 1953 and 1960 for The Blues. During his club career, Fontaine played for USM Casablanca, Nice and Stade Reims. After retiring in 1962, he moved into management and took charge of the France team in 1967 before coaching Luchon, Paris Saint-Germain, Toulouse and the Morocco national team up to 1981.

LAHORE, MAR 1 (PTI): Bismah Maroof has stepped down as Pakistan women’s cricket team captain, ending a nearly six-year stint of leading the side.

Maroof’s last assignment as captain was the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa where the team failed to make it to the semi-final, losing three of the four group games, including a thriller against arch-rivals India.

I-League: Sudeva relegated after draw with NEROCA

NEW DELHI, MAR

(IANS): Sudeva Delhi FC became the first team to be relegated from the I-League 2022-23 after playing out a 3-3 draw against NEROCA FC at the Chhatrasal Stadium, here on Wednesday.

In a match that featured plenty of quality goals, NEROCA took a two-goal lead through Bayi Kamo Stephane and Jourdaine Fletcher, which was quickly cancelled out by a stunning brace from Alexis Gomez before half-time.

The Argentine completed his hattrick early in the second half and Sudeva seemed to live to fight another day until substitute Michael Kporvi equalised in the dying minutes of the game. NEROCA had a dream start to the game and took the lead just four minutes in. From the left wing, Mirjalol Kasimov sent a cross towards the sixyard box, and Bayi Kamo Stephane, who got in behind Sudeva’s Sukhandeep Singh, found the springs to jump above the defender and send his header past

1

the home captain and goalkeeper Priyant Kumar Singh. NEROCA continued to have the upper hand after taking the lead. Tangva Ragui went close in the 18th minute, while Sweden Fernandes was just wide with his curling attempt ten minutes later. At the half-hour mark, Jourdain Ronaldo Fletcher doubled NEROCA’s lead. The Jamaican received the ball on the right wing and moved to a central position after shrugging off challenges from Sudeva’s Sujit Sadhu and took a stinging shot at

goal, which comfortably beat Priyant.

Following the second goal, Sudeva Delhi finally woke up, and the front three of R Lalbiakliana, Seilenthang Lotjem, and Alexis Gomez started to see more of the ball. Three minutes from half-time, Gomez displayed a moment of brilliance and scored directly from a corner with a curling right-footer which struck the post before going in.

Four minutes later into the add-on time, NEROCA’s Lallenmang Sitlhou gave away a free-kick in the attacking third and from

the dead ball, Gomez sent another curler, which hit the post before going into the back of the net to restore parity.

Six minutes into the second half, the Argentine scored from a corner kick for the second time to complete his hat trick and give Sudeva the lead for the first time in the game. This time Gomez aimed for substitute Shavkati Khotam from the corner, but his cross missed the Tajik and took a slight deflection off a white shirt on its way into the back of the net.

NEROCA tried to get back into the game, and Fletcher received a perfect opportunity to equalise in the 61st minute. The Jamaican took a free-kick just outside the penalty area, but his grounded shot was well wide. In the 84th minute, Khotam had an opportunity to double the advantage for Sudeva. The substitute received a cross from Lalbiakliana at the top of the penalty area but failed to get the desired connection, as his weak effort went wide.

The 31-year-old had played a pivotal role in guiding Pakistan to a competitive 149 in the T20 World Cup, remaining unbeaten at 68 runs. But India overhauled the target with six balls to spare to win by seven wickets.

The veteran batter has played 124 WODIs and 132 WT20I so far, of which she led the team in 34 ODIs (16 wins) and 62 T20Is (27 wins). Bismah will, however, remain available

for selection as a player, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement

on Wednesday. Bismah was named Pakistan’s all-format captain in September 2017 and has had the best winloss ratio amongst all the regular players to lead the country. Her replacement will be announced in due course, said the PCB. “It has been an honour for me to captain my country and I feel fortunate to have led an incredible and hardworking bunch of

cricketers. It has been one exciting ride, which has been full of highs and lows, but, at the end of the day, I will always be thankful to Almighty for providing me this opportunity.

“With the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle in its initial stages and the 2024 T20 World Cup more than a year away, I think this is the right time for me to step down and help so we have a smooth transition,” said Bismah.

Cameron Norrie and Carlos Alcaraz.

Match in action between Sudeva Delhi and NEROCA

Bismah Maroof

Just Fontaine

3rd Test: Khawaja puts Aus in lead against India

INDORE, MAR 1 (IANS):

A fine half-century (60) from Usman Khawaja, after Matthew Kuhnemann took his maiden Test five-wicket haul, put Australia in ascendancy with a vital 47-run lead on day one of third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India at the Holkar Stadium, here on Wednesday.

In what was the best day for Australia on the ongoing tour, Kuhnemann ran through India’s batting order, taking 5/16 in his nine overs on a pitch which had sharp turn and variable bounce. Nathan Lyon picked up three wickets while Todd Murphy took out Virat Kohli as India were bundled out for just 109. Thereafter, Khawaja with his soft hands and a calm head, stitched a vital 96-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne to take Australia to 156/4 in 54 overs at stumps, though the duo fell for 60 and 31 respectively.

For India, Ravindra Jadeja took all four Australian wickets and was the only bowler to trouble the visitors’. Since the start of day, frenetic play was visible and every ball was literally

an event. Being out for 109 in 33.2 overs is also India’s lowest Test total at home since 107 and 105 against Australia in Pune 2017 and is their fifth shortest innings while being all-out in-home conditions.

The opening over of Day 1 produced exciting action, as a returning Mitchell Starc produced a faint edge off Rohit Sharma, but Australia didn’t take the review. Replays later showed it could have been a wicket for Australia if the review was

taken. On the fourth ball of the over, Starc hit Rohit’s back pad, but didn’t take a review again. Later on, ball tracking showed three reds, giving Rohit another life. He and Shubman Gill hit six delightful boundaries in the first five overs.

But from there, Australia’s spinners spun a vicious web to trap the Indian batters. Rohit was the first to fall, dancing down the pitch to go over midon but couldn’t get to the pitch of the ball as it turned

Ashwin moves to number one spot in the ICC Men’s Test bowling rankings

DUBAI, MAR 1 (IANS):

India’s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has moved to the top spot in the latest ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings, ending veteran England pacer James Anderson’s stay at the number one spot.

Ashwin claimed the top spot after taking six wickets in his most recent performance, in India’s emphatic victory over Australia in the second Test at New Delhi. Anderson, on the other hand, drops to second place after England’s stunning one-run loss to New Zealand in the Wellington Test. Ashwin, 36, first became the No.1-ranked Test bowler in 2015, and has returned to the top spot on several occasions since then.

He bagged big wickets in India’s win in New Delhi, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the same over of the first innings before returning to

Dubai C’ships: Djokovic survives thriller against Machac in opener

his stumps off Kuhnemann for a two-ball duck, as India lost five wickets in the first hour’s play. While other batters crumbled, Virat Kohli looked assured in his defence and also found some timely boundaries. But his stay ended at 22 when off-spinner Todd Murphy trapped him in front of stumps. KS Bharat cracked a powerful sweep and slogsweep, but was also trapped lbw off Lyon at the stroke of lunch.

rotate strike and get boundaries through loose deliveries. India’s bowlers tried too hard, but were unable to get the right line or length to trouble Khawaja and Labuschagne. Khawaja played late and used vertical shots to thrive on a vicious pitch.

in trademark fashion in the deciding-set tie-break to ward off the upset and take a hard-earned two-hour and 28-minute victory.

pick up Alex Carey for a duck in the first innings. He was at it again in the second innings, picking up three of the top five while his spin-bowling accomplice, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja rattled through the rest of the Australian batting order from the other end by picking seven wickets.

Ashwin has an opportunity to extend his latest stay in the No.1 spot through India’s remaining two Tests on home soil in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in

Indore and Ahmedabad.

zAshwin, with 864 points, is now the third No.1 Test bowler in as many weeks, after Anderson, now having 859 rating points, replaced Australia captain Pat Cummins at the summit last time around. The trio continue to make up the top three bowlers in the latest rankings.

Jadeja’s 10 wickets in the second Test against Australia at New Delhi also sees him move up the bowling rankings to eighth position, and strengthen his grip on top spot in the ICC Test AllRounder Rankings - with Ashwin behind him on the second spot.

England’s premier batter Joe Root is the other big mover in the all-rounder rankings, up two spots to eighth. His return to top form in Wellington also sees him leapfrog Australia’s Travis Head and Pakistan captain Babar Azam into third in the ICC Test Batting Rankings.

sharply and was stumped off Kuhnemann in the sixth over. The left-arm spinner returned in his next over as Gill perished to a defensive prod and was caught at first slip. Lyon then got one to turn in sharply and break through Cheteshwar Pujara’s defence to hit the stumps. Jadeja’s promotion also backfired as he couldn’t keep the cut down and was caught at cover off Lyon. In the next over, Shreyas Iyer chopped on to

A brace of slog-sweeps followed by a hoicked four from Umesh Yadav took India past 100. But Kuhnemann got his five-fer by trapping Umesh lbw which stayed low and hit him on the back pad. Mohammed Siraj was late in responding to the second run from an alert Axar Patel and was out by miles for India’s innings to fold up for 109.

Coming out to bat, India had success instantly as Jadeja trapped Travis Head lbw in his first over, with the left-handed batter given out on review. Jadeja had Labuschagne clean bowled for duck, but replays showed it as no-ball.

Khawaja and Labuschagne played with soft hands and kept their calm to

The final session began with Khawaja flicking and reverse-sweeping off Jadeja. The duo continued to rotate strike and eventually, Khawaja got his 21st fifty in Test cricket as Australia got their highest partnership of the series.

Steve Smith feasted on some boundaries off Axar and Jadeja, but the Australian captain played down the wrong line and a thin edge was caught behind by KS Bharat behind, becoming the fourth wicket of the left-arm spinner. Cameron Green and Peter Handscomb saw out 5.1 overs till stumps closed a day which went in Australia’s favour.

Brief Scores: Australia 156/4 in 54 overs (Usman Khawaja 60, Marnus Labuschagne 21; Ravindra Jadeja 4/63) lead India 109 all out in 33.3 overs (Virat Kohli 22, Shubman Gill 21; Matthew Kuhnemann 5/16, Nathan Lyon 3/35) by 47 runs

DUBAI, MAR 1 (IANS):

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic battled past Tomas Machac in a thrilling first-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships to continue his unbeaten run in the 2023 season. The Serbian held off a ferocious challenge from Czech player for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1) win on Tuesday. He will next face the World No. 39 Dutch Tallon Griekspoor. Machac showcased some top-class shotmaking, particularly off the backhand wing, to roar back into contention after a fast start from Djokovic at the ATP 500. The World No. 1 was at times visibly frustrated at struggling to find his best level, but composed himself

Having finished his 2022 season by going unbeaten at the ATP Finals, Djokovic’s current winning streak now stands at 18.

Djokovic’s thrilling win came a day after he overtook Stefanie Graf’s record for most weeks by a men’s or women’s tennis player as World No. 1. A small presentation noting the 35-year-old’s achievement was held post-match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, according to ATP Tour website. “It is very special. As a young boy growing up in Serbia, I dreamt of two things - winning Wimbledon and being No. 1 in the world. I’ve been blessed to achieve both of my childhood dreams, several times, and I guess when that happened, I had to set new goals, new ambitions,” Djokovic said. The 22-time Grand Slam winner was making his first appearance since winning the Australian Open and is chasing his sixth title in Dubai, where he triumphed in 2009-2011, 2013 and 2020.

Santosh Trophy: Meghalaya beat Punjab 2-1 to reach final

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA), MAR 1 (IANS): Forward Donlad Dingdoh struck a superb goal in the first minute of added time to seal a 2-1 victory against Punjab in the first semifinal as Meghalaya continued their Cinderella run in the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy by making a historic entry into the final, here on Wednesday.

Meghalaya came back from a goal down after Punjab had gone ahead via Paramjit Singh (16) to score through Figo Syndal (37) and Dingdoh as they made the most of their chances to make a maiden entry into the final.

Meghalaya played a more cohesive game and took control of the midfield in the first half. Punjab were hampered by the absence of four first-choice players including goalkeeper Harpreet Singh, striker Rohit Sheikh and Biplub Kala and could not produce

FIFAquestionedforsupermodelrolebeforeWomen’sWC

GENEVA, MAR 1 (AP):

FIFA’s choice of Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima as its first global fan ambassador five months before the Women’s World Cup was described as “tone deaf” by the former leader of the soccer body’s task force for women’s soccer.

Lima’s appointment to “develop, promote and participate in several global initiatives” was announced by FIFA on Monday hours before the former Victoria’s Secret runway model helped present the fan prize in Paris at its annual award ceremony.

“Seriously, FIFA, is this the fan engagement ambassador we need as the (Women’s World Cup) approaches?” wrote Moya Dodd, who was part of the co-hosting bid campaign for her native Australia and New Zealand, on her Twitter account.

Dodd, a former FIFA executive committee member and longtime advocate for women’s soccer, used the hashtag “tonedeaf” and posted the glamor photo from the profile of Lima’s Twitter account that has 2.4 million followers.

A former Australia national-team player, Dodd also recalled recent speculation FIFA could sign the Saudi Arabia tour-

ism board as an official sponsor of the month-long tournament that starts July 20.

“Honestly baffled by the marketing strategy.

First FIFA wants to send an LGBTQ-friendly audience to Visit Saudi’,” Dodd wrote.

“Now it’s targeting who exactly?”

Lima was photographed Monday in Paris at the FIFA gala event with its president Gianni Infantino and posted on Twitter her new role “means the world to me.”

She also posted to her 15.4 million followers on Instagram: “It is a great honor to be part of the FIFA Family.”

“As a fan myself, I

hope to connect at a greater level this family to the life of this beautiful sport: the fans!” she wrote.

FIFA did not specify details Monday of the projects involving Lima, nor if it would involve the biggest-ever marquee women’s tournament which now has 32 teams.

“When you get to meet Adriana, you feel right away her warmth, kindness, and how approachable and passionate she is about our game,” Infantino said on Monday in the FIFA statement.

“She lives and breathes futebol’ and that is also why she can be an excellent link between FIFA and fans worldwide,” he said.

FIFA noted Lima is a “supermodel, actress and businesswoman” but offered no details about her links to the sport besides being a fan. Lima posted her condolences after Pelé’s death in December. Infantino and Dodd served together on FIFA’s ruling committee for more than a year after he was elected in 2016.

She was the first woman, in 2013, to represent the Asian soccer confederation at FIFA and gained a reputation as an independent voice during the presidency of Sepp Blatter. Dodd lost her re-election bid four years later to an opponent from Bangladesh.

Her latest criticism of FIFA follows an oped article she wrote for an Australian newspaper four weeks ago. She suggested that FIFA asking LGBTQ players and fans to visit Saudi Arabia was “to send them to a jurisdiction where they are regarded as criminals.”

Dodd also wrote then she was “thrilled by the progress women’s football has made there (in Saudi Arabia) in recent times.”

The pending “Visit Saudi” sponsor deal also provoked the soccer federations of Australia and New Zealand to urge FIFA not to sign the agreement.

the game that has seen the eight-time champions top their preliminary league as well as the final round in Bhubaneswar. Punjab started the match on a bright note and made the first attack but Gurtej Singh’s attempt was deflected out.

Though Meghalaya made a couple of counter-attacks in the first five minutes, and Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh’s superb cross inside the D went abegging as his fellow forwards failed to capitalise on the chance.

Punjab went ahead in the 16th minute when Paramjit Singh capitalised on a fine attack and scored the opening goal of the match, slotting the ball home with a long0-range effort off a faulty clearance.

However, Punjab conceded their early midfield advantage and allowed Meghalaya to establish their ascendancy. They took control of the midfield and started dominating possession. Their attacks were well

NEW DELHI, MAR 1

(IANS): All India Football Federation (AIFF) disciplinary committee has suspended Tripura player Ayuk Jamatia for a period of four years under the offence of age fraud, forgery and falsification.

The disciplinary committee which met on February 23, 2023, in the matter of Ayuk Jamatia, Player of the Friends Union Club, Tripura, has unanimously taken the decision to invoke Article 62 of the All India Football Federation Disciplinary Code on the said player for age fraud and the offence of forgery and falsification, thus punishable under the article.

In view of Article 62 of the code, the committee has decided to suspend the player from taking part in football matches for a period of four (4) years from the date of the order. The player has been directed to deposit a fine of Rs 2,50,000 (Rupees two lakh fifty thousand only). The player has been given the right to file an appeal against the present order in terms of Article 117 of the code, according to the report published on AIFF website.

structured and they put the Punjab defence under a lot of pressure. They equalised in the 37th minute when midfielder Figo Syndal tapped home

the ball from close range after it was headed down by Nikalson Bina off a freekick by Allen Camper Lyngdoh.

Syndal had another chance soon after when he made a

good run across the box but shot wide. They also failed to capitalise on a couple of more chances as the teams went into half-time with a score of 1-1.

Meghalaya continued to hold the advantage in the second session and though their attacks were more sporadic, they could not capitalise on them and score the winner.

Punjab attempted some counterattacks, attempting to absorb the pressure and relieve the tension with swift long balls. However, their forwards looked clueless in the final third and lost the ball near the box.

But just when it looked like the match would go into extra time, Donlad Dieengdoh sealed a memorable victory for Meghala in the added time with a brilliant long-range effort that went past the Punjab goalkeeper Shamsher Singh Mahala, who had made some good saves.

NEW DELHI, MAR 1 (PTI): India’s top triplejumper Aishwarya Babu has been banned by the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) disciplinary panel for four years for using a prohibited anabolic steroid.

The 25-year-athlete was dropped from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, along with sprinter S Dhanalakshmi after testing positive for the steroid, which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list.

Aishwarya has time till March 6 to file an appeal against the ban after receiving the ban notice from NADA’s Appeal Panel on February 13. The athlete, who had tested positive for Ostarine -- a drug that falls in the category of selective androgen receptor modulator (SRAM) -- was tested during the National InterState Championships on June 13 and 14, last year in Chennai. Aishwarya had won the triple jump gold in the championships with a national record-breaking lunge of 14.14 metres.

Having been provisionally suspended in July last year, Aishwarya has already served six months of her four-year ban. NADA said the substance Aishwarya

used was an “anabolic steroid” listed under WADA’s 2022 prohibited. It added that the athlete had not taken a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for it.

Aishwarya had said in her submission that she “did not take any prohibited substance in order to enhance” her performance.

The athlete added that she had suffered an injury in the past when her shoulder had dislocated while lifting weights in the gym in February 2021. She took treatment and recovered from this injury.

Aishwarya added that in the run-up to the National Inter-state Championships, she pushed herself too much, which led her to the

“painful discomfort on the same place (shoulder)”.

Fearing her injury might resurface if she “continues her training with same vigour”, she discussed this issue with her colleague, Jagdish, who is also an athlete. Jagdish suggested her to take Ostarine tablet claiming that it is completely safe and would help her get rid of the pain and heal the muscle.

NADA’s disciplinary panel questioned why Aishwarya did not approach a hospital or a registered medical practitioner for treatment, adding that the athlete “totally disregarded the rule and took Ostarine tablets on advice of her colleague.” “In view of the facts, circumstances, precedents and rules, it is held that the athlete has violated Article 2.1 & 2.2 of the NADA ADR (Anti-Doping Regulations), 2021. She is hereby sanctioned with an ineligibility of four years. The period of ineligibility shall commence from the date of provisional suspension i.e, 18.07.2022,” the disciplinary panel said.

“It shall be noted that the athlete has failed to satisfy the panel that the ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation) was non-intentional as per Article 10.2.1.1 of the NADA ADR, 2021.

Australian batter Usman Khawaja plays a shot on the first day of the 3rd cricket test match between India and Australia, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, in Indore. (PTI)

Brazilian model Adriana Lima during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 ceremony in Paris on February 27. (AFP)

Novak Djokovic

Ravichandran Ashwin

Aishwarya Babu

Meghalaya player in action during the Santosh Trophy.