17 MAY 2021

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DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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InternatIonal, Page 7

New SOPs issued to combat Covid in rural areas

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): As rural areas see a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Centre on Sunday issued new guidelines for containment of the virus advising that peri-urban and rural areas plan a minimum 30bedded COVID Care Centre for asymptomatic cases with comorbidities or mild cases where home isolation is not feasible.

Provision of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits should be made at all public health facilities including Sub-centres or Health and Wellness Centres and Primary Health Centres, the Health Ministry said. Noting that besides urban areas reporting a large number of cases, a gradual ingress is now being seen in periurban, rural and tribal areas as well, the ministry released the ‘SOP on COVID-19 Containment and Management in Peri-urban, Rural & Tribal areas’ to enable communities strengthen primary level healthcare infrastructure at all levels to intensify COVID-19 response.

It said COVID Care Centres (CCC) can admit a suspect or confirmed case but should have separate areas for suspected and

confirmed cases with preferably separate entry and exit for each. “Suspect and confirmed cases should not be allowed to mix under any circumstances,” the SOP said.

According to the SOP, in every village, active surveillance should be done for influenza-like illness/ severe acute respiratory infections(ILI/SARI) periodically by ASHA with help of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC). Symptomatic cases can be triaged at village level by tele-consultation with Community Health Officer (CHO), and cases with comorbidity or low oxygen saturation should be sent to higher centres.

Identified suspected COVID cases should link for testing to health facilities either through COVID-19 rapid antigen testing or by referral of samples to nearest COVID-19 testing laboratory, in accordance with ICMR guidelines.

CHOs and ANMs should be trained in performing Rapid Antigen Testing. Provision of RAT kits should be made at all public health facilities including Sub-centres, Health and

HIGHLIGHTS

Peri-urban and rural areas to plan a minimum 30-bedded COVID Care Centre for asymptomatic cases.

Active surveillance to be carried out for influenza-like illness/ severe acute respiratory infections (ILI/SARI).

CHOs and ANMs should be trained in performing Rapid Antigen Testing.

Each village to have adequate number of pulse oximeters and thermometers.

PHCs or CHCs and Sub DHs shall be dedicated Covid Health Centre.

Wellness Centres and Primary Health Centres, the document said.

Depending upon the intensity of surge and number of cases, as far as feasible, contact tracing should be done as per Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme’s (IDSP’s) guidelines, it stated.

“Nearly 80-85 per cent

COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic/ mildly symptomatic. These patients do not require hospitalisation and may be managed at home or in Covid care isolation facilities,” the SOP stated.

As monitoring of oxygen saturation is important for monitoring of COVID patients, it is desirable for each village to have adequate number of pulse oximeters and thermometers.

The SOP recommended developing a system of providing pulse oximeters and thermometers on loan to families with a confirmed case of COVID through ASHA/ Anganwadi workers and village-level volunteers. Pulse oximeters and thermometers should be sanitised after each use with cotton or cloth soaked in alcohol-based sanitiser.

Follow-ups for patients undergoing isolation or quarantine could be done through household visits by a frontline worker/ volunteers/ teacher duly following required infection prevention practices including use of medical mask and other appropriate precautions.

“Home Isolation kit shall be provided to all such cases which should include

required medicines such as Paracetamol 500 mg, Tab. Ivermectin, cough syrup, multivitamins (as prescribed by the treating doctor) besides a detailed pamphlet indicating precautions to be taken, medication details, monitoring proforma for patient condition during home isolation, contact details in case of any major symptoms or deterioration of health condition and the discharge criteria,” the SOP stated.

The health infrastructure planned for peri–urban, rural and tribal areas shall be aligned to the already mentioned 3-tier structure -- COVID Care Centre (CCC) to manage mild or asymptomatic cases, Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC) to manage moderate cases and Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH) to manage severe cases, according to the document.

CCCs are makeshift facilities under the supervision of nearest PHC/CHC and may be set up in schools, community halls, marriage halls, panchayat buildings in close proximity of hospitals or healthcare facilities, or tentage facilities in panchayat land, school ground, etc.

(Cont’d on p-5)

With Dimapur accounting for 61% Covid-19 Nagaland records 13 more cases, public urged to be prepared for worst deaths; 241 new Covid cases

Dimapur Covid-19 management team during the visit to new Naga cemetery on Sunday.

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 6 (NPN): With Dimapur district alone accounting for 61% of Covid-19 positive cases in the State, Dimapur district nodal officer for Covid-19 management Y Kikheto Sema has called for preparing for the worst.

He expressed concern over meeting the urgent needs for beds and oxygen as all available facilities in both government and private hospitals have run out of capacities.

Admitting that it was very difficult for meeting the ever-increasing demands for beds and oxygen requirements despite cooperation from all hospitals at Dima-

This is it!

“Things will not be the same. We’ll have to adapt by selling here and there.”

K Y M C

pur, Kikheto appealed to the people, who have kept oxygen cylinders at their home for emergency use, to give them on loan and save human lives.

It may be mentioned that since May 13, about 58 Covid beds have been created in Dimapur, including 28 at referral hospital, besides the 76 beds created earlier. Besides, 10 beds were activated at Zion Hospital on Saturday and 10 beds at Faith Hospital & Institute of Medical Sciences, in addition to the earlier 41 beds and 10 at Eden Medical Centre.

Further, 45 Covid beds are expected to be created

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in tents on Monday – 30 at Eden Medical Centre and 15 at Nikos Hospital.

Kikheto has also requested the police to get 30 Covid beds ready at Police Referral Hospital, Chumukedima by next week.

Meanwhile, to deal with the situation, a team led by Kikheto and accompanied by commissioner police Rothihu Tetseo visited Olive Christian Hospital and Research Centre on Sunday.

During the meeting with hospital’s director Ikheto Sema, the team lauded the hospital management for hosting all non-Covid patients and where all 70 beds are reported to be full.

However, due to the urgent need for more beds for Covid patients, Sema requested the director of Olive Christian Hospital and Research Centre to set up makeshift facility even at the backyard of the hospital with at least 30 beds and get them activated by next week. In this regard, Kikheto directed Dimapur district administration to request Indian Army for setting up the makeshift facility, similar to the one set up at Eden Medical Centre.

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 6 (NPN): Nagaland’s Covid19 death toll and total caseload crossed the 200 mark and 18,000 mark respectively after 13 fatalities and 214 fresh Covid positive cases were reported on Sunday.

Out of 13 fatalities reported on Sunday, 11 were in Dimapur and two succumbed to the virus in Kohima, taking the death toll to 209 (198 Covid related and 11 non-Covid but with Covid positivity).

Of the fresh cases, 103 cases were from Kohima, 102 from Dimapur, 14 from Mokokchung, 10 from Longleng, five from Zunheboto, three from Phek and one each from Mon, Kiphire,

Tuensang and Peren, taking the total caseload to 18076 till date. The state currently has 4100 active cases.

With the recovery of 108 more patients from the contagion, a total of 13195 patients have recuperated in the state till date.

PTI: With 3.11 lakh fresh coronavirus infections, India saw the lowest rise in daily Covid-19 cases after a gap of 25 days, while the death toll rose to 2,70,284 with 4,077 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry on Sunday.

A total of 3,11,170 new cases were reported in a day, taking India’s total tally of Covid-19 cases to 2,46,84,077.

sPorts, Page 8

NBCC calls on churches to rise up to Covid-19 challenge Correspondent

KO H I M A , M AY 1 6 (NPN): As Nagaland reels under massive surge in Covd-19 positive cases and death toll continues to mount, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) general secretary Dr. Rev Zelhou Keyho has urged churches to become more active and rise up to the challenge by displaying love and compassion to everyone, especially those stigmatised by society due to Covid-19.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, Keyho said churches must accelerate their caring ministry, stressing that “the church ought to be serving in ways that make people see Jesus in what we do and what we are”.

He was commenting on those who had succumbed to the virus and their family members, who were reportedly left isolated without any pastor or church official from the respective churches for a respectable burial. He remarked that if the society did not allow proper burial, the church must take this as a challenge by showing love and affection.

Acknowledging that social stigma had become a major problem, the NBCC general secretary said, if anyone had any doubts, then he must get them clarified from experts instead of fuelling rumours.

He called upon every individual to fight the social stigma attached with the disease, pointing out

Dr. Rev Z. Keyho

that enough information had been disseminated by experts that dead bodies did not transmit the virus.

He explained that the bodies were medically treated, sealed and thus safe, and therefore, he said the deceased deserved proper burial rites.

He said SOPs for burial were clearly defined and, if properly followed with the advice of experts, burying bodies of Covid-19 positive patients was safe.

He stressed that church’s right approach in dealing with the situation would bring healing to family members of the deceased who go through untold sorrow and misery. “Let us do things right in the name of God,” Keyho appealed, pointing out that the State was passing through a difficult phase, adding the pandemic had taught the citizens many lessons.

He maintained that the government alone could not do everything and hence citizens too should not expect the government to do everything for them. Rather, as responsible citizens, he said everyone should contribute

in helping a fellow citizen cope with the situation, urging everyone gather strength instead of giving it up.

Observing that bodies were floating in rivers, washed ashore by sea, long lines witnessed in crematoriums, cemeteries refusing decent burials, families not allowed to go near to bid farewell to their loved ones, Keyho remarked, “These are heartbreaking moments and pains us.”

He said instead of blaming each other, citizens must come together to show church’s love and concern by way of caring and helping each other. And as the second wave of Covid-19 had become more intense, he citizens must not allow the younger generation the opportunity to say that pastors had failed the society.

Calling for the churches to serve the spiritual need of those who are going tough times, Keyho urged them to assign pastors on duty like medical fraternity and police personnel, who were working round the clock, and allow their guest houses to be used on rotation to meet the needs of their members.

Acknowledging that no one wanted to sacrifice safety and comfort of family, he, however, commented that these were extraordinary times and insisted that churches must attend the dead and the bereaved as, “they don’t need finances, but church comfort and prayer during their most difficult moments”.

(Cont’d on p-5)

Catholic church ready to convert schools into QCs DIMAPUR, MAY 16 (NPN): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima diocese has assured the state government and district authorities that the Catholic Church was ready to extend all possible help during this time of crisis, by making available the infrastructural facilities especially the schools in every district in Nagaland as quarantine centres (QCs) to quarantine people if necessary.

Meanwhile, priests of Kohima diocese have also come forward to create a fund to help Covid-19 affected people by sacrificing

the subsidy received through PRIM. According to the secretary to the Bishop, the money has been pooled together and entrusted to Fr. Charles, the director of Development Association of Nagaland (DAN,) the social service wing of the diocese of Kohima, located at the Carmel Campus, 4th Mile, Dimapur.

Further, those in need of dry ration, food items, medical support and other emergency relief, they may contact DAN office-- 9436009529; 8732059971; 03862242799, the secretary added.

Pangnyu to inaugurate NHAK oxygen plant today Pungro Forum endorses joint

KOHIMA, MAY 16 (PTI): Nagaland’s first Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation plant will be functional at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) from Monday, said a health department official.

Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom will inaugurate the first PSA plant at NHAK on Monday after (Cont’d on p-5) which production of medi-

cal oxygen will commence, said joint director of Health and Family Welfare department, Dr Neisakho Kere.

The PSA oxygen generation plant is being funded

by PM CARES fund.

The sample of oxygen produced by the PSA Plant at NHAK was sent for testing on May 10 while a quality test of the oxygen started on May 13 and completed on Friday.

“Tested sample of medical oxygen is confirming to IP 2018 Standard Quality and is fit for use for Medical Purposes,” stated the test report.

Construction of two more PSA plants, one each in Dimapur and Mokokchung district is progressing while other districts would also be having PSA oxygen generation plants funded by UNDP and UNICEF.

statement against taxation

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 6 (NPN): Joint Forum of Public Forum, Pungro Subdivision (PFPSD) and GBs Union, Pungro Sub-division (GBsUPSD) have endorsed the joint statement issued by three tribal bodies– United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimchungrü Tribal Council and Eastern Sumi Hoho and appealed to all Naga politi-

cal groups (NPGs) to honour the decision made by the hohos in public interest.

In a joint statement, PFPSD president Kongsu and GBsUPSD president JB Shahato said the call was made considering the economic backwardness and daily hardships of the common people.

(Cont’d on p-5)

States to get nearly 51L Covid vax in next three days Shopkeeper assaulted in Dimapur NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): More than 1.84 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while nearly 51 lakh doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

The Centre has so far provided more than 20 crore vaccine doses (20,28,09,250) to states and UTs free of cost, it said. Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is

18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday.

“More than 1.84 crore Covid vaccine doses (1,84,41,478) are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces,” the ministry said.

It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by

states and UTs within the next three days. Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including Test, Track, Treat and COVID Appropriate Behaviour).

The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing COVID vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated.

Implementation of the Liberalized and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID19 Vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18.

Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to states free of cost as was being done earlier.

Staff Reporter D I M A P U R , M AY 1 6 (NPN): In an apparent instance of lockdown violation and harrasment, two unidentified local youth physically assaulted a shopkeeper at Chatteshwary Colony, West Yard area here on Sunday noon.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, Animoy Roy, the victim’s son, alleged that the youth had come to his father-- Anil Roy’s shop to buy water and asked him to open his shop. But being a Sunday

and due to lockdown, he said his father declined to do so and instead offered to give water from his house, which was adjacent to the shop.

The duo allegedly got infuriated at not having acceded to their demand for opening the shop. They said they wanted to carry out a check of his shop, to which the shop owner urged them to show their identity proof first. Since they failed to provide any identity proof, the shop owner tried to seek help from some passers-by.

It was during this time that the youth allegedly punched him on his face and broke his teeth, the son claimed.

Following the incident, the police have registered a case. ADCP crime and PRO, Dimapur Police, Relo T Aye informed that the police took suo moto cognizance of the incident and registered a case at Sub Urban police station. He said investigation was on to nab the culprits as their photos were available with the police.

(Dimapur Bengali Samaj condemns, see on p-5) K Y M C

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state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: What inhibits covid testing among people by and large?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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Skill training for rural IRCS Mon provides relief to cyclone victims youth in Mokokchung DIMAPUR: Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Mon Branch executives headed by its honorary secretary C Nyamto Wangsha visited Oting village under Mon district on May 14 and provided relief to the worst affected families whose properties were damaged/destroyed by heavy hailstorm and cyclone storm on the night of May 9.

In a press release, Oting Students’ Union (OSU) president Y Keapwang Konyak and general secretary N Topong Konyak stated that IRCS Mon branch distributed necessity materials to the affected families.

Further, the students’ union on behalf of citizens and the affected families extended their gratitude to IRCS Mon branch team for their support.

Members of IRCS along with the affected families.

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A

B

C

of conA Lack fidentiality.

57%

by B handling health work-

31%

C Can’t Say.

12%

Insensitive erst say.

Various orgs extend assistance amid lockdown NSDC directs

Next Poll

Q: Are preparations for

covid emergency still insufficient ?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAy 17

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Mostly sunny; hot and humid

38 26

Partly sunny

Aizawl

31 19

Guwahati A stray morning thunderstorm 33 22

A morning shower in spots

Imphal

29 17

Itanagar Mostly cloudy with a t-storm 27 20 Shillong

A morning t-storm; some sun

23 16

Kohima

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.

25 16

Dimapur A few morning showers

32 21

A thunderstorm in spots

27 17

Tuensang A thunderstorm in spots

19 13

Mkg

Some sun with showers around 26 20

Wokha

Zunheboto Periods of sun with a t-storm

24 16

KVK functionaries along with the participants.

DIMAPUR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Mokokchung conducted a six-day skill training of rural youth (STRY) on poultry management at Yisemyong from May 5-11. The programme was conducted in association with state agricultural management and extension training institute (SAMETI) and national institute of agricultural extension management (MANAGE).

A press release by KVK Mokokchung stated that during the inaugural programme, senior scientist &

head, KVK Mokokchung, Dr. Keviletsu Khate highlighted the importance of skill development.

He explained about the objectives of STRY and relevance of skill development in poultry management. He also encouraged the trainees to make the most out of the training.

During the week long training, different topics included basics of poultry production, types and systems of poultry production, access to information and using ICT, ethoveterinary

practices in poultry production and management, entrepreneurship in poultry farming, planning a sustainable poultry enterprise, poultry marketing, beyond production – opportunities in small scale processing and value addition, agro-metrology and it importance in poultry production and challenges and opportunities in times of pandemics – special reference to COVID-19.

Altogether, 15 youths (all female) participated in the training and were given certificates on completion.

NSCN (I-M), NNC/GDRN (N/A) condole DIMAPUR:NSCN/GPRN and NNC/GDRN (N/A) in separate condolence messages have expressed deep pain at the demise of their members.

NSCN (I-M): NSCN/ GPRN ato kilonser, Th. Muivah has expressed sadness and pain at the demise of Neiba Kire, kilonser Angami region, GPRN on May 16 at a private hospital in Kohima.

In a condolence message, Muivah said “we lost him fighting the wicked disease, COVID-19”.

Muivah said late Kire joined the “Naga national service” with full conviction

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

and commitment and served the “nation” in different capacities and responsibilities with utmost dedication, best of his knowledge and commitment to the fullest satisfaction of all concerned.

He said that late Kire has left behind a wonderful legacy to be remembered forever.

Muivah on behalf of the “Naga nation” has extended deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the departed soul.

Meanwhile, in a separate message, NSCN (I-M) said the “Naga nation”

mourns the unfortunate demise of kilonser, Neiba Kire, who passed away on May 16 at Kohima.

NSCN (I-M) informed that the “Nagalim national flag” would be flown half mast for two consecutive days on May 17-18 as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

NNC/GDRN (N/A): NNC/GDRN (N/A) has expressed deep sorrow and grieved the untimely demise of its ‘brigadier’, late Ghukato Kakheto Yeptho, who passed away on May 14.

In a condolence message, NNC/GDRN (N/A) president, Kiumukam Yim-

chunger and ato kilonser Shehoto I Yesca along with members of the group have mourned the demise of late Yeptho.

NNC/GDRN (N/A) said late Yeptho joined the “national service” in the year 2000 and served the “nation” till his last demise.

It said his sacrifice in the service of the “nation” was highly commendable.

Further, NNC/GDRN (N/A) has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to give them strength and courage, and the departed to rest in eternal peace.

DIMAPUR: Amid the ongoing state-wide lockdown, various agencies and political organisations have been extending humanitarian services to the frontline workers, exservicemen (ESM) and public.

ST morcha & BJYM: BJP Nagaland has been undertaking several activities since the pandemic under the banner “seva hi sangathan” (service only is organisation).

A press release by the state BJP stated that under the initiative of the ST morcha Nagaland, ST morcha president, Wanphong Konyak and her team, the state VJP launched “one-time meal a day” for frontline workers of Kohima district today at the police headquar ters junction Kohima.

The ser vice was launched by state chief spokesperson & in-charge of ST Morcha, Kuputo Shohe, state co-chief spokesperson Nini Cheng and accompanied by state

spokesperson W. Ngampa Konyak who invoked God’s blessings for the week long service.

The launching programme was held in the presence of OC south police station Neizhalie K. During the service, ST morcha team successfully distributed about 110 food packages to health workers and traffic personnel and the Kohima district administration staff in and around the traffic rotary points of Kohima town.

Further, ST morcha Nagaland extended their gratitude to the frontline workers for their selfless service.

Meanwhile, Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) under the initiative of state BJYM Nagaland, BJYM Mon district led by its president Manai Konyak and his team under the banner, “seva hi sangthan” also prepared “one-time meal” and provided food packs to all healthcare workers and professionals

DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Dental Council (NSDC) has directed all its fraternity members to render their duties in compliance with the professional conduct, etiquette and ethics as per the directive of directorate of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW)’s ethical practice by health care workers – COVID-19 pandemic.

In a directive, NSDC president, Dr. H Hotokhu Chishi cautioned that any non-compliance including refusal to treat COVID-19 patients, failure to report to duty, abandoning duties or tendering resignation etc. unless on the ground which predisposes the health care workers in very high risk category upon exposure to contagion, would be liable for disciplinary action as per the rules and regulation of the Dentist Act 1948.

THOKIHI VILLAGE COUNCIL MOURNS THE DEMISE OF KAKISHE Z YEPTHO

We, the Thokihi Union Dimapur express our deep pain over the sudden demise of Shri. Kakishe Z Yeptho, AGM, NST Zunheboto and also president of Thokihi Union Dimapur who passed away on 14th May '21. at the Eden Hospital, Dimapur. His demise has been a great loss to our union and the people of Thokihimi in general. The union conveys our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray that our Almighty God provides solace to the bereaved family members and pray for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. We would cherish his legacy and his footprints in our heart.

Hokugha Yeptho Vice President, Thokihi Union Dimapur

The Village Council Thokihi and its public expressed grief over the sudden demise of our son Mr. Kakishe Z Yeptho, AGM, NST Zunheboto, S/o Lt. Zhehoto, Hd GB who passed away on 14th May '21. In the condolence message, the council said that Late Kakishe Z. Yeptho was a young and promising officer who was always ready to help the needy people in his capacity as an officer and contributed a lot for the upliftment of our village. The council feels that his demise is a great loss for the people of Thokihimi and the vacuum created by him could not be filled by any other in the near future.

The Village Council, GBs and the public of Thokihimi convey their deepest condolence to the bereaved family members and pray that the Almighty God would grant them solace during the time of pain and sorrow.

Khekiho Yeptho Thokihi Village Council

NMHEJOALA

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF OUR BELOVED LT. NTHELO LOTHA

Loving Husband, family & relatives.

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Missing you dearly in silent tears.

K Y M C

fraternity members

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

C. YANBENI LOTHA 05.11.1954 to 17.05.2018 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil-1:21.

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at district hospital Mon to express gratitude towards the frontline workers.

Assam Rifles: With an aim to reach out to the ex-servicemen (ESM) during difficult times, Naga Terriers on behalf of IGAR (N) have undertaken interactions with ESM all across Nagaland mainly at Zakhama, Tizit, Mon, Mokokchung, Rangapahar and Meluri.

According to PRO (Def) Kohima, health advisory, details of medical assistance and contact numbers of the unit were shared in case of any emergency.

M e a n w h i l e, t h e commanding officer, Col Neeraj Sood, Shaurya Chakra, assured all the ESM and Veer Nari to provide all possible support amid the pandemic.

In view of the lockdown, they were also presented with masks, sanitisers and essential commodities.

1937 – 17th May, 2019 You taught us love, gave us strength. And in your heart, you were always kind. We remember your passing today, and celebrate your life.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Your beautiful smile and memories will remain alive in our hearts.

Loving Children, Grandchildren and Family Members.

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K Y M C

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

In a First, Assam starts Covid vax for transgenders

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Northeast

M’laya govt to start campaign on COVID appropriate behaviour S H I L LO N G M AY 1 6 (AGENCIES): In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases the Meghalaya government on Saturday decided to start an aggressive campaign all over the state to make people understand the need for behavioural change, The Sentinel Assam reported.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that the government will create awareness for behavioral change through publicity and short films. “Until there is a behavioral change it would be difficult to contain the spread of the virus,” Tynsong told reporters.

The De puty Chief Minister said that behavioral change is the need of the hour and people should

understand the “gravity of the spread of the virus”.

“One can’t just ignore the containment measures and regulation made by the government,” Tynsong told reporters.

Meanwhile, Tynsong also informed that for the 18-44 year age group vaccination drive which started on May 14, almost 92 to 93 percent has been completed.

It may be mentioned that the state had received 42000 Covishield vaccine for this particular age group. The Deputy Chief Minister also said that there is a shortage of vaccines not only in the state but all over the country even as he added that the stock for the 45 years above age group is available.

Tripura: 10-day curfew in Agartala, 8 areas become containment zone

AGARTALA, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Tripura government has decided to extended across the state impose a 24-hour corona depending on the availabilcurfew starting from May ity of the vaccine. There are 17 till May 26 in Agaran estimated 20,000 memtala Municipal Corporation bers of the transgender (AMC) and has declared community in Assam. eight other areas, including The State Health Desix civic bodies as containpartment says that it will ment zones given the surge consider its COVID-19 in coronavirus cases in the vaccination drive success if state, reported East Mojo. it can inoculate 1.78 crore Speaking at a press target people – around 70 conference, Law Minister lakh 45+ and around 1.08 Ratan Lal Nath said that the decision came after the West Vaccine being administered to a person from the transgender crore 18+.

However, the departTripura district reported community in Guwahati. (The Hindu: Ritu Raj Konwar) ment needs time to achieve 2,263 alone, while AgarGUWAHATI MAY 16 transgender welfare board, this target. The vaccination tala municipal area reported (AGENCIES): As people Swati Bidhan Baruah said target of the State is in sync 1,486 positive cases. in the country are get- that the main source of in- with the guidelines issued “Of the total cases reting their COVID vaccina- come for most transgender by the Government of India ported in the state, West tions, thirty members of people is begging. Since and the State’s population Tripura has reported 65.66 the transgender community they come into contact size. A few people may still per cent of COVID-19 cases got their first COVID vac- with other people, they are be left out as the vaccination active while the state has a cination dose in Guwahati very vulnerable to getting target is based on the 2011 positivity rate of 9.25 per on Friday. It was the first infected. census figure. cent as on Saturday,” Nath such step reported in the “As a marginalized According to sources said. entire country. Sources said group, they were getting in the department, it’s a SHILLONG, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Meghalaya will He also said that the that the vaccination drive left out of the vaccina- time-taking exercise as it likely witness a spike of around 8,000 to 10,000 cases by decision followed a careful has been carried out at a tion process and when has to carry out the vac- the end of May, Meghalaya Health Secretary Sampath shelter home for transgen- we requested the health cination drive based on the Kumar said, reports the TNT Bureau. As of May 15, the der in the city, which was department, we got a very supply of vaccines from the state has registered a total of 4,338 active cases, taking the conducted with the support positive response. cumulative positive cases to 22,763. At least 560 new cases Centre. from state’s health departThey helped with the In Assam, the total of COVID-19 were detected in the last 24 hours with 21 ment, reports The Sentinel logistics and we were able number of doses admin- fatalities, the highest single-day corona deaths recorded in Assam. to start the vaccination istered till Saturday is the state. Explaining the reason behind the surge in cases, After taking the first drive without any glitch,” 33,62,471; the total num- Kumar said the spike is because a lot of testing is being Correspondent dose of vaccination, found- Baruah added. ber of the first dose is carried out in the last few weeks. “Testing has increased. SHILLONG, MAY 16: er of the All Assam TransIt is to be mentioned 26,31,608; and the second We have put a system of Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) Meghalaya is yet to see signs gender Association and that the drive at this mo- dose is 7,30,863. The to- and a large number of testing is happening. The advantage of flattening the curve of associate vice-chairperson ment is restricted in Gu- tal number of vaccinated is that we (can) identify the cases (before) they multiply COVID-19 infection with of the Assam government’s wahati but is likely to be people is 56,185. because it is also a multiplier disease,” he said.

569 fresh cases of infection surged the active caseload to 4, 534 and 19 more COVID19 related deaths took the fatality count to 320 on Sunday.

The total number of Correspondent

by RT-PCR test at Babina COVID-19 cases now stands Correspondent retary Meghalaya will pro- Court in July 2019 allowed at 23, 332 since the onset of Lab on May 13 last. vide necessary logistics for mining subject to compliance the pandemic in April last IMPHAL, MAY 16: A The DC, in her oryouth who tried to board der stated that his act SHILLONG, MAR 16: functioning of the Commit- of the Mines and Mineral year. With the COVID-19 a plane from Imphal to was a clear violation of The National Green Tribu- tee,” the order of the Green (Development and Regula- cases showing an upward tion) Act (MMDR,) 1957 and trend over the past weeks, Kolkata concealing his the protocol of Covid- nal (NGT) has formed an Tribunal noted.

The task of the Over- formulating a Mining Plan. the government has imposed COVID-19 positive status 19 positive patients. He Oversight Committee (OC) “We dispose of these lock-down in East Khasi was fined with Rs 2,000 was supposed to isolate to oversee compliance of a sight Committee would be to after he was caught at the himself either at home 2019 Supreme Court order ensure no illegal, unauthor- proceedings with a direc- Hills and strict containment Bir Tikendrajit Airport isolation or community on unscientific-unregulated ized mining takes place, to tion that ownership of the measures in other remaining on Saturday. isolation centre or Covid mining in Meghalaya. The keep ready a combat plan and task of compliance of the 11 districts of the State. order was passed by NGT mining mishap management Judgment of the Supreme Director Health SerBholakumar (19), care centre. a resident of Telipati of The act of Bhola- chairperson, Justice Adarsh plan to avoid eventualities. Court… should be taken over vices (MI), Dr. Aman War The Committee would by the State Authorities, to said the new COVID-19 Imphal East district was kumar was a clear act Kumar Goel, Judicial Memcaught by the doctors on of negligence and as he ber, Justice Sheo Kumar also take necessary mea- be overseen by an Oversight related deaths registered duty at the airport on Sat- was a potential threat for Singh and Expert Member, sures for rejuvenating con- Committee,” the NGT order included 16 in East Khasi taminated streams and riv- said.

Hills district and one each urday and handed over to spread of Covid-19 infec- Dr. Nagin Nanda.

The Committee would ers. “This committee would The order laid the onus in West Khasi Hills district, the District Surveillance tion to other contacts and comprise 12 members which meet within one month and to prevent “unscientific and South West Khasi Hills Officer (DSO) Imphal co-travellers, it added. would be headed by Ad- “take stock of the situation unregulated mining, restoring East for necessary legal This was the sec- ditional Secretary, Ministry and plan future course of the environment, rehabilitat- district and West Garo Hills action against him. ond time where authori- of Environment and For- action,” the order stated. It ing the victims and handling district.

While 274 new Imphal East depu- ties penalised violators est and Climate Change also said that: “to an extent of illegally mined coal” on COVID-19 cases were dety commissioner (DC) of COVID-19 protocols (MoEF&CC.) road-map for further action the State government. tected in East Khasi Hills slapped a fine of Rs. 2,000 in the state. Recently, The other members has been laid out, it is now “However, a disturbing district, 117 were detected in for violation of COVID- a 21-year-old girl from would be Chairman of the the implementation which fact is that even after 1 year Ri- Bhoi district, 43 in West 19 guidelines and ordered Thoubal district was also Expert Appraisal Commit- needs to be expedited.” and 8 months of the judg- Jaintia Hills district, 34 in him to execute a bond penalised for travelling tee, MoEF&CC, Chairman Coal mining was banned ment of the Supreme Court, West Garo Hills district, 33 with sureties for his good using fake Covid-19 nega- Coal India, Joint Secretary, by the NGT on April 17, directing disposal of mined in West Khasi Hills district, behaviour for a period of tive test report.

Ministry of Mining, Direc- 2014. After the ban in the coal, the issue is still hanging 31 in South West Garo Hills six months under section The girl arrived in tor General of Mines Safety years that followed several fire. There is a possibility of district, 19 in East Jaintia 110 of CrPC 1973 as and Imphal by flight using and senior state government committees were set up by such material being stolen or Hills district, eight in South when he is declared medi- the fake negative report. officials. the Tribunal to oversee that pilfered… Similarly, steps for Garo Hills district, seven cally fit to appear before Thoubal DC penalised “The Committee will be illegal mining doesn’t take restoration of the environ- in South West Khasi Hills the executive magistrate. her with the same pen- at liberty to take assistance place and to restore the dam- ment need to be taken on district and three cases in war footing,” the NGT order East Garo Hills district, the B h o l a k u m a r wa s alty awarded to Bhola- from any other institution, aged environment. individual. The Chief SecHowever, The Supreme noted. official said. tested Covid-19 positive kumar.

M’laya likely to see spike of around 8000-10000 cases by end of May

COVID shows no signs of slowing in Meghalaya

analysis of the present situation and an increase in the number of cases.

“The situation is not out of control, and conditions in other states are far worse than here. Some people are undergoing tests, while some don’t. I appeal to everyone: Please get tested for the virus. To save others, three steps must be followed—awareness, testing and vaccination,” Nath added.

Meanwhile, the West district magistrate Raval Hamendra Kumar imposed restrictions in the Agartala municipal area, starting from Monday 5 a.m. till May 26 next.

The state government has decided to notify containment zones at Kailashahar Municipal Council, Udaipur Municipal Council, Bishalgarh Municipal Council, Amarpur Nagar Panchayat, Panisagar Nagar Panchayat, Nagicherra,

BSF para in Shalbagaan and Ranir Bazar Nagar Panchayat.

“Tripura presently has a total of 41 COVID care centres, including the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) hospital at Agartala. These hospitals have a strength of 2,717 beds, while the government has plans to start a 120 bed COVID hospital at TMC hospital at Hapania. We also have three other COVID care centre in the pipeline, which will have over 500 seats,” Nath added.

Nath, who is also the cabinet spokesperson, said that the state government received around 60,000 vaccine doses for vaccinating those above 18 years. The state has about 16 lakh eligible youths in the 18-44 age group.

About 65 per cent of those above 45 have received the vaccine so far in the state.

Shillong Chamber Choir’s percussionist passes away

Mnp: Youth fined for trying to board Oversight panel to oversee compliance of SC plane concealing COVID +ve result order on unscientific coal mining in M’laya

Rare foaming frog resurfaces after 108 years GUWAHATI , MAY 16 AGECNIES): A virtually unknown “treefrog” with known traits such as changing skin shade and whipping up foam to protect its eggs has resurfaced in India after 108 years, The Hindu report stated.

Chirixalus doriae, c o m m o n ly k n ow n a s Doria’s Asian treefrog, Doria’s bush frog, Doria’s bush frog, and Doria’s tree frog, is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae.

It is found in southeastern Asia, from extreme northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh) and adjacent Bangladesh to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China (Yunnan, Guangdong, and Hainan).

A team of zoologists from Mizoram University’s Developmental Biology and Herpetological Laboratory spotted Doria’s foam-nesting treefrog during a nocturnal survey in the buffer area of Mizoram’s Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary in June 2020.

The only previous record of this treefrog in

Doria’s Tree Frog Chirixalus doriae. (CCO)

India was south of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tenga Valley in 1912. This frog belongs to the genus Chirixalus, of which there are currently 14 recognised species.

These are distinguished from the Rhacophoridae family of frogs by the presence of opposable fingers.

The “rediscovery” of Doria’s foam-nesting treefrog in the country after a century was published in the April issue of Reptiles & Amphibians, the journal of the U.S.-based International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

The authors of the

report are Lal Muansanga, Lal Duhzuali, Lal Biakzuala, Vabeiryureilai Mathipi, Saisangpuia Sailo and H.T. Lalremsanga.

“Very little is known about the natural history and the distribution of this treefrog. The species apparently is rare in India and no specimen had been collected since 1912 until our survey,” Mr Lalrensanga told The Hindu.

“Treefrogs can usually change their colour from lighter to darker or tan. This frog derives its name from the secretion of foam for covering the eggs the female lays. The foam guards the eggs

against predators, direct sunlight and desiccation,” he said.

Doria’s foam-nesting treefrog (Chirixalus doriae) was first described in 1893 from Karin Bia-po in Myanmar and was later sighted in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

The Mizoram University team collected a female specimen from a twig above the ground along the edge of a fish pond surrounded by flowering banana plants.

“Considering the intraspecies genetic divergence, we presume that the specimen from northeastern India likely represents a distinct population of the taxon. However, we suggest that further sampling for more specimens and genetic data are necessary to illuminate the population status of the species in the region,” the team’s study said.

Herpetologists based in Guwahati said more research on this “rarest of rare” treefrog could throw light on the quality of habitat or ecological changes in the region.

Abhishek (right) with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

(Shillong Chamber Choir Facebook page)

SHILLONG, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): In a tragic loss for the music community, Abhishek, the percussionist at Shillong Chamber Choir, passed away on Saturday, EastMojo report stated.

The cause of death was not clear at the time of filing this report.

Shillong Chamber Choir, who have earned worldwide fame due to their performances, took to Facebook to share the news.

“It’s with deepest sorrow that we bring you this most saddening news.

Abhishek (far right), our percussionist, our friend, our faithful band-mate of over 10 years has left us this day. The Shillong Chamber Choir has lost one of our own. He leaves behind his

wife and two sons (8 and 2 years old). We attach these particular pictures because as a wiz on the tabla, the SCC had the joy of making a dream come true for Abhishek, and that was to meet his childhood hero Ustad Zakir Hussain some few years ago. We’ve travelled the world together, we’ve been through the many seasons of life together and that stage will not be the same again without your boyish warmth that brought life to our songs and smiles to our audiences. We’ll miss you Abhishek and you’ll never be forgotten.

Do remember and support the family, especially in your prayers. God bless all who read this. Stay safe.

Please,” the group said on Facebook.

M’laya to involve community in handling COVID 2 arrested in Manipur

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 16: In the midst of a Covid situation unfolding towards an upward trend, the Meghalaya government is foreseeing the peak of COVID19 cases in the state, especially in the Shillong Agglomeration area, for which a Strategic COVID Response Plan is being drawn out and the department is currently working closely with members of civil society, especially the community based institutions.

Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Sampath Kumar said the role of the Community COVID-19 Management Teams (CCMTs) was vital in protecting the lives of the people of the state.

“Meghalaya and its people have led the fight against the pandemic on an exemplary note of participative governance. The second wave of COVID this year is graver and the need to wield a united-front to combat the COVID crisis is even more important,” he underlined.

He informed that during consul-

tation with some community-based organizations held recently, the urgent need was felt to form a ‘GovernmentCommunity Covid Response Coordination Committee’ (GCCRCC) to be steered by the state government.

“The proposal and drafting of the modalities is underway, for stakeholders to systematically respond to the crisis on a war footing. In the Urban Areas, the Zone-wise demarcation under the charge of the Magistrate and supported by a doctor and the CCMTs will continue. At this juncture, the scope of operations for this working structure will be enhanced with more empathetic community participation,” Kumar said.

The network will involve key stake holders like the traditional headmen - Rangbah Shnong, Nokmas, the respective district administration and municipal bodies, Welfare Societies, Police, faith-based organizations, health workers, student organizations, journalists, sports and social welfare organizations, relevant government departments and other members of civil society, he said.

7-day lockdown begins in Bokajan

Correspondent

DIPHU, MAY 16: Amid surge in Covid cases in Bokajan sub-division, the local administration has declared a seven total lockdown from May 15 till May 21.

On the first day of the lockdown, the roads wore a deserted look with

shops and business establishments closed.

Emergency services and pharmacies have been allowed to function.

The decision for week-long lockdown was taken after the Bokajan subdivision saw more than 400 positive Covid cases recently.

for social media posts on BJP leader’s death

IMPHAL, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): A journalist and a political activist have been arrested in Manipur for writing controversial social media posts on the death of a senior BJP leader due to COVID-19.

Manipur-based journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem and political activist Erendro Leichombam were arrested on Thursday night from their houses after the state BJP vice-president, Usham Deban, and general secretary P Premananda Meetei filed a complaint against them, NDTV report stated. They have been sent to police custody till May 17.

According to the complaint, the duo had posted offensive comments over the death of Saikhom Tikendra Singh, the state BJP president. “Cow dung and cow urine don’t work,” they said.

Erendro Leichombam was arrested after the state BJP vicepresident, Usham Deban, and general secretary P Premananda Meetei filed a complaint.

The journalist, Wangkhem, had been arrested twice in two different cases over his social media posts. The BJP-led government in Manipur had pressed charges of sedition under the National Security Act (NSA) against him.

Singh was a retired professor.

4

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXXI No. 160 DImapur, moNDaY, maY 17, 2021

Economic challenge

P

rices of commodities are rising at the fastest rate in 7 years, millions of people rendered jobless during the lockdown are still not rehabilitated.

The projections of achieving 10% growth is stuck on the minds of the rBi and NiTi aayog and pushing india an opposite direction away from the projections by the government that economic revival is on the cards. according to the latest Consumer price index (Cpi), food retail inflation has shot up from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 9.1% in 2020-21. Certainly, both COViD pandemic and rising price of fuels have proved to be a deadly combination against economic growth. COViD pandemic has practically brought the nation on its knees However, for nearly months, the central government and its agencies have claimed that india’s economy is on the path to a clear “V-shaped recovery”-improving sharply after the collapse caused by the Covid-19 lockdown in march 2020. However, is the revival- often a reference to rising gross domestic product or GDp-translate into a recovery of the millions of jobs lost during the early months of the pandemic? The overall affect on the job market indicates systematic erosion of jobs, wages and household income. india’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed to a staggering 27.1% since the beginning of the lockdown, especially in metropolitan cities.

Employment in micro, Small & medium Enterprises (mSmEs) and unorganized sectors are said to be the worst hit. This has left over 122 million( 12.2 crore) people in india losing their jobs in april 2020, according to estimates from Centre for monitoring indian Economy. around 75% of them were small traders and wage-labourers. For a country whose economy has been on a downward slope since demonetisation in 2016, india’s management of the pandemic proved to be the final nail in the coffin. The second cause is the daily rise in prices of fuel which have resulted in sky rocketing of prices of essential commodities like gas, pulses, sugar, edible oils, tea, food grains. although it may not have much affect on the flexible income group, they have caused maximum hardship to those belonging to the fixed income group. it is so because their salaries and wages remain the same but the prices of goods and services continue to rise. The middle class and those at the margins of our society are struggling.

These challenges have been compounded by runaway inflation and an unprecedented rise in price of almost all household items and essential commodities. The rising prices of fuel has pushed up prices of various commodities owing to increase in freight or transport charges. Besides the low income group, labourers and those who lost jobs are not even able to buy enough daily food intake. Two items-rice and potato are the major staple food. Both have risen sharply during the recent months and driven largely due to increased transportation due to hike in fuel prices. Whole sale prices have risen by over 15% and the retail at over 30%. Oil companies executives disclosed that both petrol and diesel prices may increase further in coming days as retail prices may have to be balanced in line with global developments to prevent OmCs from making losses on sale of auto fuels. The government is unwilling to reduce oil taxes and if but only marginally. The entire government system is centred around one man without whose nod nothing happens. The second wave is far from over and that it also another cause for concern.

dailydevotion The Habit of Recognizing God’s Provision

…you may be partakers of the divine nature…

—2 Peter 1:4 We are made “partakers of the divine nature,” receiving and sharing God’s own nature through His promises. Then we have to work that divine nature into our human nature by developing godly habits. The first habit to develop is the habit of recognizing God’s provision for us. We say, however, “Oh, I can’t afford it.”

One of the worst lies is wrapped up in that statement.

We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, “Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle.” And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn’t they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God’s riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own selfinterests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges— always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied. And there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.

Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said, “All my springs are in You” (Psalm 87:7). If the majesty, grace, and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you…may have an abundance…” (2 Corinthians 9:8)— then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God’s nature, and His blessing will flow through you all the time.

Quotes

‘Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom’. ~ Francis Bacon

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

Post-mortem

Deficits, debt run govt, economy in crisis

I

ndia is profligate. Its economic policies are away from realism dependent on only one aspect of development – build, build and build more – the real estate that has virtually bust with little activity anywhere else at a time when the fiscal 202021 touched Rs 14.1 lakh crore deficit, 76 percent of revised estimates of Rs 18.5 lakh crore, 31 percent more than last year’s corresponding level of Rs 10.4 lakh crore.

It is a grim situation. The government is on Charvak philosophy of borrowings without a thought how, who or when repayments would be made. It will impact many future budgets – generations - and the expectation of a recovery merely through GDP projections, is fraught with risks because most projections are unreal. The government through its extravaganza like the central vista, roads, rail corridors, temples, and statues want to create an illusion of boosting economy through doses of impractical expenditures. History abounds with many misadventures, including the Alai Minar in Delhi, which

could never be completed.

The real estate across the country is in deep crisis.

The companies have invested billions in acquiring land but projects could even not take off through slowdown in 2019-20 and consequent lockdowns, job and wage losses and stoppages of work. It is hit by falling property prices except in Ayodhya, where land prices are shooting up as 40 more acres of land is being acquired to make an auspicious figure of 108 acre. The prices have been jacked up by speculative projects around a supposed new tourist city.

The unprecedented scale of the impact of covid19 on Indian real estate can be gauged from the fact that the sector has incurred a loss of over Rs 1 lakh crore since the pandemic broke out, according to a KPMG report. The credit shortage brought down the residential sales from four lakh units in 2019-20 to 2.8 lakh units in 2020-21 across the top seven cities of India.

The work from home has given a boost to Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Micorosoft (GAFAM) tech companies turning

into money minting machines. Amazon alone is said to generate $ 80,000 revenues every minute. But it has ruined the real estate as work from home has hit demand for workspaces of about 38 million square feet. These companies are siphoning off funds from India leading to another revenue crisis.

Amid such scenario the latest GDP figures are misnomer. The figures say industrial Shivaji output rose 22 percent in March, on the back of a 19 percent decline a year ago. In reality, factory output shrunk almost 10 percent in 2020-21 because of covid19 lockdown, the biggest shock to manufacturing activity since 198283, according to Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The March spike needs to be seen in the context of an 18.7 percent contraction in March 2020. In the following months IIP numbers underwent large contractions.

Retail inflation figures as per consumer price index (CPI) slowed to 4.3 percent as food inflation comprising 39 percent weight has come down.

Food inflation “slumps” as vegetable prices came down to 2 percent from 4.9 percent in March 2020.

Veggie prices fall by 14.2 percent in April, cereals and products contracted by 3 percent, biggest ever since January 2012. Crash in veggies possibly reflect fall in purchasing power and supply disruption due to lockdown curbs. The cereal and veggie price crash will have adverse impact on farm incomes Sarkar and possibly further consideration for more cash doles.

It is a reflection of the agriculture policy that is not serving the growers.

How the three new farm bills would impact farm health should be a matter of concern. But retail inflation is to see additional headwinds in May and June as fuel prices, after a thaw during the state elections, are being spiked every day. Another concern is the rising prices of edible oils of all sorts. Latest to be added after mustard, groundnut and soya oil is the palm oil used by bakery and other processing units.

The rising fuel prices are also reducing consumption

leading to distress for petrol pump owners as their overall income slumps. But it is to increase commodity prices, fare and freight continuously. A lopsided argument that for revenue generation tax rises on fuel are must.

The governments forget that they are the largest owners of vehicles in the country and each rise drains large sums from its coffers though it adversely affects the economy. Is that a wise decision? Let the political leaders rethink.

Another “achievement” is the record $ 589 forex reserves. It is rising week by week as imports, including petroleum slumps. Crude oil import is at a 20-year-low as it falls 12 percent. Export figures do not show an encouraging trend.

The pandemic has led to a suspension of several businesses of Tatas and other IT companies. Wipro, TCS,and Infosys have deferred pay hikes. Reliance and Oyo have cut wages.

The nation’s response to correction is not being seen. The Congress-ruled Chhattishgarh is the only state to stop construction of new governor’s house,

assembly, chief minister’s house, residences of ministers and senior officers, new circuit house. It saves over Rs 500 crore.

The centre also needs to consider such wasteful expenses on various unnecessary constructions and pride in heritage buildings like Parliament House.

These may be symbolic but sends sharp messages of caring for the causes of the people, particularly the covid19 hit and severely-hit economy.

The rating agency Fitch Solutions in a statement says the spiraling crisis has dented support for the ruling BJP “but voter support for Prime Minister NarendraModi and his will remain strong over the coming quarters through this humanitarian crisis”. A small gesture by Modi will be a great public relations exercise and show his concern for the poor.

The proposed stoppage of capital expenditure of Rs 33,000 crore now would go a long way to refurbish the image, save from going into a debt trap and possible boost to economy. It is a big expectation but a small step to redirect the energy.

Accelerating digital transformation Understanding of the Times K in challenging times 17th May is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

W

e are the genera- gies on ICT development, smart tions who have seen policies to encourage investthe transformation ments, cooperation, and partof digital technology. We are nership. The focus of WTISD seeing things which were not 2021 is “Accelerating Digital dreamed of till recently. We Transformation in challenging can’t think of a day with digital times”. 17th May marks the technology or connection. The anniversary of the signing of mobile phone has become an the first International Telegraph integral part of our life and it Convention and the creation is such a powerful device that of the International Telecomwithout it we may not think munication Union (ITU). of a day. There is no doubt World Telecommunication that driven by information Day has been celebrated annuand communication technolo- ally on 17th May since 1969, gies (ICTs), our societies have marking the founding of ITU undergone a digital alteration and the signing of the first Interthat gave birth to the digital national Telegraph Convention economy and information so- in 1865. It was instituted by the ciety. We must admit that ICTs Plenipotentiary Conference in being democratic tools has Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973 bought many positive changes as Resolution 46. In November all over the world.

2005, the World Summit on the The importance of digital Information Society called upon technologies has been more the United Nations General Asrealized when there is lock sembly to declare 17th May as down. Online classes or digi- World Information Society Day tal classes have shown how to focus on the importance of important technology is in the ICT and the wide range of ispresent situation. We have no sues related to the Information option but rely on technology Society raised by WSIS. The and devices during the time UN General Assembly adopted of pandemic for our classes a resolution (A/RES/60/252) and also for work . This has in March 2006 stipulating that popularized work from home World Information Society Day by using technology. shall be celebrated every year The COVID-19 crisis has on 17th May. In November not only highlighted the critical 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary role of ICTs for continued func- Conference in Antalya, Turkey, tioning of societies but has also decided to celebrate both events brought to the fore the startling on 17 May as WTISD. digital inequalities between and previous years Themes: within countries. The digital  2020: Connect 2030: divide is another challenge for ICTs for the Sustainable Develmany and mainly in rural areas opment Goals (SDGs) and amongst poor people.  2019: Bridging the stanOn the other hand, the dardization gap COVID-19 pandemic has high 2018: Enabling the lighted the urgency of accelerat- positive use of Artificial Inteling digital transformation and ligence for All advancing the goals and targets  2017: Big Data for Big of the Connect 2030 Agenda Impact to leave no one behind. Both  2016: ICT entrepreneurthe issues are important which ship for social impact includes positive digital trans 2015: Telecommuniformation and minimizing the cations and ICTs: Drivers of digital divide so that no one is innovation left behind.

Secretary-General of the The purpose of World UN in his message said that Telecommunication and Infor- “digital technologies sustain mation Society Day (WTISD) life, work, health and learning is to help raise awareness of for billions of people. In the the possibilities that the use of face of COVID-19, businesses, the Internet and other ICT can governments and the digital bring to societies and econo- community have proven resilmies, as well as of ways to ient and innovative, helping to bridge the digital divide. This protect lives and livelihoods. day is observed on 17th May These challenging times have and it is an opportunity for us to accelerated the transformation push for digital transformation everywhere.” “Yet 3.7 billion by promoting national strate- people – nearly half the world’s Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of

population – remain unconnected to the Internet; and of these, the majority are women.

They, too, must be included if we are to make the possibilities of 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital health and other technologies truly transformative and sustainable: , he added . he also mentioned that “ we must also protect against the dangers of digital technologies, from the spread of hatred and misinformation to cyber attacks and the exploitation of our data.”

Houlin Zhao, ITU’s Secretary-General in his message said that “the information society has emerged as one of the main lines of defense against COVID-19. There have been many successful stories, which have shone a spotlight both on the vital importance of ICTs and deep digital inequalities between and within countries.”

“In this decisive year, ITU will use World Telecommunication and Information Society Day to unite the world in pursuit of digital transformation in every area of business and all parts of life. It will be an opportunity to strengthen national strategies on ICT development, implement smart policies and effective measures to encourage investments in ICTs and digital skills, and upgrade our services with new technologies ranging from AI to 5G that are central to the digital economy”, he added.

We can commit to work together to defeat COVID-19 and guarantee that digital technologies are vital for good that help us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind at any cost.

It is up to us how we transform digital technologies and how we make it affordable for all. Different players have different roles and responsibilities. Governments, corporate, international organisations and every individual may make a difference.

Sustainable development is not possible if there is a digital divide. Let us ensure that all of us use technology for the good of human beings and all other living creatures on earth. ranjan K Baruah (With direct inputs from UN/ITU publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@ gmail.com) the columns do not reflect the

nowing what to do can give an edge to any kind of challenges and problems that life may bring forth, but not knowing what to do can lead us to enormous trouble and unfavourable situations in life.

There is an interesting example of this in the Bible about the Israelites as recorded in the book of I Chronicles.

After the dead of King Saul, the Benjamites considered a successor to the throne from its own tribe but the other tribes were not in favour. It was a time of topsy-turvy and a tense moment in Israel. And there was a great need of wisdom to discern those times. But the sons of the tribe of Issachar had a special understanding and knew exactly what the Israelites should do (I Chronicles 12:32).

They knew King Saul had not been a good king and had not established any good reason to keep kingship in the tribe of Benjamin.

The sons of Issachar were able to correctly perceive and recognised the anointed one. Consequently, David was chosen to be the new king of Israel, by virtue of his ability and character.

He was the type of King Israel needed during those turbulent times and was eventually crowned as the new king of the Israel at Hebron.

As we contextualise the above story of the Israelites and relate in our times today, a similar question of the need to understand our time arises.

And the pertinent question that confronts us today is; do we understand our times like the sons of the tribe of Issachar?

Are we able to perceive correctly of the things happening around us? Do we have a leader today,

who can perceive things correctly or do we need a leader who can perceive things correctly and lead the people to right direction? If we look at the present situation of our times, there is so much of chaos and uncertainties, particularly the untold suffering inflicted by the present pandemic and still looming large as human knowledge failed to fathom the exact treatment of the disease.

The knowledge of science and technology has never appeared so helpless in the eyes of suffering as it appears today. We wake to all kinds of horrific news every morning, from mismanagement to unpreparedness -and all kinds’ unfair treatment meted out to the people who are suffering but interestingly nobody wants to take the blame for the mess, rather many of our leaders are busy engaging in the blame game.

In such a time like this, the need to understand the times becomes all the more important.

Understanding the battle against any suffering and the ability to discern the best contemporary means to solve the crisis has always been a challenge for every age. And this is not an exception to the crisis of the on-going pandemic. I think a serious reflection is a must as believer(s) and the church at large.

May we truly seek the divine wisdom to understand the present times like the sons of the Issachar who had the understanding of their times, and overcome from the present pandemic which have brought tears to the homes of millions and untold sufferings across the globe.

Dr. Wungnaongam pou principal mt. pisgsah College Senapati, manipur

Reader’s Post

Refrain from going outdoors

Sir,

Several persons were caught for violating the lockdown rules a couple of day ago. Here, what I don’t understand is the ignorance of certain people. Lockdown was imposed so as to curb the spread of the disease yet our own people are making it much worst with their disobedience. We’ve been hearing news of people dying not only because of COVID but brain hemorrhages, sudden strokes and mere body aches lately. There are also several instances where people who were tested negative dies suddenly after being sick for just a day or two as a result of chest pain. Death is inevitable at this point of time however, what we can all do as sensible beings is- “refrain from going outdoors” at all cost which includes house visits and hangouts. By going outside, we are deliberately putting at risk the lives of not just us but our entire family members and the people we meet. Until the authorities come up with a proper solution to deal with the super spreader disease, we should all abide by the rules and maintain SOP. asang ao, Dimapur view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

Cyclone Tauktae ploughs through coastal areas; 6 dead

BENGALURU/PANAJI/ AHMEDABAD, MAY 16 (PTI): Gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and high tidal waves swept the coastal belt of Kerala, Karnataka and Goa as Cyclone Tauktae hurtled northwards towards Gujarat on Sunday, leaving six people dead, damaging hundreds of houses, uprooting electricity poles and trees and forcing evacuation in low-lying areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Tauktae which has taken the form of a “very severe cyclonic storm” is likely to intensify further during the next 24 hours and reach the Gujarat coast on Monday evening.

“It is very likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach the Gujarat coast in the evening hours of May 17 and cross the state coast between Porbandar and Mahuva in Bhavnagar district around May 18 early morning,” the IMD said.

Strong winds with speed reaching up to 90 km/ per were lashing the western coastal region. According to the Cyclone Warning Divi-

A tree collapsed due to strong winds during the formation of cyclone Tauktae, in Panjim, Sunday. (PTI)

sion of the IMD, by May 18 the wind speed is expected to increase to 150-160 km per hour, gusting up to 175 km per hour.

An estimated 1.5 lakh people are being shifted from low-lying coastal areas in Gujarat while 54 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in the state.

Maharashtra too was

bracing for the storm as the Met department predicted heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in north Konkan, Mumbai, Thane and Palghar and extremely heavy rainfall in Raigad on Monday. The water level in many dams across Kerala showed a rising trend after heavy rains in the catchment areas, prompting authorities to sound an alert. Four deaths were reported from Karnataka’s Uttara Kanna-

NCMC directs states to ensure proper running of COVID centres during Cyclone Tauktae NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba met on Sunday, where the top bureaucrat of the country directed agencies to ensure “uninterrupted” functioning of the COVID hospitals in the states affected by the impending Cyclone Tauktae and secure “zero loss” of lives.

Officers from various central agencies, the chief secretaries of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the administrators of the Union territories of Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu took part in the meeting, a statement issued by the government said.

The NCMC met to review the preparedness of the central and state agencies to deal with the cyclonic storm that is expected to reach the Gujarat coast in

the morning of May 18 with wind speeds ranging from 150-160 km per hour, accompanied by heavy rainfall and storm surge, it said.

Reviewing the preparedness of the central and state agencies, Gauba stressed that all measures be taken to evacuate people in the areas affected by the cyclone so as to ensure zero loss of life and damage.

“All steps are to be taken to avoid disruption of functioning of hospitals and COVID-19 centres and maintenance of regular supply of oxygen to patients,”

the statement quoted him as saying.

Necessary arrangements have been made in this context, it added.

India is witnessing the second wave of the COVID19 pandemic currently.

The cabinet secretary directed the agencies concerned to work in close co-ordination and extend all requisite assistance to the affected states.

“Preparatory arrangements to restore power, telecom and other important services should be ensured,” he said.

With Dimapur accounting for 61% Covid-19...

From p-1 The team also visited Nikos Hospital and during an interaction with Private Doctors’ Association, Dimapur, president Dr Vickto Wotsa, the nodal officer appreciated the contribution of private doctors even during the five wave of Covid-19 pandemic.

Kikheto claimed that Vickto informed him that they were getting ready to provide Covid beds despite space constraints and that 15 Covid beds would be activated by Monday. This was stated in a DIPR release.

Covid-19 management team visits New Naga Cemetery: Team Dimapur led by the nodal officer Khiketo Sema and accompanied by commissioner of police Rothihu Tetseo, ADC

Athoke Aye and other officials visited New Naga Cemetery at Zani on Sunday and paid homage to those who had succumbed to Covid-19 virus. The team arrived at a time when the 75th victim of Covid-19 from Dimapur was brought to the cemetery for burial, a DIPR report stated.

Pained to observe the absence of pastors/reverends at the burial site, Khiketo volunteered to pray before the burial took place and consoled family members of the deceased. He assured that the State government would continue to protect the loved ones.

The nodal officer thanked Naga Council, DImapur (NCD) for timely setting up the cemetery, pointing out that the old cemetery would not have

been able to accommodate such a huge number of burials. In this regard, he particularly thanked former NCD chairman late Ghokheto Chopy and the land donors for timely preparing the cemetery, which eased the burden of burials at this time of crisis. Lauding Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Task Force and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Home Guards personnel for managing the burial of Covid-related deaths, Khiketo remarked that this was one of the toughest jobs that deserved appreciation from all quarters.

He also thanked Western Sumi Hoho for its decision to extend monetary support to DMC and SDRF personnel involved in the burial of Covid victims.

da, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts and two in Goa in cyclonerelated incidents.

Gusty winds and heavy rains started lashing several parts of Goa since Saturday night disrupting power supply in a large part of the state.

“Hundreds of houses suffered major damage due to the cyclonic winds. Some highways were blocked at several points after trees

got uprooted. However, the roads were cleared by the disaster management teams,” Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said.

In Karnataka, over 70 villages in seven districts including Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Hassan have been affected by the cyclone, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority officials said. Officials said nearly a dozen relief camps are functioning in the state.

There has been damage to 112 houses, 139 electricity poles and other infrastructure in coastal areas.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has asked incharge Ministers of coastal districts and Deputy Commissioners there to visit the affected areas and carry out rescue and relief works.

The IMD has issued orange alerts --a warning indicating heavy to very heavy rain-- on Sunday in three Kerala districts-Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram.

Indian Navy deployed its diving and quick reaction teams in the coastal village of Chellanam in Ernakulam district, which was heavily hit by tidal waves. The teams, braving harsh weath-

icine for emergency use.

The drug had shown promising results in its phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials.

The medicine was found to be safe for COVID-19 patients in phase 2 trials,

conducted between May and October last year. It was found to be effective in cutting short the hospital stays of Covid patients and reducing their supplemental oxygen dependence.

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): The Supreme Court has seven vacancies, two high courts are functioning without regular chief justices and two high court chief justices are set to retire in the next one and a half months, a government functionary said. He said the government is awaiting recommendations from the apex court collegium to fill up the slots. The first vacancy in the Supreme Court arose following the retirement of Justice RanjanGogoi in November 2019 as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Subsequently, a few more vacancies arose in the top court following the retirements of justices Deepak Gupta, R Bhanumathi, Arun Mishra, Indu Malhotra, and S ABobde, who demitted office as the CJI last month. Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar passed away in April.

With a sanctioned strength of 34, the apex court is functioning with 27 judges at present. The high courts of Allahabad and Calcutta are being run by acting chief justices.

The chief justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court will retire later this month, while the chief justice of

the Himachal Pradesh High Court will retire in June, the functionary pointed out.

The 25 high courts of the country have a combined sanctioned strength of 1,080 judges, but are functioning with 660, a shortfall of 420 judges, according to May 1 figures available on the website of the Department of Justice. Vacancies keep arising in courts due to retirement, resignation or elevation of judges. The government has maintained that appointment of judges in high courts is a “continuous collaborative process” between the Executive and the Judiciary, as it requires consultation and approval from various constitutional authorities. As per the procedure for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the 25 high courts, the apex court collegium recommends the names of candidates to the government which, in turn, either accepts the proposal or returns it for reconsideration. The high court collegiums first send their recommendations to the Law Ministry which in turn processes the files by attaching Intelligence Bureau reports and forwards it to the SC collegium.

Tough questions will be asked from PM, arrest us: Cong dares NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): Congress leaders on Sunday slammed the police action against some people for allegedly putting up posters critical of the prime minister and dared the government to arrest them for raising questions on the export of COVID vaccines.

Led by Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders changed their profile pictures on Twitter with the poster asking why COVID vaccines were sent abroad.

The opposition party said tough questions will be asked from the prime minister if people don’t get vaccines, medicines and oxygen.

“Arrest me too,” said Gandhi in a tweet while sharing a picture of the poster “Modi ji, why did you send our children’s vaccines abroad”.

The challenge was posed after a few people were arrested by Delhi police for putting up posters in

Rahul Gandhi

the national capital on the vaccine issue.

The Delhi Police also registered a number of FIRs and arrested people for pasting posters critical of the prime minister.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dared the prime minister and home minister to arrest him, saying he was putting up such posters on his compound wall.

“Putting up critical posters against PM is now a crime? Is India run by the

New SOPs issued to combat Covid in...

From p-1 These CCCs should be mapped to one or more Dedicated COVID Health Centres and at least one Dedicated COVID Hospital for referral purposes.

Such COVID care centres should also have a Basic Life Support Ambulance (BLSA) networked among such CCCs equipped with sufficient oxygen support on 24x7 basis, for ensuring safe transport of patients to dedicated higher facilities if the symptoms progress from mild to moderate or severe.

Primary Health Centres or Community Health Centres and Sub District Hospitals in these areas shall be the Dedicated COVID Health Centre for management of COVID-19. The facility may plan a minimum of 30 bedded DCHC. District

should be prepared to increase DCHC beds as per the case trajectory and expected surge of cases, the document stated. These centres shall offer care for all cases that have been clinically assigned as moderate (Patient breathless; Respiratory Rate more than 24 per minute; Saturation between 90 to <94% on room air). District hospitals or other identified private hospitals or a block of these hospitals shall be converted as dedicated COVID Hospitals.

In addition, sub-district or block level hospitals fulfilling the requirements may also be designated as dedicated COVID hospitals for the identified CCC and DHCC in their catchment area. The upgradation in health facilities shall be undertaken based on case trajectory or the surge in cases, the SOP stated.

10,000 packets of DRDO’s anti-Covid oral drug to be distributed today NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): An anticoronavirus drug developed

by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be launched tomorrow, with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh distributing around 10,000 doses to some hospitals in the national capital.

The drug, called 2-deoxy-D-glucose or 2-DG, was developed by a DRDO lab in collaboration with the Hyderabad-based pharma giant, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the country’s top drug regulator, has approved the med-

er conditions, undertook rescue and rehabilitation of people who were trapped in houses. The cyclone, which is the first this year, has added to the woes of the states which are already grappling with the devastating third wave of COVID. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said the cyclone has seen a rapid intensification.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba met on Sunday in the national capital, where the top bureaucrat of the country directed agencies to ensure “uninterrupted” functioning of the COVID hospitals in the states affected by Cyclone Tauktae and secure “zero loss” of lives.

Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparedness for Cyclone Tauktae in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Havel and “specifically” stressed that all health facilities, including those for COVID-19 treatment, falling in the affected areas should be secured along with the patients.

5 Vacancies in SC, HCs: Govt awaits recommendations

A kind of pseudo glucose molecule in the drug stops the virus in its tracks, the defence body says.

The medicine comes in powder form and can be taken with water.

2-DG is one of the few medicines across the world that have been designed specifically to treat COVID19, which, as of now, has no cure. Doctors use several experimental drugs and procedures, including Remdevisir, Ivermectin, plasma therapy and some steroids, to treat the deadly infection.

India has been reporting over 3 lakh coronavirus cases and thousands

of deaths every day for the last few weeks as the more dangerous second wave of the coronavirus ravaged the country.

Amid the mayhem unleashed by the virus and exacerbated by shortages of medicines, hospital beds and live-saving oxygen, cases of a horrifying secondary infection, commonly called ‘Black Fungus’, have emerged from several states.

Experts say because of the misuse of steroids - which can diminish the natural immunity of the body, fungal and bacterial infections are adding to the Covid-linked fatalities.

Modi Penal Code now? Is the Delhi Police so jobless in the middle of a raging pandemic,” he asked.

“I am putting up posters on my compound wall tomorrow. Come get me,” Ramesh dared.

Congress spokesperson PawanKhera said at a press conference that questions will be asked from the prime minister if people don’t get vaccines, medicines and oxygen they desperately need to fight COVID.

‘Covaxin effective against India, UK coronavirus strains’

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): Bharat Biotech on Sunday said its COVID-19 vaccine ‘Covaxin’ has been found to be effective against coronavirus strains found in India and the UK. Citing a study published in peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, the Hyderabadbased vaccine major noted that vaccination with Covaxin produced neutralising titres against all key emerging variants tested, including B.1.617 and B.1.1.7, first identified in India and the UK, respectively.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Virology and Indian Council of Medical Research, it added.

“Covaxin gets international recognition yet again, by scientific research data published demonstrating protection against the new variants. Yet another feather in its cap,” Bharat Biotech co-founder and Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella said in a tweet. She also tagged PMO India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, among others, in the tweet.

The study found a modest reduction in neutralisation by a factor of 1.95 against B.1.617 variant compared to vaccine variant D614G, Bharat Biotech noted.

“I dare you to arrest me. Where is my vaccine, where is my oxygen? We will continue to ask you questions,” he said while alleging that people are being “arrested for asking questions”.

Khera said most of the deaths could have been avoided and people are dying not because of COVID, but due to the mismanagement in handling the pandemic.

He alleged that the government had created manmade shortages and there was chaos all around.

“The Government of India did not manage the crisis well,” he said.

The Congress leader alleged that when it came to negotiating with vaccine manufacturers or putting in place the vaccine policy, everything was “centralised and individualised”.

“PM Modi wanted to be known as a vaccine guru, but now the entire world and every Indian is asking tough

questions,” he said.

“You can’t have centralised decision-making and decentralised responsibility,” he said.

“What we witnessed is image management, which is the most unfortunate aspect of this government.

It is fatal for the country,” he felt.

On the Centre issuing guidelines in rural areas, Khera said they have come much after the virus has already spread in villages.

“We also get to know the under-preparedness of the government, as the entire preparedness was vested with the Centre under NDMA,” he said.

He said India has successfully implemented immunisation drives in the past and diseases like polio have been eradicated.

“India has achieved immunisation in the past, provided there is a political will. The political will is not there under PM Modi,” he alleged.

DBS condemns assault

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 6 (NPN): Dimapur Bengali Samaj (DBS) has condemned the unprovoked assault on Anil Roy of Chatteshwary Colony on Sunday by two unidentified person, while allegedly trying to forcefully enter his house and shop for reasons best known to them.

In a statement, DBS president advocate KK Paul said that at a time when the

state along with the whole country was going through a crisis, such incident was saddening and urge every right thinking citizen and organisation to condemn the act.

DBS appealed to the police to book the miscreants at the earliest and award appropriate punishment.

The Samaj further wished speedy recovery of Anil Roy.

NBCC calls on churches to rise up to Covid-19 challenge

From p-1 The NBCC general secretary urged the churches to discharge their duties by following the SOPs, pray for protection of all and bring healing to the people as they were not only meant to worship but also bring healing to the people.

He called for making the Nazareth manifesto a “Covid-19 manifesto so that our presence in the society will comfort and calm the fear that has taken over us”.

Keyho also appealed to the community to be gracious to the bereaved families and those suffering by not stigmatising or ostracising any member of

the society, emphasising that the entire neighbourhood, colony, block, village and the whole community should come out caring for each other. Observing that sound of mourning the dead in families had increased, he urged the churches to continue praying as “God has been graceful to us and He will be merciful to us again”.

He also shared a Biblical verse from the Gospel book Romans 15:13 where it is stated “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Pungro Forum endorses joint...

From p-1 Therefore, they urged all concerned to desist from imposing any tax on Kiphire district development activities and also avoid taxing commercial vehicles ferrying essential commodities to Kiphire district. The forum also extended its support and cooperation to the three apex tribal bodies in their joint pursuit to forge ahead.

6

Bengal Governor-TMC confrontation peaks

(L) Jagdeep Dhankhar (R) Mamata Banerjee (File)

KOLKATA, MAY 16 (IANS): West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has warned the state’s newly-elected Trinamool Congress government to “not force me to use my constitutional powers”, sparking a fresh artillery exchange with the ruling party.

“He forgot his constitutional position by calling for a change in the state.

His appeal was rejected, so old man is now obviously frustrated,” said Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, while reacting to the Governor’s warning.

Governor Dhankhar has been touring what he describes as ‘violence-hit areas’ since the Trinamool

returned to power with a landslide.

His visit to Sitalkuchi in Northern Bengal provoked angry response from chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who reminded Dhankhar of his constitutional obligations of working on the ‘aid and advice’ of the elected government.

The trip to Sitalkuchi, hit by poll-time violence where some voters were killed in firing by central forces, was followed by Dhankhar’s visit to makeshift camps in Assam where ‘victims of political violence’ in West Bengal were sheltered.

His comment that this was a ‘blot on governance’

in West Bengal provoked accusations that Dhankhar was ‘less a Governor and more a BJP functionary.’

While some TMC leaders see in Dhankhar’s tour to reinforce the BJP narrative of ‘Bengal’s law and order being worse than Kashmir’ to keep up pressure on the Mamata government, others saw a more sinister design -- building a case for President’s rule.

“He is doing now what Dharma Vira did as Governor to bring down Bengal’s first non-Congress government in the late 1960s,” said analyst Sukhoranjan Dasgupta, author of books on West Bengal.

Dasgupta said the BJP is unable to accept the resounding defeat, evident from former Union minister Babul Supriyo’s comment that “Bengal has missed a huge chance by keeping BJP out of power.”

Supriyo resigned as Union Minister to contest the state polls from Tollygunge but lost to Trinamool minister Aroop Biswas miserably.

national

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

Kerala nurse killed in Hamas Already booked online appointments for rocket attack in Israel 2nd Covishield dose to remain valid: Govt

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): In a tragic incident, an Indian nurse from Kerala was killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel.

According to the reports, a 31-year-old caregiver Soumya Santosh, hailing from Idukki, Kerala, was killed in a rocket attack

by Palestinian terrorists from the Gaza coastal strip.

Soumya worked as a caregiver to an old woman in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon.

The Kerala nurse was on the phone with her husband when the rocket hit the apartment she was in. The wheel-chair bound lady who Soumya was taking care of was also killed during the attack. Reportedly, Soumya had lived in Israel for the last ten years in Ashkelon and is survived by a nine-year-old son and husband in Kerala.

“My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus, we came to know about the incident,” said Saji, brother-in-law of the deceased. Soumya

Soumya Santosh

could not reach the bomb shelter in time. According to the local media network Channel 12, the nearest rocket shelter was a minute away from the spot, but they could not reach it in time.

The apartment where the old lady was staying lacked a fortified room. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan expressed condemnation against the attacks and expressed grief over Soumya’s demise.

“Spoke with the family of Ms Soumya to convey my deep condolences at her tragic demise during the rocket attacks from Gaza today. Assured all possible assistance. We have condemned these attacks and the violence in Jerusalem, and urged restraint by both sides,” he said in a tweet.

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (PTI): The Union health ministry on Sunday clarified that already booked online appointments for second dose of Covishield vaccine will remain valid and the same will not be cancelled on Co-WIN platform.

It, however, said requisite changes have now been done in the Co-WIN digital portal, as a result of which further online or on-site appointments will not be possible if the period after first dose date for a beneficiary is less than 84 days.

The Centre had on May 13 extended the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks based on the recommendations by the COVID Working Group chaired by N K Arora.

“The Government of India has communicated this change to states and UTs. The Co-WIN digital portal has also been reconfigured to reflect this extension of interval for two doses of Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII) to 12-16 weeks,” the ministry said. “However, there have

A healthcare worker gives a dose of COVISHIELD to a woman.

been reports in a section of the media suggesting that people who had prebooked their appointments for the second dose in less than 84 days on Co-WIN are being turned back from vaccination centres without getting the second dose of Covishield,” it said.

“Additionally, already booked online appointments for second dose of Covishield will remain valid and are not being cancelled by Co-WIN. Further, the beneficiaries are advised to reschedule their appointments for a later date beyond the 84th day from the date of first dose of vaccination,” the ministry added.

The Union government has reiterated to the states/ UTs that online appointments booked for second dose of Covishield prior to this change of the interval between the two doses of Covishield, must be honoured.

It advised the states/ UTs that the field staff may be instructed that, if such beneficiaries do come for vaccination, “the second Covishield dose must be administered and they must not be turned away”.

They have also been asked to undertake awareness activities to inform the beneficiaries about this change.

NIA conducts searches in TN over social States asked to measure, monitor water supply to villages media posts advocating ISIS ideology case CHENNAI, MAY 16 (PTI): The NIA on Sunday carried out searches at four locations in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai in connection with a case relating to incriminating Facebook posts by an extremist advocating the ideology of the Islamic State terror group and fundamentalist organisation Hizb-Ut-Tahrir, an official said.

The case pertains to uploading some incriminating posts on Facebook by Mohammad Iqbal, a Madurai resident, who was arrested in December last year, he said. In the social media posts, Iqbal, an extremist, advocated the ideology of the ISIS terror group and Hizb-Ut-Tahrir, a fundamentalist organisation, the official of the premier investigation agency said.

The posts on the Facebook page titled “ThoongaVizhigalRendu is in Kazimar Street” was uploaded by Iqbal for denigrating a particular community, the official said, adding they were designed to incite communal disharmony amongst

Su do ku

different religious groups, in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.

The searches were conducted at Kazimar Street, K Pudur, Pethaniyapuram and MehaboobPalayam in Madurai district.

During the operation, 16 digital devices, including a laptop, hard disks, mobile phones, memory cards, SIMs, pen drives and many incriminating books/ pamphlets/documents have been recovered, the official said. Further investigation in the case continues, he added.

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (IANS): National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) has asked all states and Union Territories (UTs) to roll out sensor-based IoT solutions to measure and monitor water supply in rural areas, so as to ensure water service delivery in rural homes by addressing various issues that cause disruption on a regular basis.

In a statement, the Jal Shakti Ministry said: “India has one of the most vibrant Internet of Things (IoT) eco-systems in the world, with various supporting enablers making it conducive for companies seeking to serve the global demand beyond national boundaries.

The Government of

India has introduced a number of initiatives to leverage the benefits of these disruptive IoT technologies in multiple sectors.”

To utilise this expertise, the NJJM, and the Ministry had set up a Technical Expert Committee to prepare a road map for measurement and monitoring of water service delivery systems in the rural areas.

The committee has eminent members from academia, administration, technology and specialists from the water supply sector.

The committee met 11 times and despite the Covid pandemic, finalised the report, which has shared to the states/UTs and pro-

No. 9919 Yesterday’s solution No. 9918

No. 4538 Yesterday’s solution No. 4537

No. 3562 Yesterday’s solution No. 3561

Across 4. Tune (6) 7. Brolly (8) 8. Catchword (6) 10. Small lump of rock (5) 13. Owl’s cry (4) 14. Brave man (4) 15. Pool of still water (4) 16. Jump on one foot (3) 17. The postal system (4) 19. Acquire (4) 21. Violent criminals (9) 23. Fathers (4) 24. Weary (4) 26. Orienteering item (3) 27. Shed tears (4) 29. Unguis (4) 32. River dam (4) 33. Prickly plants (5) 34. Agreement (6) 35. Mechanic (8) 36. To favour (6) Down 1. Suppress, crush (5) 2. Detest vehemently (5) 3. This place (4) 4. Stone worker (5) 5. Plunder (4) 6. Fire-breathing monster (6) 9. Paying guest (6) 11. Afternoon meal (3) 12. Wanderer (5) 13. Pistol case (7) 15. Plump farm animal (3) 16. Belonging to him (3) 18. Solution (6) 20. Stadium (5) 21. Hiatus (3) 22. Tilt (3) 23. Ballerina (6) 25. In good health (3) 28. Sea duck (5) 30. Performed (5) 31. Star sign (5) 32. Wild animal (4) 33. Casino counter (4)

vides a framework to design, develop and establish a coherent system that is able to exchange the data at local and central level.

The broad framework will help the states/UTs in firming up the desired standards to meet the requirement of change from mere infrastructure to ensuring water service delivery.

The NJJM, in partnership with state governments and sector partners, has started facilitating sensor-based water supply systems on pilot basis in several villages.

The data from 11 pilot locations about the daily water supply, its quantity and regularity are shown on the Jal Jeevan Mission dashboard.

“Many states like Bihar, Punjab, Haryana have come forward for the implementation. Sikkim, Manipur, Goa have completed basic survey works.

Gujarat has begun navigating the sensor-based rural water supply systems in 1,000 villages.

A technology grand challenge launched by NJJM in partnership with MEITY, Government of India, is going to be showcases in 100 villages in states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Manipur,” the Ministry said.

The data collected from the field locations will be transmitted to the state and Central server

and can be used to monitor the functionality (quantity, quality and regularity of water supply) at the state and Central level.

This will ensure to minimise service delivery outage and water loss and monitor the quantity and quality on a long-term basis.

“The additional advantage of this data would be to analyse the demand pattern of the user groups over time and use this information for demand management at the aggregate level, minimise non-revenue water, ensure proper management and effective operation and maintenance of water supply systems in the villages,” the Ministry said.

Chandigarh dentist asks SC to order probe against NCB chief Rakesh Asthana

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): The Supreme Court would hear after four weeks a plea by a dentist who has challenged the Delhi High Court order dismissing his petition seeking directions to the Centre, Central Vigilance Commission and CBI to probe and launch prosecution on his complaint against Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) chief Rakesh Asthana.

The plea against the high court’s order came up for hearing on May 13 before a bench of Justices UU Lalit and BR Gavai. “At the request of the counsel for the petitioner, the matter is adjourned for four weeks,” the bench said in its May 13 order.

The high court had on February 15 dismissed the plea filed by Chandigarh

Rakesh Asthana

resident Dr Mohit Dhawan, who had sought directions to the Centre, CVC and CBI to investigate and launch criminal prosecution on his complaint against Asthana.

The high court had rejected the plea with a cost of Rs 20,000 to be paid by the petitioner in favour of the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee.

In his plea filed in the

apex court, Dhawan has claimed that the high court had erred in not appreciating that CVC has failed in “dispensing its constitutional duty” cast upon it by its “disappointing act of total inaction by just sitting over” the criminal complaint submitted by him against the senior IPS officer under the provision of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The plea alleged that the high court had not appreciated that both the CVC and CBI have failed to adjudicate upon the criminal complaints filed by the petitioner.

The dentist had earlier moved the apex court seeking directions to investigate and launch criminal prosecution against Asthana, who also heads the BSF, on the basis of his allegations.

GoverNmeNt of NaGalaNd

n directorate of HealtH & familY Welfare NaGalaNd: KoHima

NO.DHFW-09/Nam/aDVT./31/2017/

/Dated Kohima the 16th may.2021

CORRIGENDUM i n c o n t i n u a t i o n t o a d v e r t i s e m e n t N o . D H F W- 0 9 / N a m / aDVT./31/2017/586/ Dated Kohima the 27th apr.2021 regarding the 6-Months Certificate Training Programme in Community Health. it is hereby informed with regret that the shortlisted candidate’s list for virtual interview to be displayed on the Notice Board on 17th may 2021 is further delayed due to some unavoidable circumstances and will be published at a later date.

dC-xxx

sd/- (dR. I. talItEMsUla JaMIR) mission Director- Nam/ NHm, Nagaland: Kohima

‘Will pursue Hamas as long as necessary’

T e l Av i v, M Ay 1 6 (iANS): Hamas continued to attack Israel with rockets on Sunday and the Israeli army struck back with force as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to pursue the Palestinian militant group for as long as necessary.

“Fire will be met with fire,” Netanyahu said in a video address late Saturday night. “This (military) operation will continue as long as it takes until we achieve our goals and bring peace and security to all Israeli citizens,” the Jerusalem Post quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Israel’s security cabinet is set to meet on Sunday, dpa news agency quoted the Jerusalem Post as saying.

Rockets fired by militant Palestinians continued to rain on Israeli cities on Saturday, while warning sirens wailed in the desert city of Beersheba and in border areas near Gaza, the Army said.

Alarms also went off several times in Tel Aviv, with the latest alarm triggered in the Israeli coastal

7

international

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

happening in Gaza.

Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera said it too had its office in the high-rise.

After the attack, the fifth high-rise destroyed

by Israeli airstrikes in the current conflict, a spokesperson for Hamas said Tel Aviv should prepare for an “answer that will shake the earth”.

Hamas leader’s house hit by Israeli strikes

Benjamin Netanyahu

metropolis late Saturday.

At least one person was killed in a rocket attack on the greater Tel Aviv area on Saturday.

The Israeli Army attacked further targets on Palestinian territory, including rocket launchers and two combat units belonging to the Hamas movement.

The air force destroyed a high-rise in the Gaza Strip that housed the offices of several media organizations, the military said.

The military said the building also contained “military assets” belonging to the Hamas movement, adding it had warned civil-

The Israeli army said it had targeted the house of Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of the Hamas political bureau, and other ranking officials.

According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, about 145 Palestinians have been killed and 1,100 injured since fighting escalated on Monday.

ians ahead of the strike and left them time to evacuate.

“This is an incredibly disturbing development,” Associated Press (AP) chief Gary Pruitt said in New York. “We narrowly avoided a terrible loss of life.”

The news agency had been informed in advance of the airstrike on the highrise, he said. A dozen AP journalists and freelancers were pulled to safety in time, he added.

Pr uitt said he was “shocked and horrified” that the Israeli military destroyed a building with media offices. He said the world would now know less about what is

gAzA, MAy 16 (iANS): Homes and apartments in the Gaza Strip, including the house of a Hamas leader, were bombed and destroyed as Israel slammed the region with airstrikes.

According to witnesses and local sources, among the targets on Saturday was the house of Yehya Sinwar, leader of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip, reports Xinhua news agency.

There was no more information about the Hamas chief, while informed sources said he wasn’t home when the building was bombed.

The house of his brother, Mohammed Sinwar, was also bombed with approximately 15 air raids.

“The Israeli warplanes launched more than 155 air strikes among several areas of Gaza Strip as a reaction of launching batches of new versions of missiles by the Palestinian armed resistance factions towards southern and central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv,” said a civil defense spokesman.

Ambulance and civil defence crews in Gaza were still searching for bodies and survivors under the rubble of the bombed buildings.

US nurses’ union condemns CDC’s advice to go maskless WAShiNgToN, MAy 16 (iANS): The US’ union of registered nurses condemned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for lifting mask recommendations for vaccinated people in the country, stating that it would jeopardise the health of frontline workers, the media reported.

The CDC recommendation “is not based on science” and it would jeopardise the health of frontline workers and the general public, Bonnie Castillo, a registered nurse and executive director of the union, National Nurses United, was quoted as saying by the New York Times on Saturday. “This is a huge blow to our efforts at confronting this virus and the pandemic,” said Castillo, adding that there still remain people who have not yet been vaccinated. “The mask is another lifesaving layer of protection for workers.”

Since Covid vaccine distribution began in the US on December 14, 2020,

more than 268 million doses have been administered.

Over 120 million people have been fully vaccinated.

The CDC, while introducing the new recommendations, also cited two recent scientific findings: few vaccinated people become infected with the virus, and transmission seems rarer still; and the vaccines appear to be effective against all known variants of the coronavirus.

However, the union noted that more than 35,000 new cases of coronavirus are being reported and over 600 people are dying each day, the report said. “Now is not the time to relax protective measures, and we are outraged that the CDC has done just that while we are still in the midst of the deadliest pandemic in a century,” Castillo said. Businesses large and small are also grappling with how to adapt to the CDC’s surprise guidance.

Some of the nation’s largest retailers said that they have no immediate

plans to change their policies and would continue requiring both customers and workers to wear masks on the premises, according to local media reports. Other businesses said they are reevaluating their protocols.

Walt Disney World located in Orlando, Florida announced on Friday that masks and face coverings for guests would be “optional in outdoor common areas” at the resort starting on Saturday. Grocery chain Trader Joe’s became the first prominent US retailer on Friday to drop its mask policies for vaccinated shoppers.

It was followed by Walmart, the country’s No. 1 retailer with more than 4,700 stores, which said in a memo to employees that vaccinated customers can shop without masks. At a White House briefing on May 13, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky: “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing.”

Myanmar to hold talks SL, World Bank sign deal to assist Covid vaccination 9 killed in Pak shootout with ASEAN officials NAy Pyi TAW, MAy 16 (iANS); Myanmar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry will hold talks with officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next week, a spokesperson of the military-run State Administration Council said.

“There is no official notice regarding the visit of ASEAN chair and secretary general to Myanmar so far, but the Foreign Affairs Ministry will have discussions with ASEAN officials

next week,” Major General Zaw Min Tun told a press conference on Saturday.

The spokesperson also said a total of 63 civilians have been killed in attacks across the country fsince the military coup on February 1 to May 12, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, 57 explosions of handmade bombs and mines took place in the country in April and May, mainly targeting educational institutions and township education offices, he said.

ColoMbo, MAy 16 (iANS): Sri Lanka and the World Bank have signed an $80.5 million additional financing deal to help the island nation access and distribute Covid-19 vaccines and to strengthen the country’s inoculatio system and pandemic response.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Faris HadadZervos, World Bank country director for Sri Lanka, said the global lender remained responsive to the health priorities of Sri Lanka as well as emergency needs, reports Xinhua news agency.

Effective deployment of the vaccines would help Sri Lanka protect people, build human capital and facilitate inclusive economic recovery, Faris said.

The second additional financing to the Covid19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project is to purchase and deploy safe and effective jabs that meet

the World Bank’s Vaccine Approval Criteria; to strengthen relevant health systems that are necessary for successful deployment; and to prepare for the future, the World Bank statement said.

“The government of Sri Lanka is committed to protecting our population from the impacts of the pandemic, and we have

placed a high priority on strengthening and expanding the Covid-19 vaccination program,” Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

“This useful and timely resource will help us to ensure equitable vaccine deployment among the eligible population of Sri Lanka.”

The Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project with a total of $298.07 million has contributed to Sri Lanka’s pandemic management and prevention efforts.

K A r AC h i , M Ay 1 6 (iANS): At least nine people were killed and five others seriously injured in a shootout between two rival groups in Pakistan’s Sindh province, local media reported on Sunday.

According to the reports, the exchange of intensive firing took place late Saturday between the Jagirani and Chachar tribes over an old enmity in the Kandhkot area for hours, reports Xinhua news agency.

Police personnel told media that armed men of both sides were firing at each other while hiding in

bunkers when security personnel reached the site.

Police and rescue teams have shifted the bodies and the injured to a hospital and filed two separate cases against each of the armed groups.

Police have started operations and raids to arrest the culprits and confiscate weapons from them.

Automatic guns, hand grenades and rockets were used in the clash, the local reports said.

A heavy contingent of police has been deployed in the area to defuse the tension.

WHO asks rich countries to delay child vax, donate jabs IS claims responsibility for mosque attack

ToKyo, MAy 16 (iANS): An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck off Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture on Sunday.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the temblor occurred at 12.24 p.m. (local time), with its epicentre at a latitude of 41.9 degrees north and a longitude of 144.9 degrees east, and at depth of 60 km, reports Xinhua news agency.

The quake logged 3 in some parts of Hokkaido on the Japanese seismic intensity scale which peaks at 7.

So far no tsunami warning has been issued.

K Y M C

The scheme aimed to first inoculate 20 per cent of the population in these countries starting with health workers. “Saving lives and livelihoods with a combination of public health measures and vaccination -- not one or the other -- is the only way out of the pandemic,” Ghebreyesus said.

“Covid-19 has already cost more than 3.3 million lives and we’re on track for the second year of this pandemic to be far more deadly than the first,” he stated.

KAbul, MAy 16 (iANS): The Islamic State (IS) terror group has claimed responsibility for a blast at a mosque in Kabul that killed at least 12 people, including the imam.

In a statement released late Saturday via the Nashir News Agency, which publishes the terror group’s official propaganda, accused the imam, identified as Mohammad Numan, of encouraging the fight against jihadis, reports dpa news agency.

“Soldiers of the ca-

liphate” had planted an explosive device in the mosque, said the statement.

The authenticity of the statement could not be independently verified.

At least 15 others were wounded in the attack in Kabul province’s Shakar Dara district during the Eid-ul Fitr festival to mark the end of Ramadan on Friday, according to Afghan security officials.

The attack took place as the Afghan government

and the Taliban were holding a ceasefire for the Islamic Eid holidays.

The ceasefire ended at midnight on Saturday.

The IS has recently lost territory, leaders and other fighters in Afghanistan.

In addition to the Afghan government, the Taliban are also fighting the extremists.

According to a UN report, the terrorist group is still able to carry out attacks in various parts of the country.

LONGKONG VILLAGE COUNCIL MEDEMSANGER PUTU

P.O. Chuchuyimlang, B.P.O. Longkong

DEEP GRATITUDE

In continuation to 7th April 2021 published in the local papers, we the Village Council and the Church of Longkong Village once again express our heartiest gratitude to all the following organizations, churches and individuals who stood by us during the fire disaster on 25th March 2021. May our Almighty God bless you abundantly.

1. Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Arogo.

2. Tuensang Town Ao Baptist Arogo.

3. Mr. & Mrs. T. Nϋngsang Imsong, Tuensang.

4. Mrs. J. Amenla Molongkimong, Tuensang.

5. Mrs. Sentila Ungma, Tuensang.

6. Mr. & Mrs. Sashi Merangkong, Tuensang.

7. Mr. & Mrs. Meyitemsϋ Changtongya, Tuensang.

8. Longchara Baptist Arogo.

9. Changtongya Town Baptist Arogo 10. Akhoya Yimten Aser Akhoya Baptist Arogo.

11. Marepkong Baptist Arogo 12. Yaongyimsen Village Council.

13. Mr. & Mrs. Lipokmeren Jamir, Longsa, Sangtemla Ward, Mokokchung.

14. NDPP Women Organization Mokokchung Region.

15. Merangkong Village Council.

16. Mr. & Mrs. R. Mayang Amri, Changki, Mokokchung.

M. Lepden Jamir Chairman Longkong Village Council

P. Imkong Aier Pastor Longkong Baptist Arogo

DC-441

6.1-magnitude quake strikes Japan’s Hokkaido

health and care workers, he lamented. “Trickle down vaccination is not an effective strategy for fighting a deadly respiratory virus,” he said.

The global fair-access schemeACovax is co-led by the WHO, the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi), with the UN children’s fund, Unicef, as key Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus implementation partner, global population), account ber of vaccine doses overall. has been signed by 92 of the for 4.6 billion doses (53 per But, a few countries in Af- world’s poor countries. cent of all purchased doses). rica are yet to get started on On the other hand, the low- vaccination campaigns. income countries hold just “The fact that so many 770 million doses, according are still not protected is a sad to a study from the Duke reflection on the gross disGlobal Health Innovation tortion in access to vaccines Centre. The US is expected across the globe,” Ghebreyeto have 300 million or more sus said. At present, only 0.3 coronavirus vaccine excess per cent of vaccine supply is doses by the end of July, the going to low-income counstudy found. tries. Thus, many low and The US, followed by lower-middle income counChina and India have ad- tries do not have vaccine ministered the highest num- supply to even immunise

MKC-139

l o N d o N , M Ay 1 6 (iANS): Rich nations must delay their plans to vaccinate their children and teenagers against Covid-19 and instead donate the jabs to low-income countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

“In a handful of rich countries, which bought up the majority of the vaccine supply, lower risk groups are now being vaccinated,” WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters at a virtual conference in Geneva on Friday. “I understand why some countries want to vaccinate their children and adolescents, but right now I urge them to reconsider and to instead donate vaccines to Covax,” Ghebreyesus said.

The statement comes as, last week, the US, Canada and Switzerland laid out plans to begin coronavirus vaccine shots for adolescents. The global distribution of Covid vaccines remains vastly uneven. Four of the world’s high-income countries, with a population of 1.2 billion (16 per cent of

K Y M C

8

sports

Leicester beat Chelsea to win maiden FA Cup

L O N D O N, M AY 1 6 (IANS):Youri Tielemans scored a wonder goal and the video assistant referee (VAR) then came to the rescue as Leicester City beat Chelsea 1-0 to win a first FA Cup title in their 137-year club history.

Tielemans fired into the top left corner from some 25 metres in the 63rd minute in front of a crowd of around 21,000 fans, allowed into the famed arena as coronavirus restrictions are being eased in England, DPA reports.

But victory was not theirs until an 89th-minute equalizer from Chelsea was nullified by VAR because Ben Chilwell was deemed offside by the smallest of margins in the build-up.

It was Leicester’s first FA Cup trophy after four lost finals in the past, the last one 52 years ago in 1969, and their second major title after a sensational Premier League success in 2016.

They also have three League Cup crowns.

Captain Kasper Schmeichel also made key saves for the team of manager Brendan Rodgers late in the

Leicester City teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Cup.

game before received the trophy out of the hands of Britain’s Prince William, the FA president.

“So happy I can’t begin to describe it. What a day.

Indescribable. It is what dreams are made of. I have dreamt of this since I was a child,” Schmeichel told the BBC. “We have talked about wanting to win trophies, and the performance today with the grit and the determination - I am so proud of everybody.”

Chelsea were not as

strong as in the past weeks under their new manager Thomas Tuchel who had won the German Cup 2017 with Borussia Dortmund and the French Cup last year with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Blues eliminated Premier League champions Manchester City in the semi-finals but fell short of a ninth FA Cup title in their 15th final.

Chances were sparse in a rainy first half with Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Timo Werner aiming wide, and Cesar Azpilicueta un-

able to meet Thiago Silva’s cross from point-blank range after Werner had also gone for the ball.

Leicester gained more possession as the sun came out after the break, and the goal then came in the 63rd when Chelsea lost the ball in their half and Luke Thomas set up the Belgian midfielder Tielemans for the sensational strike high into the net past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Tuchel brought more a t t a c k i n g p owe r p l u s Chilwell which set up a frantic finale.

Chilwell’s 78th-minute header was kept out by Schmeichel with a little help from the left post, and the Danish keeper made another sensational save against Mount’s fierce volley in the 87th.

It all seemed to no avail when Chilwell beat him for a long punt and the ball deflected into the net but Chelsea’s wild celebrations turned into agony when the goal was disallowed - and it was Leicester and their fans who celebrated wildly a few minutes on.

“The performance today, the grit and determination, I’m so proud of everybody, everybody contributed to get to the final everyone has played and been sensational,” Schmeichel said.

The two sides meet again on Tuesday in a crucial Premier League date at Stamford Bridge where the loser could miss out on a place in the next Champions League.

Chelsea have another chance for silverware when they meet City again in the Champions League final in a fortnight on May 29 in Porto.

Tejaswini wins consecutive Kohli is someone I will always remember: Paine high jump titles in USA S Y D N E Y, M AY 1 6 (IANS): Australia Test captain Tim Paine said that his India counterpart ViratKohli is someone he will always remember. The pair have had run-ins on the field, particularly during the India’s 2018/19 tour in which they won the Test series 3-1.

“For ViratKohli, I’ve said many times, he seems the type of player you would love to have on your

Tejaswini Shankar

NEW DELHI, MAY 16 (IANS): Representing Kansas State University, India’s Tejaswini Shankar won back-to-back men’s high jump titles in the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Manhattan, USA. Shankar, 22, cleared the bar at 2.28m to win high jump gold on Saturday, but his efforts fell short of Tokyo Olympic Games qualification standard of 2.33m.

Shankar had also won the men’s high jump title in the 2019 edition of the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships while the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Delhi-based national record in men’s high jump is studying business

administration at Kansas State University. He is on a four-year athletics scholarship since 2017.

Shankar had skipped the Federation Cup Athletics Championships in March as the dates clashed with his National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) indoor season. He won the high jump bronze by clearing 2.24m in the NCAA meet.

Shankar is the third Indian to compete in the highly competitive USA circuit, the breeding ground for many US track and field Olympians.

Triple jumper Mohinder Singh Gill, India’s leading jumper in 1970s, and discus thrower Vikas Gowda are the other Indians to compete in the NCAA.

team. He is competitive, he is the best batsman in the world. He is challenging to play against and he can get under your skin because he is so good and he is so competitive. But yeah, for me from where I came from, sharing a feud with him four years ago, He is certainly someone I will always remember,” Paine said on the ‘Gilly and Goss’ podcast.

Paine recently received

backlash from fans for saying that the India are good at “creating these sideshows”, which “distracted” his team during the 2020/21 Test series. Australia ended up losing the series 2-1 despite India missing a number of their key players, including Kohli, due to a string of injuries. He later clarified that he did admit that the Indians outplayed Australia in the series.

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 17, 2021

Rafael Nadal beats Djokovic to clinch 10th Italian Open title ROME, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Rafael Nadal withstood a fightback from Novak Djokovic to clinch the Italian Open for the 10th time with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 victory.

World number one Djokovic came into the clash with a 29-27 head-tohead advantage, but on the Spaniard’s favourite clay surface he found Nadal too strong.

There have been some victory processions in Nadal’s previous nine wins in Rome, but he was made to dig extremely deep to get the better of his major rival.

It has not been the best clay-court season for Nadal, with surprise defeats in Monte Carlo and Madrid, but the win at Foro Italico will provide a confidence boost heading into the defence of his French Open title. Nadal fended off a break point in the opening

Rafael Nadal beat Djokovic to clinch Italian Open tilte.

game with a cute drop shot, but Djokovic kept pressing and secured the break when Nadal threw a backhand into the tramlines.

The Spaniard looked frustrated at surrendering his serve, but hit back immediately and it was Djokovic’s turn to send a backhand wide to hand Nadal the break back.

Iga Swiatek beats Karolina Pliskova in Rome final Polish teenager Iga Swiatek thrashed Czech ninth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-0 6-0 to win the Italian Open. The 19year-old reigning French Open champion took just 45 minutes to dispatch the 2019 winner. Former world number one Pliskova has now lost backto-back Rome finals after defeat by Simona Halep last year.

“I’m overwhelmed, at the beginning of this tournament I would not have dreamed of winning it,” said 15th seed Swiatek.

Swiatek swept through the first set in just 20 minutes, with Pliskova winning just four points.

Pliskova, 29, attempted a fightback in the third game of the second set, holding a double break to go 2-1 up, but Swiatek ruthlessly snuffed out any return. “I will just quickly forget about today,” said Pliskova, who was playing in her third consecutive Rome final. “I’ve had some great matches here, in the past I did well.”

Mektic-Pavic clinch Italian Open doubles title The second-seeded Croats Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic on Sunday powered their way to their sixth Italian Open trophy, overcoming a tough challenge from fifth-seeded Rajeev Ram of the USA and Briton Joe Salisbury before winning the men’s doubles final 6-4, 7-6(4).

This was the Croatians’ third ATP Masters 1000 crown of the season, won in 84 minutes.

“It feels great and we’re very happy with the way we played the whole tournament,” said Pavic.

Mektic praised partner Pavic.

Mektic and Pavic, who follow into the footsteps of compatriot Goran Ivanisevic, who won the 1991 Rome doubles title with Italian Omar Camporese, are now 6-2 in 2021 championship matches.

Ram and Salisbury had lost to Mektic and Pavic 6-3, 7-6(5) in the Miami Open semi-finals last month.

Oliveriastops Chandler to claim UFC lightweight crown Zidane to leave Real Madrid TEXAS, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Brazilian Charles Oliveira mounted a superb comeback to score a second-round knockout victory over American Michael Chandler to win the UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 262 in Houston, Texas on Saturday.

Fighting for the title left vacant by the retirement of KhabibNurmagomedov last October, Oliveira escaped an early guillotine choke attempt and took Chandler’s back, but the 35-year-old former Bellator champion was able to escape and land a string of powerful punches to leave Oliveria hanging on at the end of the first frame.

He collected himself in the break and came out

at end of season: reports

Charles Oliveira (right) lands a punch against Michael Chandler during the UFC lightweight title fight.

strong again, dropping Chandler with a sweet left hook and following up with powerful strikes to force referee Dan Miragliotta

to call a halt to the contest 19 seconds into the second round.

“I wanted to come here and show that I’m the best in

this division...I’m proving to everybody I’m the lion of lions,” Oliveira said in the octagon following his ninth straight UFC victory.

M A D R I D, M AY 1 6 (AGENCIES): Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has told his players he will leave the La Liga club at the end of the season, Spanish media reported late on Saturday. Radio station Onda Cero said Zidane informed the players about his decision before last weekend’s 2-2 La Liga draw at home with Sevilla where Real missed the chance to top the table.

Newspaper Marca said he addressed the team on May 8, a day before that game. Real were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by thirdtier Alcoyano in January and were defeated comfortably

by Chelsea in their Champi-

Zinedine Zidane

ons League semi-final. They trail La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid by two points with two games left and have an outside chance of retaining the title.

When asked earlier on Saturday whether he would remain in charge next season, Zidane did not give any guarantees.

AFC confirms Juve edge Milan in thriller to keep UCL hopes alive North Korea’s

Juan Cuadrado celebrates with teammates after his first Serie A goal of the season.

MILAN, MAY 16 (AGENCIES): Juan Cuadrado scored a late penalty to keep Juventus’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Inter Milan after playing with 10 men for 35 minutes.

The referee awarded two first-half penalties fol-

lowing VAR reviews, before sending off Juve’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic later.

Giorgio Chiellini’s own goal to take it to 2-2 was also reviewed by VAR, before Cuadrado won and scored a penalty to put Juve two points above Napoli in Serie A. Fifth-placed Napoli

travel to Fiorentina on Sunday (11:30 BST) and can regain fourth place going into the final matchweek.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the spot for Juve, whose league crown was taken off them by Inter this month.

RomeluLukaku made it 1-1 at the other end with another penalty

before Cuadrado’s thumping strike deflected in for Juve’s second just before the break.

Bentancur’s second yellow card meant Juve went down to 10 men and manager Andrea Pirlo brought off star man Ronaldo with over 20 minutes to play.

Chiellini thought he was tugged by Lukaku as he poked in an own goal to make it 2-2 but the referee showed him a yellow card for holding the Belgian following a VAR review.

Just as Juve thought their Champions League qualification hopes had taken a huge blow, Ivan Perisic was deemed to have clipped Cuadrado in the box.

The Colombian stepped up to score the winning penalty before Inter’sBrozovic was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on the matchwinner.

Champions League qualification remains out of Juventus’ hands and their final game of the season is against Bologna on Sunday, 23 May.

WC withdrawal

KuALA LuMpuR, MAY 1 6 ( AG E N C I E S ) : T h e Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed on Sunday that North Korea has pulled out of next month’s qualifying tournament for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

The move comes after the country had already withdrawn from the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Korea is due to host the remaining matches in Group H of the second round of Asia’s preliminary tournament in June, but North Korean officials informed their southern counterparts of their intention to withdraw this month.

Prior to the withdrawal, North Korea were in fourth place in the standings after five matches, level on eight points with the South Koreans, who have played one game fewer.

Turkmenistan currently lead the group, which is completed by Lebanon and Sri Lanka.

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