16 Feb 2023

NBCC ‘prayer walk’ on Feb 19

DIMAPUR, FEB 15 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called for organising “prayer walk” in the neighbourhood and strategic place/location on February 19 (Sunday) and pray for 2023 Election and the persecuted Christians in India.

In a press release, NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho has informed believers to gather in designated place from 6am to 7am and asked local church to incorporate other creative prayer activities throughout the day.

(Full text on p-6)

This is it!

Nagaland Post

T20 Women’s WC: India beat WI by 6 wickets

BJP-NDPP will form govt; no postpoll alliance with others: Patton

Staf f Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 15 (NPN): Amidst strong speculations about NDPP and BJP setting up proxy candidates contesting under other political parties, Nagaland deputy chief minister Y Patton scoffed at these reports by claiming that all these were baseless and that the alliance will win with a thumping majority.

Addressing the media at BJP office here Wednesday, along with union minister of state for minority affairs John Barla and BJP national spokesperson and

Nagaland in-charge Nalin Kohli, Patton focussed mainly with sending a message that the pre-poll alliance was as strong and that both partners (NDPP-40 and BJP20) together will win over

40 seats in the forth-coming Assembly election. Patton also asserted that the alliance will not accept any MLA(s) of other political parties for a postpoll alliance.

UN says 73 migrants presumed dead in shipwreck off Libya

Resolutions by Longkhum, Alichen null & void: DM Mkg

Congress takes on BJP poll manifesto

Correspondent

It was reported that during Assam chief minister and NEDA chairman Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit both Rio and Patton along with their respective party functionaries were reminded about the need to remain on track in keeping with the coalition dharma instead of trying set up proxy candidates to outdo each other to decide which of the party will lead the next coalition government.

Patton’s statement comes close on the heels of what chief minister Neiphiu Rio had stated a day earlier, that both partners were totally

8 poll-related violence cases registered, 24 arrested: DGP

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 15 (NPN): Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on Wednesday disclosed that the State police have so far registered eight cases of poll-related violence and arrested 24 persons.

“Somehow I like his brutal frankness. Doesn’t promise anything except to do his best if elected.”

Addressing a press conference here at the PHQ, DGP said out of eight cases registered, five were

in Wokha, two from Mokokchung and one from Longleng district. Though situation was under control, DGP said that the addition-

al forces have been deployed at sensitive areas. Shiftintrendofbribing fromliquortodrugs

Meanwhile, DGP said that there has been a shift in trend of bribing from liquor to drugs during electioneering as 53 cases have been registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) since the enforcement of Model Code

of Conduct (MCC) in the State. He said narcotic cases have increased as the police have registered an unusually high number of cases under NDPS in less than a month.

While disclosing that some police personnel were also among those arrested in connection smuggling of drugs/contraband, Sharma said law was equal for all and there would be no consideration.

DIMAPUR, FEB 15 (NPN): District Magistrate Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has declared the impugned resolutions issued by Longkhum Chungli Mongsen Youth, Alichen Youth and Alichen Council as null and void.

In an order dated February 15, the DM said that the resolutions in support of Talitsuba Imchen, an intending candidate from Longkhum Village, “have not only been found against the spirit of the free and fair election but also violate the statutory rights of the individuals/ electors of the Longkhum village and Alichen ad-hoc town to participate/contest

KOHIMA, FEB 15 (NPN):

A day after the BJP released its manifesto for Nagaland, the Congress party on Thursday took a dig at the saffron party’s manifesto, which it said made tall promises without showing any report card.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan here on Wednesday, AICC media coordinator and supreme court advocate, Mahima Singh, said there was stark difference between the claims made by BJP in its manifesto and the ground reality. Quoting a sentence from the manifesto “in the last 5 years Nagaland has

risen to be a shining star in the Northeast because of your faith in the BJP”, Mahima Singh said it was sad to see deputy CM, Y Patton, making such tall claims. She said that condition of roads, the ground reality of youth deprived of jobs, erratic power supply and empty water taps, tell a different story. Unlike Kohima and Dimapur, she said other districts were further away from the development that the deputy chief minister was talking about. She said that while Kohima and Dimapur faced irregular power and water supply, many houses in Mokokchung did

Khango-led NSCN inducts Vusshe as ato kilonser

DIMAPUR, FEB 15

(NPN): In view of “administrative expediency”, Khango-led NSCN/GPRN (K) has announced induction of Hokato Vusshe as ato kilonser at the “oath taking and induction ceremony” held at its CHQ Anmoi designated camp on Tuesday for administrative expediency.

The oath of allegiance and office of secrecy was administered by national

tatar hoho speaker, MIP said in a press note. Having qualified with the requisite criteria en -

shrined in Yezhabo under Part 3, articles 17 and 18, and with the confidence and support of

Hukato along with Khango and other after the induction. (MIP)

Barla, Patton and Kohli addressing the media persons. (NP)

Rupin Sharma (NP)

Nagaland Police launch ‘Hotel check-in system’

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 15(NPN):

To check and monitor the record of guests, Nagaland Police have launched “Hotel check-in system” in the mini conference hall, PHQ here on Wednesday. The system was launched by director general of police, Rupin Sharma. Under the new system, Sharma said that hotels would be required to register in the site with a valid email address and submit the details of all guests on a daily basis.

It was also introduced to ease the work of police while ensuring a secure sys-

NSCN/GPRN

greets Zeliang on ‘Milei Ngi’

DIMAPUR: NSCN/

GPRN (Akato Chophy) has conveyed warm festival’s greetings on the occasion of “Milei Ngi” festival of Zeliang which falls in the middle part of March.

A press release by NSCN/GPRN (Akato Chophy) through its MIP stated that Milei Ngi is festival of purification and which showcases young boys and girls dressed in traditional attires and performing traditional dances at the event.

NSCN/GPRN prayed that the occasion bring about strong bond between Nagas and to step together into the future in solidarity and unity.

PBBVC adopts resolution for clean election

DIMAPUR: Purana bazaar ‘B’ village council (PBBVC) under 3 Dimapur-III A/C at its council meeting held on February 10 has adopted resolution to ensure free, fair a nd clean election.

A press release by PBBVC chairman, Er. Echungbemo Humtsoe informed that the council has prohibited setting up of party camps/mess within the village jurisdiction and warned that any persons or groups creating disturbances within the village jurisdiction will be dealt with according to the village resolutions on unlawful activities.

To monitor this, the council said that all VCM’s, GBs, Community chairman and women department of the village will be visiting all the 5 blocks of the village to avoid any problems that may arise before or after the election.

Gram Seva observes ‘World Radio Day’

tion and view records of the hotels and guests registered within their jurisdiction.

Further, Sharma informed that the database of government registered vehicles that were auctioned in the past years have also been obtained to monitor and prevent misuse of government vehicles. He said in the past four days, around 100 vehicles without number plates were seized by the police.

tem for the state and to prevent use of fake identities by unscrupulous people, Sharma said.

The new online system will also assist the police in monitoring re -

cords of guests staying in all hotels and guest houses across the state.

Hoteliers and proprietors will be able to view the summary of their guest records entered in the sys-

ATMA Zbto celebrates ‘World Pulses Day’

DIMAPUR: As a part of United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on 10th February 10, 2023, Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Zunheboto celebrated “World Pulses Day” under the theme “Pulses for Sustainable Future” at Aghunato.

The celebration provided an opportunity to raise awareness about pulses among the farming communities. Importance and multiple benefits of pulses were discussed. To mark the day, variety of pulses were distributed among the farmers present at the awareness programme.

NCC girls battalion visits orphanage home

DIMAPUR: As part of the social service community development activity, 1 Nagaland Girls Battalion NCC Kohima under NCC Group HQ Kohima visited Galilee Children’s Home orphanage, Chumoukedima Village, Dimapur on February 14. Maj N Nianghauching, Officiating Commanding Officer, 1 Nagaland Girls Bn NCC Kohima, along with officials and cadets under the aegis of NCC Gp HQ Kohima interacted with the inmates of the Children’s Home. NCC girls battalion also distributed essentials items to the inmates of the children’s home.

tem to avoid duplication. The DGP said that under the digitized system, Nagaland police personnel could also access the site across different levels-at the state, district or police sta-

A brief report of the system was presented by Proprietor, Elysium Enterprise, Bendang Imchen and the lunching programme was chaired by SP(SCRB) Y Ruth Muru.

DIMAPUR: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) - Don Bosco, SBI Gram Seva programme Dimapur, observed “World Radio Day” with the five adopted villages - Khriezephe, Diezephe, Tsithrongse, Urra and Bade on February 13. A press release by ANMA Integrated Development Association, informed

that AIDA-SBI Gram Seva with the five adopted villages conducted a folk song/ dance competition where the first position was jointly bagged by Tsithrongse and Bade Village, second by Khriezephe Village and third by Diezephe Village.

AIDA-SBI Gram Seva congratulated all the winners for keeping the culture

alive and coming together with the theme “Radio and Peace”.

It may be mentioned that radio was proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day, and February 13 has been observed as “World Radio Day”.

DCPTrafficsignMoUwith90.8HillsFMontrafficawareness

DIMAPUR: With an aim to ease traffic congestion, Depu ty Commissioner of Police, Traffic Dimapur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 90.8 Hills FM on February 15, where traffic related news will be broadcasted to the public. DCP Traffic, I. Meren Chenth expressed the hope that the collaboration will be of immense help to the public. He thanked the community radio station for the initiative and hoped that the collaboration will go a long

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

OF LATE DR. N. TOSHIMEREN SANGTAM. DIED ON 16TH FEB 2022.

‘’IN YOUR LIFE YOU TOUCHED SO MANY, IN YOUR DEATH MANY LIVES WERE CHANGED.’’ (MELINDA JONES)

A YEAR PASSED LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY, AND WE ARE STILL TRYING TO UNDERSTAND LIFE

LIKE YOU ARE STILL WITH US, HOPING TO MEET AND GREET YOU WHEN WE ENTER OUR HOUSE.

YOUR KINDNESS, YOUR GENTLE SMILE AND YOUR PATIENCE ARE ALL A BEACON OF LIGHT TO GUIDE US THROUGH LIFE’S JOURNEY.

YOU HAVE TOUCHED COUNTLESS LIVES IN YOUR LIFETIME, AND EVEN AFTER YOUR DEATH, YOU LIVE THROUGH YOUR GOOD DEEDS.

YOU LEFT A LEGACY WHICH CAN NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOUR MEMORIES REMAIN VIVID IN OUR MIND. YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED FONDLY.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, Family Members and Relatives.

way in easing the traffic congestion and in educating the masses about traffic awareness.

Meanwhile, the community radio has extended

invitation to the Traffic Cell

to present traffic awareness programs for the general public. Kr. Ngimchule Nampeung, ACP Traffic Dimapur and Temsunochet

Changkija ADCP (Traffic/ Protocol) were also present at the signing of MoU.

It can be mentioned that 90.8 Hills FM is the first community radio station in Dimapur. It can be accessed by tuning in to 90.8 FM frequency. The transmission start from 7am till 7pm and

present on all social media platforms. The 90.8 Hills FM team was represented by Ketho Sakhrie (Program Manager), Lipoksunep Jamir (Radio Jockey), Sentila Longkumer (Content Writer & Liaison Officer), and Vikheto Hesso (Internal Operations Manager).

16.02.22

As you rejoice in your heavenly abode; we deeply miss you and your sweet memories that linger with us each passing day. You are forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

Loving family members

L e D ge M ent

We, the bereaved family members of Late tosovise naleo, S/o Late Viyieho Naleo (Avise) of Tenyiphe Village (1) would like to express our gratitude to all who stood by us physical, financially and spiritually during the sudden demise of our beloved on 09/02/2023.

May the Almighty God Bless you all abundantly.

dp-674/23

Loving Mom, sisters and relatives

DGP Rupin Sharma (C) launching the ‘Hotel check-in system’ on Wednesday. (NP)

Womenfolk at the observation of ‘World Radio Day’ on February 13.

DCP Traffic, I. Meren Chenth and with members of 90.8 Hill FM.

Rio campaigns for Tongpang, Imnatiba

DIMAPUR: Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday kicked off the poll campaign for NDPP candidates

Tongpang Ozukum for 24 Angetyongpang A/C and Imnatiba for 22 Arkakong

A/C.

Kicking off the campaign for Tongpang at Langpangkong Tzükong

GHS, Chuchuyimlang play ground, Rio who is the chief campaigner for NDPP candidates said that NDPP will be contesting for the first time in 24 Angetyongpang

A/C and said that the prepoll alliance between the NDPP and the BJP was expected to win 40-45 seats.

Rio therefore encouraged the residents of Chuchuyimlang

town to vote for Tongpang so that they might join the ranks of the victors. He also assured to the residents of Chuchuyimlang village that the government will expeditiously establish an astroturf field illuminated by a highmast light.

In his speech, Tongpang Ozukum said that government will be formed within three weeks and therefore it was for to the people of Angetyongpang A/C to decide if they want to be on the winning side.

At Changtongya town local ground, Rio while campaigning for Imnatiba said that it was necessary to join hands with the central government in order to ensure

development in the state. In a press release media cell of NDPP 22 Arkakong A/C stated that Rio said this while kicking off the campaign for NDPP candidate Imnatiba from 22 Arkakong A/C at Changtongya town

Tovihoto meets supporters

DIMAPUR: BJP can -

didate for 1 Dimapur I

A/C, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, accompanied by his supporters and party workers held meetings in municipal wards 5 and 6 on Wednesday, covering Police colony, Bank colony, Fire Brigade colony, Namgalong colony, Haralu colony sector I & II, Power House colony, over Bridge colony, Hongkong Market area, Hazi Park area and Rail Bazaar area.

Tovihoto in his speech said that he had given his best in working for the

welfare and upliftment of the constituency and sought the support of the electorates.

Reiterating that peace, harmony and development of the people have always

local ground. He appealed to the gathering to once again elect Imnatiba for the people’s welfare and also to partake in the Naga political issue as part of the ruling government. Imnatiba in his speech

said it was the right time to be elected for a second term as MLA under the excellent leadership of Neiphiu Rio. He urged the people to come together and work hard to ensure victory.

Short speeches were delivered by Metsubo Jamir, Aolepden vice president, CEB NDPP; N. Bendang Jamir, president NDPP, Mokokchung Region and Jonathan Rongsen Longkumer, captain of the Nagaland senior cricket team. Earlier, the program started with an invocation by CTBA pastor, Rev. Temshi.

The program concluded with a benediction by Yaongyimsen Baptist Church, pastor, Chuba Aier.

Naiba kicks off campaign

been his priority and will continue to endeavour for the same in the days to come.

He also hailed the BJP-NDPP alliance with an assurance that two party alliance will do more for the people of Nagaland.

On Tuesday, Tovihoto held meetings in Ward 3 and 4 and addressed the public of UNB-A, UNBB, Jasokie, Sunrise, Rainbow, Paira, Chungaizaeng, Ragailong, Banjak Phom, Northern Angami, Rengma, Sumi, Chakhesang and Zeliang colonies.

Common platform for candidates of 10 NA -I and 24 Angetyongpang A/Cs

Correspondent

KOHIMA/MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 15 (NPN):

A common platform programme was organised for intending candidates for 10 Northern Anagami –I A/C and 24 Angetyongpang A/C on Wednesday.

was in the opposition. He however said despite of his limitations, he has given his best to help the people and promised to continue that his priorities on development for road, water, electricity, youth and welfare activities were executed.

Naiba Konyak

DIMAPUR: Lok Janshakti Party (RV) candidate for 55A/C Tobu, Naiba Konyak kick started his election campaign on February 6 at Tobu Hq.

He shared his vision for the upliftment of youth, farmers, destitute women, road maintenance and over all infrastructure development of Tobu Area.

Kohima Village Council (KVC) organised the programme at DBS ground, Kohima where the candidates- Khriehu Liezietsü (NPF) and Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome (NDPP) shared their visions and various developmental activities for the constituency. Liezietsü highlighted some of his agendas such as taking care of the old, widows and needy people, students from economically weak backgrounds etc. He said some of the projects could not be completed in the previous term as the party

For Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome his visions included empowering youth through skill development/ capacity building/establish educational and technical institutes etc. He said he will ensure that people were benefited through the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) or Chief Minister Entrepreneurship Scheme (CMES), NBOCWWB and other department schemes.

The programme was chaired by chairman KVU Hielievio Solo.

24 Angetyongpang A/C Alempang Baptist

Information, trainings related to assembly election 2023

DIMAPUR: As the state gear up for the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), various information, meetings and trainings have been organised to conduct fair and smooth election. The elections to 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly will be held on February 27.

WOKHA

The second phase of training for the Presiding Officers, first Polling Officers, second Polling Officers, third Polling Officers, and grade-IV staff was conducted on February 15 at GHSS, Wokha. General Observer for 39 Sanis A/C and 40 Bhandari A/C Jyoti Kumar Lakra inspected and interacted with the polling personnel during the training session.

Earlier, commissioning and randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs was also conducted in the presence of the General Observer, Expenditure Observer, and all the Returning Officers of the Assembly Constituencies under Wokha district was also held on February 15 at Town Hall, Wokha.

Q.: Is Russia and China pushing the world into a Third World War? A Yes. 64%

NEXT POLL

Q: Do election manifestos mean anything when parties come to power?

The second Randomization of EVMs/VVPATs was conducted by District Election Office Phek at the office chamber of Asst. Election Officer, Phek on February 14. The randomization ex-

LONGLENG

DC and DEO, Longleng Dharam Raj has reminded and appealed to all candidates to seek prior permission from the concerned Returning Officer before holding campaign events and to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the regulations and guidelines for campaign events by strictly adhering to the Model Code of Conduct.

DC warned that in the event of failing to follow the guidelines, penalty or other consequences will be imposed.

Meanwhile, all voters who have applied for Form 12 (postal ballot) that the tentative dates and venue for the casting of votes will be held on the following dates: Police Personnel from February 20 -21 at SP Office, Longleng; Polling personnel, other officials on election duty, drivers, cleaners, and handymen for 49 AC Tamlu on February 20 at ADC Office, Tamlu and for 50 AC Longleng from February 21 to 22 at DC office, Longleng.

PHEK

ercises was carried out for all the five Assembly Constituencies in Phek district in front of all representatives from all political parties from the respective Assembly Constituencies and ROs of five ACs.

PUGHUBOTO

Church, Alempang Yimden (ward authority) Alempang Watsu Unit and the Alempang Youth Association jointly organized a common platform for the intending candidates of 24 Angetyongpang A /C at Grace Garden, Alempang ward Mokokchung on Wednesday. NDPP candidate, Tongpang Ozukum; Maongkaba Ozukum (NPP) and Er. K. Wati (Independent) attended the programme and shared their vision for the Nagas in general and in particular the constituency they represent. At the programme, chairman of Alempang ward read out the ward resolution to be followed strictly during the election. The programme concluded with a special prayer for the indenting candidates by Rev. Dr. Temsu S, Pastor Alempang Baptist church.

ficer, Kamal Kant Kashyap; System Administrator, V. Mathivanan; Master Trainer, Dr. Jurisandhya Barik Bordoloi, and Dr. Indira Moirangthem.

MOKOKCHUNG

KIPHIRE

To ensure free, fair and peaceful election in the district, Superintendent of Police K. Swarnambika has issued a circular to all the political parties and candidates in the district to get prior NOC from the concerned Police Station before conducting any public/street meeting/ rally/procession in the district.

SP informed that police clearance certificate was required for security reasons, as part of Election procedure.

SP cautioned that breach of the Model Code of Conduct by any of the political parties/ candidates/individuals has been monitored and appropriate legal action will be taken against any individual or party violating the MCC.

Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Noklak K. Mhathung Tsanglao informed all concerned who have applied Form 12 and Form 12D for the Postal Ballot that the tentatively scheduled dates for the casting of votes will be held on the following dates. For absentee voters at the respective locations on February 16 and 17 from 10 am to 4 pm; police personnel on February 21 at SP Office, Noklak from 10 am to 4 pm; other officials on election duty on February 22 at DC office, Noklak from 10 am to 4 pm; drivers, cleaners, handyman at DC Office, Noklak from 10 am to 4 pm on February 23 and polling personnel at GHSS, Noklak from 10 am to 4 pm on February 24.

Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has informed the candidates under Mokokchung district to take prior permission before conducting any political rally/meetings/procession/use of vehicles/loudspeakers, etc.

According to DIPR report, the DC issued the notification after some candidates failed to obtain

The 2nd randomization and commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs for the ensuing general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly was conducted on February 15 by DC & DEO Kohima Shanavas C for 9th Kohima Town A/C and 11th

Northern Angami-II A/C at DC’s Conference Hall and 8th Western Angami A/C and 10th Northern Angami-1 A/C at DB’s Hall Kohima respectively.

The randomization of EVMs/VVPATs was carried out through software

permission.

DC therefore reminded all the contesting candidates and political parties to obtain due permission from the DEO/RO concerned to ensure smooth and peaceful process pertaining to the Election. He also informed that no election office/camp etc will be allowed to set up without the due authorization from the appropriate authority.

in the presence of General Observer, Janak Prasad Pathak, Returning Officers, and various political party representatives/ candidates from Kohima district.

A meeting to brief the Sector Magistrate under Mokokcung district relating to election poll day activities on booth App, CVigil and online webcasting was held at ADC Planning Conference Hall on February 15.

Assistant Election Officer (AEO) Mokokcung highlighted on the new voters identity slip (VIS) that comes with barcode to be used for scanning by the polling officer on booth app for record of voters turn out, however, ID has to be produced along with the VIS as notice by ECI.

After the randomization, the EVMs/VVPATs were commissioned and the machines were dispatched to the constituencies according to the allocated polling stations.

H. Tovihoto Ayemi

Khriehu Liezietsü and Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome along with KVC officials. (NP)

Hands-on training on webcasting and offline videography was held for BLOs on February 13 at DC’s Conference Hall, Chumoukedima. The trainers were Nodal Of-

CHUMOUKEDIMA

Tongpang Ozukum, Maongkaba Ozukum and Er. K. Wati and others. (NP)

Fur ther, DC cautioned that conducting any election related activity without prior permission or submission of false/wrong information will amount to breaching the model code of conduct and invite penalties as per the related provisions of the law.

Neiphiu Rio addressing the gathering at Changtongya town

Second phase of training at GHSS Wokha. (DIPR) Online webcasting and offline videography training in Longleng. (DIPR)

Hands-on training on webcasting and offline videography at Chumoukedima.

Briefing for sector magistrate in Mokokchung. (DIPR)

The 2nd commissioning of EVMs/VVPAT in progress in Phek on February 15. (DIPR)

Commissioning of EVMs/VVPAT at DB’s Hall Pughoboto

on February 15.

Tripura assembly election today

AGARTALA, FEB 15

(PTI): All preparations for conducting free, fair and peaceful elections to the 60-member Tripura Assembly on Thursday have been completed, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarro said.

The voting will be held under tight security between 7 am and 4 pm at 3,337 polling stations, out of which 1,100 were identified as sensitive and 28 as critical, Dinakarro told PTI.

The main contestants of the elections are the BJPIPFT combine, CPI(M)Congress alliance and the Tipra Motha, a regional party formed by the scion of the northeastern state’s former royal family. Votes will be counted on March 2.

“As many as 31,000

polling personnel and 25,000 security personnel of central forces are ready to conduct the election in a free, fair and peaceful manner. Besides, 31,000 employees of the state armed police and the state police will be deployed to maintain law and order,” the CEO said.

NE important for maintaining India’s integrity: Yogi Adityanath

As part of the precautionary measures, prohibitory order has already been imposed across the state and it will remain in force till 6 am on February 17, a senior police officer said.

The international and inter-state boundaries have also been sealed to prevent trouble mongers from en-

Correspondent

tering the state. Altogether 28.13 lakh voters including 13.53 lakh women will decide the fate of 259 aspirants of whom 20 are women.

Chief Minister Manik Saha is the BJP nominee from the Town Bardowali constituency, while Union minister Pratima Bhowmik is contesting from Dhanpur on the saffron party’s ticket. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chadudhury who is the face of the Left-Congress combine, is fighting for the Sabroom Assembly seat.

Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Debbarma is not in the fray.

The BJP is contesting in 55 seats, its ally IPFT has fielded candidates in six constituencies, while there will be a friendly fight

Cong complains about violence against Oppn candidates in Tripura

in one seat. The CPI(M) is contesting in 47 seats while its alliance partner Congress is fighting in 13 constituencies. The Tipra Motha has candidates in 42 seats.

The Trinamool Congress has fielded nominees in 28 constituencies while there are 58 independent aspirants.

The ruling BJP has fielded the highest number of women candidates with 12. During the campaigning, the BJP highlighted the development that has taken place in the northeastern state in the last five years, the Left Front and the Congress stressed on “misrule and misgovernance” of the BJP-IPFT government.

The poll plank of Tipra Motha is Greater Tipraland statehood demand.

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(IANS): A Congress delegation headed by party general secretary Mukul Wasnik met Election Commission officials on Wednesday and complained about violence in Tripura, alleging that Congress workers were being targeted by the ruling party.

The Congress alleged that it’s party candidates and supporters were being attacked by the BJP cadres.

The Congress is contesting the Tripura election in alliance with the Left parties which were unseated by the BJP in the last election.

Tripura goes to the polls on Thursday.

Unlike the previous elections, triangular or multi-cornered contests would be witnessed in 57

seats between the Bharatiya Janata Party-Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura alliance and the CongressCPI(M) led Left Front coalition. Straight contests between the BJP and the opposition alliance are on the cards in three Assembly segments -- Barjala in Agartala, Jubarajnagar in north Tripura and Sabroom

in south Tripura. The influential Tipra Motha Party, which is now governing the politically important Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, is contesting 42 seats, 22 beyond the areas inhabited by the tribals, who constitute one third of Tripura’s over four million population.

BJP promises to act against corruption in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, FEB 15 :

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said it would establish a special task force under a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all cases of corruption if it’s voted to power.

BJP national president, Jagat Prakash Nadda releasing the party’s manifesto here for the upcoming Meghalaya Assembly election said, the task force would also take “swift and decisive action” against any delay, defect or denial of

LUCKNOW, FEB 15

(AGENCIES): Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday praised the nationalist fervour of the northeastern states in preserving the unity and integrity of India.

Interacting with a delegation of students from the northeastern states, he said that from the time of subjugation to independence, there had been numerous attempts to keep the region separate from the rest of India. For years the people there were deprived of even basic resources.

“But today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire nation is working together towards ‘Developed India’ in the spirit of ‘Nation First’, putting aside differences of colour, form, dress, and language. Today the youth of the North East are fulfilling their dreams by getting success in JEE, NEET, and Civil Services Examination,” he added.

A group of 27 students

Regd. No. 02/2023

Yodi on Wednesday during the National Integration Tour 2023, organized under the annual ‘Student Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL)’ programme of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

The chief minister welcomed the students upon their arrival in Lucknow and discussed the ancient cultural and spiritual ties between Uttar Pradesh and the North-Eastern states. He also tried to know about the North-East region and their travel experience.

Yogi said, “Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in the country with a population of 25 crores with Lucknow as its capital. Do visit Vidhan Bhavan during your visit here. Metro is the modern medium of public transport here, everyone should get its experience.”

He also advised the student delegation to visit Kakori near Lucknow while recalling the heroic stories of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh in the freedom movement.

AffidAvit

Date 15/02/2023

I, Smt. Pauziu L Kauring wife of Iringtie Kauring resident of Lower Midland colony, kohima Nagaland aged about 45 years do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:

1.That I am a citizen of India and a resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That in my academic records and my appointment Order my name has been recorded as Pauziu Lungalang.

3. That after my marriage my maiden name was changed from Lungalang to Kauring.

4. That the name Pauziu L Kauring is being used by me for all official records including my AADHAAR card etc.

5. That however in my PIMS (Personal Information Management System) my name has been inadvertently recorded as Pauziu.

6. That this affidavit is executed to declare that shall be known by the name Pauziu L Kauring for all correspondence and official record and to further declare that the name Pauziu, Pauziu Lungalang and Pauziu L Kauring belongs to the same and single person i.e me.

7. That the statements made in Para 1 to 6 of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing has been concealed therein. dEPONENt

K-321/23

Regd. No. 1236/2022

AffidAvit

Date 19/12/2022

I, Miss Kikhiulungliu Kaurinta , D/o Shri. Dithinbo Kaurinta.

Permanent resident of 12 SAMZIURAM, Jalukie Hq. Peren, Zalukie, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under :

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and a resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That my official and correct name is Kikhiulungliu Kaurinta.

3. That my name has been inadvertently mentioned/entered as Kikhiukungliu Kaurinta in my NIOS Senior Secondary admission for October 2023 batch.

4. That my correct name is Kikhiulungliu Kaurinta.

5. That henceforth my name shall be Kikhiulungliu Kaurinta for all official purposes and correspondences.

6. That this affidavit is executed to attest the truth of the aforesaid statement and to produce it as a piece of documentary evidence before any competent authority for necessary rectification.

7. That the statements made above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and no part of the affidavit is false and nothing material has been concealed therein.

government services.

“Corruption has been an issue that has been a hindrance in the development of the State. We want to make Meghalaya a corruption-free state. We need a strong Meghalaya and it is possible with only a strong BJP. We will establish a special task force under a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all cases of corruption,” Nadda said realising the manifesto.

BJP is the second party in the state, which has assured action against corruption charges against the

erstwhile MDA government, after the Trinamool Congress. Incidentally, the BJP was part of the MDA alliance government, which never pulled out of the alliance despite making a hue and cry about the corruption charges against the

MDA government.

Meanwhile, the BJP too promised a slew of freebies to the voters which included implementation of the 7th Pay Commission in Meghalaya for all government employees and timely disbursal of salaries, Rs. 2000 monthly allowance to all dependent widows and single mothers. Two free LPG cylinders to all the beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala Yojana, free education to all female students from KG to PG and several other sops.

“We will provide free

rice, wheat and dal to all eligible PDS beneficiaries every month. We will double the pension for senior citizens to Rs. 1,000 per month and ensure there are no delays in their disbursements. We will establish Sanja Manda Sangma Canteens providing locallymade nutritious meals for only Rs. 5 per plate,” the BJP manifesto said.

The party also promised to introduce the Ka Phan Nonglait scheme and provide a bond of Rs. 50,000 on the birth of a girl child, provide 33 per cent

Crackdown on child marriage creating havoc in private life: Ghy HC

GUWAHATI, FEB 15

(PTI): Observing that arresting a large number of people in the crackdown against child marriage created “havoc in the private life of people”, the Gauhati High Court has said there is no need for custodial interrogation of the accused in such cases.

The court also rapped the Assam government for slapping stringent laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) and rape charges on child marriage accused, and stated that these are “absolutely weird” allegations.

Hearing a batch of peti-

tions by a group of accused for anticipatory bail and interim bail, Justice Suman Shyam allowed all the petitioners to be released on bail with immediate effect.

“These are not matters of custodial interrogation. You (state) proceed as per law, we have nothing to say. If you find somebody guilty, file a chargesheet. Let him or her face trial and if they are convicted, they are convicted,” the judge said. These are not cases related to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS), smuggling or stolen property, he said.

“This (arrest) is causing havoc in the private life of

AffidAvit

Regd. No. 1137/2023 Date 14/2/2023

I, Ozungsashi HAV-Army No. 14925276N, aged about 45 years, resident of H/No. 262. Island Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and state as under:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and residing at the above mentioned address.

2. That in my pension book bearing PPO No. 226202200817 my children’s name are erroneously recorded as Nungsangsenla and Temjenmoa, whereas their actual and correct name’s are as under:

Sl. No Names Particulars

1. Nungsangsenla Pongener Aadhaar No. 3126 3130 6524

2. Temjenmoa Pongener Aadhaar No. 9837 1037 5101

3. That I am swearing this affidavit for the purpose of declaring that the name’s Nungsangsenla Pongener and Temjenmoa Pongener are the actual and correct names of my children.

4. That the statements made from Para 1-3 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief nothing stated herein above are false. DEPONENT Sworn before me by the deponent on this the 14th day of Feb’ 2023. NOtARY PUBLiC dimapur : Nagaland

dP-675/23

people. There are children, there are family members, there are old people. This may not be a good idea to go for (arrests), obviously it is a bad idea,” he observed on Tuesday.

Till February 14, altogether 3,031 people have been apprehended against registration of 4,225 child marriage cases. The crackdown had started on February 3 with 4,004 FIRs. Justice Shyam told Additional Public Prosecutor D Das that the state government does not even have

space in the jails and suggested that the administration come up with bigger prisons. When the government advocate pointed out that cases were registered under non-bailable charges under POCSO Act and rape (IPC

Section 376), Justice Shyam said, “What is the POCSO here? Merely because POCSO is added, does it mean the judges will not see what is there?”

The high court is not acquitting anybody and nobody is preventing the

government from investigating the cases of child marriages, he added.

“Why Section 376 (of IPC)? Is there any allegation of rape here? These are all weird allegations, absolutely weird,” Justice Shyam observed.

The judge then sought the opinion of senior advocate Angshuman Bora, a well-known criminal counsel present in the courtroom for the hearing of a separate case, on the largescale arrests of child marriage accused.

reservation for women in all Government jobs and introduce Karnesh Marak Youth Support Scheme to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 to unemployed graduates for a period of 1 year to help them prepare for higher education or government jobs.

“We will provide skill training and create 3.5 lakh self-employment opportunities by setting up two new SEZs, Industrial Units, one additional IT Park, banking and hospitality industries over the next 5 years,” Nadda said.

CAPF prepare to leave for their respective polling booths for the TLA elections, in West Tripura. (PTI)

Mukul Wasnik and other Congress leaders at the EC office.

Jagat Prakash Nadda

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with students from NE at his residence in Lucknow on Wednesday.

I-T dept survey on BBC offices for 2nd day

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): The Income Tax department survey operation against the BBC India continued for the second day with the sleuths understood to be making copies of electronic and paper-based financial data of the organisation, officials said Wednesday.

The tax department had launched the action on Tuesday at the BBC’s Delhi and Mumbai offices along with at least two linked premises as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion against the British broadcaster in India.

Sleuths knocked at the doors of the BBC around 11:30 AM on Tuesday and they are still present, sources aware of the development told PTI. The tax officials are speaking to staffers of the BBC in the finance and some other departments even as other staffers and journalists were allowed to leave Tuesday night.

Some computer peripherals and mobile phones were cloned as part of the operation, officials had said.

The action, which sparked a sharp political debate with the ruling BJP accusing the BBC of “venomous reporting” and the opposition questioning the timing of the move, came weeks after the broadcaster aired a two-part documentary, “India: The Modi Question”, on the prime minister and the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The survey is being carried out to investigate issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC subsidiary companies, officials had said on Tuesday.

While there has been no official statement from the Income Tax department on the action, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has said

Three held for arson at MP church

BHOPAL, FEB 15 (PTI):

Police in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district have arrested three persons, including two from Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the alleged torching and defiling of a church, an official said on Wednesday.

The arson and vandalism at the church located in tribal-dominated Sukhtawa came to light on Sunday when some people went to the shrine to offer prayers, said the official.

Three persons were arrested in connection with the arson of the prayer hall under Kesla police station, said Narmadapuram Superintendent of Police Gurkaran Singh. The SP said an almost similar incident had taken place in front of a church at Kheda village near Itarsi about a month ago.

The police identified the accused as Avnish Pandey, a

Some religious texts and furniture were destroyed in the fire and the word ‘Ram’ was written on the wall.

resident of Faizabad in UP, an electrician named Shiv and Akash Tiwari, who is from UP’s Jhansi. Calling Tiwari the mastermind, the SP said he used to send locations, especially of “churches, mazars and dargahs” to the other accused to commit such attacks. Tiwari also sent money to the two for the work, he said. Apart from the lure of

money, the SP said, Pandey and Shiv also agreed to work for Tiwari on the belief that “they should do something for their religion”. The senior official said police will sternly deal with those who try to disrupt communal harmony. Citing the complaint, an official had earlier said that some religious texts and furniture were also destroyed in Sunday’s incident.

it was cooperating with the authorities.

“The Income Tax Authorities remain at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. Many staff have now left the building, but some have been asked to remain and are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing enquiries,” a BBC News Press Team said in a official Twitter post at 10:26 pm on

Tuesday. We are supporting our staff during this time and continue to hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible. Our output and journalism continues as normal and we are committed to serving our audiences in India, the post added.

As part of a survey, the Income Tax department only covers the business premises of a company and does not raid residences and other locations of its promoters or directors.

The Supreme Court last week dismissed a plea seeking the imposition of a complete ban on the BBC in India in the wake of the controversial documentary, terming the petition “entirely misconceived” and “absolutely meritless”. Another set of petitions challenging the government’s decision to block the documentary will be heard in April next.

On January 21, the government issued directions to block multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the documentary.

I-T action against BBC perturbing for India’s image: Congress

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): Condemning the Income Tax survey at the BBC’s offices, the Congress on Wednesday asked what image of India is Prime Minister Narendra Modi projecting through such actions at a time when the country is hosting the G-20.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said anyone questioning Prime Minister Modi about his past is “raided” and accused the government of demolishing the fourth pillar of democracy.

The Income Tax Department survey operation against BBC India continued for the second day on Wednesday with sleuths understood to be making copies of electronic and paper-based financial data of the organisation, officials said.

The Indian media has been repeatedly “strangulated, muzzled and bulldozed” by the Modi government, just because some of them, a very small number, have refused to toe the line of the BJP, he

Pawan Khera

alleged. “When Modi ji was dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the country, then he was a dedicated follower of the same BBC,” Khera told reporters here.

“Demolishing the fourth pillar of democracy has now become a mundane thing in ‘New India’. Modi ji had promised to run ‘Start Up India’, but in ‘amrit kaal’ it has become ‘Shut Up India’,” the Congress leader said.

This year, it is India’s turn to host the G20, which is a big event, and “what image of India is Modi ji presenting to the world with this raid?” he asked.

“By giving the slogan of ‘Mother of Democracy’, he himself has become

the ‘father of hypocrisy’,” Khera said. The Congress spokesperson said Prime Minister Modi has received several awards from foreign entities and has publicly touted these. But when some foreign entities criticised him, they were raided or termed “anti-national”, Khera said.

When Prime Minister Modi’s past is exposed by the BBC, “then he uses investigation agencies as his ‘frontal organisations’ to raid an international media outlet”, he said.

“This is particularly perturbing for India’s image because we are hosting the G-20 Summit and the Modi government is going gaga over it (G-20),” Khera said.

“What kind of justice is this Modi ji? If you get an award then boast about it using your PR (public relations) machinery to the whole wide world, and if the same media outlets, if the same international media sets your ‘record’ straight, then you unleash your arrogance of power,” the Congress leader said.

Court sends man accused of killing live-in partner to 5-day custody

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): A Delhi court on Wednesday sent a man accused of killing his livein partner and stuffing her body into a fridge in southwest Delhi to fiveday police custody for interrogation.

Sahil Gehlot, 24, a resident of Mitraon village in southwest Delhi, killed his partner, stuffed her body inside a refrigerator at his dhaba (eatery), and went off to marry another woman on the same day, police told the court.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Archana Beniwal granted the crime branch of Delhi police his custody for five days to interrogate him and ascertain the exact scene of the murder and the route he took after committing the alleged crime.

The court passed the order on an application

moved by police. In their remand application, police said they needed to take the

accused to the places where the accused went with the deceased. They said the investigators intended to

conduct searches at places linked to the crime and collect evidence.

The incident came to light on Valentine’s Day and police recovered the body of the 23-yearold woman on the basis of clues provided by the accused.

Police said the accused had hidden from his girlfriend Nikki Yadav that he was getting married to another woman.

When Nikki came to know about his wedding, she had a heated argument with the accused which led to her murder, police said.

“It has been claimed that she was threatening to implicate the man in a case if he married another woman,” a source said.

The couple was in relationship for the past few years and Nikki wanted to marry the accused, police said.

On the intervening night of February 9 and 10, when the victim confronted the accused about his marriage, he killed her using the data cable of his mobile phone in his car and then kept her body in a refrigerator at his dhaba, police said.

Donations

of pol parties during FY 2021-22 increased by 31.5 %

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): The total donations to national parties during financial year 2021-22 rose by Rs 187.03 crore or 31.50 per cent from the previous fiscal, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms.

The total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by the national parties for 2021-22 was Rs 780.774 crore from 7,141 donations, it said.

The BJP received Rs 614 crore as donations in 2021-22, while the Congress got Rs 95 crore, according to poll reform body ADR.

“A total of Rs 614.63 crore from 4,957 donations was declared by the BJP, followed by Rs 95.46 crore from 1,255 donations declared by Congress. The donations declared by the BJP are more than three times the aggregate declared by the Congress, NCP, CPI, CPI(M), NPEP and AITC for the same period,” the ADR claimed.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) declared that it did not receive any donation above Rs 20,000 during 2021-22 as it has been declaring for the past 16 years, the ADR claimed.

The total donations of the national parties during 2021-22 rose by Rs 187.03 crore, an increase of 31.50 per cent from 2020-21.

Donations to the BJP rose from Rs 477.55 in 202021 crore to Rs 614.63 crore 2021-22, up 28.71 per cent, in a year, it claimed, adding that the party’s donations had decreased by 41.49 per cent during FY 2020-21 in

comparison to FY 2019-20.

The Congress’ donations increased from Rs 74.52 crore during FY 202021 to Rs 95.46 crore during FY 2021-22 (28.09 per cent increase). It said Congress donations had decreased by 46.39 per cent between FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21.

In comparison to the previous financial year, the decrease in donations declared by CPI(M) was 22.06 per cent (Rs 2.85 crore), and by the National People’s Party was 40.50 per cent (Rs 24.10 lakhs), it said.

The segregation of donations according to state was made by ADR based on the addresses provided by the parties in their donations report to the Election Commission.

A total of Rs 395.85 crore was donated to national parties from Delhi, followed by Rs 105.3523 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 44.96 crore from Gujarat, it stated. A total of Rs 12.26 crore (1.57 per cent of total donations received by national parties in FY 2021-22) could not be attributed to any state/ Union Territory due to incomplete/undeclared information provided by the parties, it said.

A total of 2,551 donations to the national parties were made by corporate/business sectors amounting to Rs 625.88 crore (80.16 per cent of total donations), while 4,506 individuals donated Rs 153.33 crore (19.64 per cent of total donations) to the parties during FY 202122, the ADR said.

dc-153/23

KVIC increases the wages of Khadi cotton-weavers by 33 percent, a wave of happiness among artisans

Vacancy

EDEN HR. SEC SCHOOL, DIMAPUR

Requirements : Principal Qualification : M.A., B.Ed, in English, History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Experience :

1) 5 Years experience in Teaching

2) 5 Years experience in School Administration including NBSE works.

Submission of documents on or before 2nd March, 2023 during School Hours 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

admission open

Carl Rogers Institute of Mental Health and School Counselling is conducting a two months certificate course on Counselling Psychology.

- Classes are scheduled from 2:30 pm- 4:30 pm in the afternoon from Monday to Friday.

About the Program

This course aims to enable candidates to have a basic understanding of what Psychology and Counselling is.

The course will also help the candidates to understand the different milestones

d P-660/23

Making a strong pitch for the Khadi sector, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has spoken of promoting it globally as well as ensuring two to three times the income of weavers.

Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman Khadi and Village Industries Commission said that, with the aim of encouraging Khadi workers at the village level, and to increase Khadi production, resulting in strengthening the rural-economy by creating optimum employment, KVIC organised series of Khadi Samvad in the last few months with Khadi workers, Khadi institutions and organizations working in different areas of the country.

He said that during the ‘Khadi Samvad’, he found that the spinners and weavers of Khadi sector have made a special contribution in increasing the production of Khadi and the demand for increasing their remuneration has been pending for decades.

Keeping in mind the contribution of Khadi cotton-weavers, Khadi and Village Industries Commission under the Chairmanship of Shri Manoj Kumar, took a decision in 694 th meeting of KVIC to increase the wages from Rs.7.50 per hank to Rs.10 per hank for income generation, which would increase the monthly income of artisans by around 33% and 10 % increase in the wages of weavers. This decision will be effective from 1 April 2023.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through his radio broadcast program "Mann Ki Baat" has appealed many a times to buy khadi “especially the youth”. As a result, there has been a record sale of Khadi products year after year. Prime Minister has appreciated every possible effort to increase the adoption of khadi and production and sales of Khadi with the motto of “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion and Khadi for Transformation” to popularize Khadi time and again, Chairman, KVIC stressed.

Further he said that in the financial year 2021-2022, the production of Khadi and Village Industries products was 84,290 crores and the sale was 1,15,415 crores. This year on 2nd October, CP Outlet of Khadi India has set a new record of Khadi sales in a single day of Rs 1.34 crore. The credit for which goes to the Clarion call made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the people of the country to buy Khadi and to lakhs of artisans and Khadi workers engaged in Khadi production and sales work, who work tirelessly.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission is organizing exhibitions at national and international level with the objective of providing maximum work to its artisans, weavers, Khadi institutions and marketing support to PMEGP unit. Loan approval is being speeded up under the PMEGP scheme to set up self-employment. dc-154/23

Media personnel outside the BBC office on the second day of Income Tax Department’s survey operation at KG Marg in New Delhi, Wednesday (PTI)

Sahil Gehlot with his live-in girlfriend Nikki Yadav. Gehlot allegedly killed Yadav. (PTI)

Reservations about reservation

After the Supreme Court of India left no space nor option for Nagaland by directing the Nagaland State Election Commission (SEC) to issue notification by March 14 for holding Urban Local Body (ULB) election; Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated that state government will issue the notification for holding ULB election with 33% women reservation. ULB elections in Nagaland were due in 2010 but could not be held on account of an amendment passed by the house in 2006 to include Article 243T of Part IXA of the constitution of India to the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 with regard to the 33% women reservation in Urban Local Bodies(ULBs).After the 2006 resolution the DAN-I government developed cold feet for holding elections to the municipal and town councils which were due in February/March 2010. The reason was the since the amendment dictated a mandatory implementation of 33% women reservation, the house again had a ‘change of heart’ and also of mind when it made a U-turn by swinging to the other end.

Yet, still not legally right, the government used the ongoing political negotiations with the government of India to secure resolution of the Naga political issue, as a reason for not holding polls. The belief was that if elections were held then, the expected solution of the Naga political issue in 2010 could be adversely affected. The DAN-II government then met and discussed the matter after which the house passed another resolution on September 22,2012 which revoked the earlier 2006 resolution by making Article 243T of Part IXA inoperative in Nagaland.

The September 22,2012 resolution again swung the pendulum to the opposite side as the apex tribe organizations felt relieved that their concerns were addressed and that the reservation issue would be decided after wide consultations with all sections of society in the light of the special constitutional provisions as contained under Article 371(A). However, the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) took the matter to the Supreme Court in the form of a Special Leave Petition(SLP) against the order of the Gauhati High Court principal bench that stayed the judgment of the Kohima bench. Public felt they were being taken for a ride because their doubts and apprehensions were not addressed. The then ruling DAN-III government then hurriedly convened the house where the one-day sitting on November 24,2016 and revoked the September 22,2012 resolution by an ‘oppositionless’ assembly. On December 15,2017 the house then passed the resolution revoking the November 24,2016 resolution which had made Article 243T of Part IXA inoperative. Thus, the NM Act 2001 had been amended four times in the assembly mainly because the members were unprepared to deal with such an issue. As a result, the public has to face the consequences of such hasty decisions. Much has been said and written about the issue on empowerment of women to uplift them economically and socially but when it comes to implementing it, there is a lot of difference between promise and delivery. Of course, reservation of seat for women attracts several questions, chief among which, is whether implementation can really bring about the change needed. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill on March 9, 2010 but the Lok Sabha never voted on the bill. Had the bill been passed, it would have brought a constitutional amendment to implement reservation in state assemblies and parliament. It lapsed since Lok Sabha term expired in 2014 and 2019.

DailyDevotion

“Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”

None of us lives to himself… —Romans 14:7

Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible spiritually to God for other people? For instance, if I allow any turning away from God in my private life, everyone around me suffers. We “sit together in the heavenly places…” (Ephesians 2:6). “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it…” (1 Corinthians 12:26). If you allow physical selfishness, mental carelessness, moral insensitivity, or spiritual weakness, everyone in contact with you will suffer. But you ask, “Who is sufficient to be able to live up to such a lofty standard?” “Our sufficiency is from God…” and God alone (2 Corinthians 3:5).

“You shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8).

How many of us are willing to spend every bit of our nervous, mental, moral, and spiritual energy for Jesus Christ? That is what God means when He uses the word witness. But it takes time, so be patient with yourself. Why has God left us on the earth? Is it simply to be saved and sanctified? No, it is to be at work in service to Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine for Him? Am I willing to be of no value to this age or this life except for one purpose and one alone— to be used to disciple men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ. My life of service to God is the way I say “thank you” to Him for His inexpressibly wonderful salvation. Remember, it is quite possible for God to set any of us aside if we refuse to be of service to Him— “…lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Quotes

NBCC calls the church to pray for 2023 election & the persecuted Christians in india on February 19

Exodus 18:21

Select capable people, people who fear God, trustworthy and who hate dishonest gain. Appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens (Paraphrased ,translation of Exodus 18: 21).

As Nagaland prepares to go to the poll on February 27, we must remind ourselves that we need to keep our commitment to honor God. We must remember that we are responsible and have the power in our hand to change the course of our future. We must cast our vote to elect God fearing leaders, leaders who will honorably lead us for the next five years to come. Election is an opportune time to speak out our mind with our vote at the same time a privilege to build a better future. Do not be deceived by election promises doing the round. You know what is right in the sight of God. Ask God for wisdom to guide you and discernment from lies so that the truth will not be destroyed. There are forces out there demeaning our faith and trying to impose

their religion on us in the name of politics. Election is one given opportunity in five years. We should not surrender our rights as responsible voters.

We must be guided by our faith to do the right thing. We should not allow the Clean Election Movement to go unrewarded and disappears in thin air because of our greed and short term gratification. Remember, clean and fair election is for everyone. The church takes this challenge seriously as the church spiritual responsibility to fight against a system which has gone weary over the years. One person one vote, no proxy voting and no buying and selling of vote. Vote wisely, fearfully and yes, boldly as a Christian this coming election. Do not listen to the voices which are coming from outside, listen to your inner voice. Let this election moment be a defining moment for the Nagas. Vote for your future and vote to honor God. Clean election is possible and it is just one resolute decision away.

On February 19 (Sunday) organize prayer walk

God created Adam in innocent and purity, But Adam did not obey God and became a sinner. His descendants united together to become great, to have power against God, and to undo the results of the curse upon the earth.Cain built the first city.His descendants were inventors who made life more pleasant.And ultimately men joined together so that unitedly they might be great and mighty (Genesis 11:4

) And so the world - society organized by man - came into being.

God occupied Himself with this world.He warned it through Noah.

After the Flood He made a new beginning upon a cleansed earth.And when mankind anew turned away from God and turned to idolatry.He took Abram apart, spoke with him, separated his seed from all other peoples,gave them His laws and ordinances, established a covenant with them, and brought them into His land, the land of Emmanuel.

We know the outcome of this.They too turned away from God, although God spoke to them through His chastenings, through judges, through kings, and through prophets.Then God sent His Son.He wanted to forgive their sins, and offered reconciliation in the Lord Jesus.”God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their offences”(2 Corinthians 5:19

) But the world, instead of excepting the

5

in the neighborhood and strategic place/location to pray. Gather together in a designated place from 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM. The local church can incorporate other creative prayer activities throughout the day, including your worship services, at your own discretion.

A. Assembly Election

1. Pray so that our members, all over the state, will exercise judiciously their sacred duty and right to vote in the coming general election for the good of the State by choosing leaders who would listen to the people and respond effectively to their anxieties and needs

2. Pray for peaceful Voting Day

3. Pray that voters will cast their vote without influence or intimidation

4. Pray for 183 candidates that they will remain humble and do things that will honor God

5. Pray for discernment and wisdom for voters that the fear of God and to honor God will prevail

Secondly, pray for Christians suffering all over India because of their

outstretched hand of God, rejected the Lord Jesus.We will not that this man should reign over us!” The reason He was condemned was because He was the Son of God.They crucified Him in cowardly way. At the cross the whole world was united against the Lord. Herod and Pilate became friends.The high priest and the scribes, the highest religious power on earth, joined together with the Roman Empire, the highest political power.The superscription above the cross was written in the three world languages.And all accepted Satan’s direction in their battle against God.There at the cross the whole condition of the world became manifest, not that alone of those men who were present there,but that of humanly organized society.All the resources that society had were used in the battle against God.Now there is no more grace for the world.After the cross God has nothing more to offer. Judgment alone is this world’s portion, and God will presently execute this unsparingly.The Revelation describes this to us in chapters 6 through 20.If God has not yet executed this judgement it is because He is still offering His grace to individuals.He commands these individuals that they be converted, and calls to them,”Come,be reconciled to Me.”(Read more in Scripture)

faith. It has been reported that India is the 10th Most Dangerous Country to live in for Christians. This is very unfortunate report because outwardly, India present herself as a secular country. But we all know that the communal forces in India are becoming very forceful. Minority religious groups are suffering everyday. Christians and other minority groups are told lies everyday in the name of development.

Outwardly, they recognize the contributions made to the country by Christians and other minority groups but there is a plan in the making to eliminate our right to vote and call India a Hindu nation. While churches and her institutions are being destroyed and Christians harassed everyday, the country is trying to convince us to believe in more lies. Christians do not need any special treatment we only need equal protection and equal freedom. We only need to be respected and our rights be honored. This we ask of the country because we believe in secular India where everyone is free

to profess and practice his/ her faith without fear.

Hatred against religious minority groups are proclaimed by majority religious leaders in the public squares and platforms while the authority have become mute spectators. This has created a deep sense of insecurity in the mind of the minorities. Religious platform are openly use to advocate hatred for the minorities and yet, the authority are blind and deaf to those utterances. In a pro-development regime there is an anti-minority regime working hard behind the curtain and the shadow of it is becoming clear and clearer with every move. The face of India is changing by the day, the communal forces are emboldened because of the silence of the people in power. We must pray for India. We must be the voice for the voiceless. We need to stand for the minorities who are oppressed and are made to suffer everyday.

B. Persecuted Church/ Christians in India

1. Pray for the communal forces working against Christians in India that they

will be brought to justice

2. Pray for the Christians to stand firm in their faith

3. Pray for those who are falsely accused and are in prison without trial

4. Pray for pastors facing pressure because of their ministry work

5. Pray for boldness and God’s protection for believers and their families in India

6. Pray that people in authority will rule the country justly with human face and deal sternly with those who sow the seed of hatred

As we set February 19 as a day of prayer for election in Nagaland and the persecuted Christians in India, let us do so in a repenting spirit. Let us pray that God will heal our land and that His purpose will be established.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14) Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC

Letter of appreciation

The Naga Club, Kohima Nagaland is immensely grateful to the Kohima Village Council (KVC) who were and are the original traditional land owners and who, out of their benevolence, allotted the land for the Naga Club Building at Old Secretariat Complex Site Opp. Kohima Local Ground, Kohima Sadar, Nagaland.

However, the building which was occupied by the NSF on a rental basis since 1983 till date, had refused to vacate the building, thereby obstructing the vision to rebuild a monumental asset to assert the rightful and the distinguished image of the Naga Club by constructing a proper and presentable contemporary building at Kohima Headquarters.

and events were honoured through a crucial order and directive in favour of the Naga Club with the following directives: -

Abel

Shitiri, Manger, Gospel Truth Centre

Because of such unwarranted act of defiance, the Naga Club had approached the KVC, the ancestral land owners, to sort out the impasse, whereby the KVC has allowed historical and customary propriety its rightful place and the historical facts

social media trends that will define 2023

One of the most significant digital marketing tools today, social media has an impact on how content is produced and maintained. Social media has evolved into a key channel for brands and content producers to connect with their target audience due to their vast user bases and strong conversion rates. Social media has changed significantly in recent years, and in 2023, this tendency is predicted to continue.

Reflecting on the trends brands and people can expect to witness in 2023, Pushppal Singh Bhatia and Ravneet Kaur from the popular influencer duo - That Couple Though share, “One of the most important highlights for 2023 will be an increased focus on short-form content on social media platforms. However, while short-form content is crucial, it has raised concerns about the fleeting nature of trends and has led to a need for brands to strike a balance between staying true to their message while also leveraging social media to reach their audience.

This in our opinion is going to be the main focus for 2023.”

Ditching trends for brand

value

Many industries have similar products or services, but each one still has a unique value proposition. This may or may not be reflected in their social media

presence, especially with agencies jumping on viral TikTok trends. As a result, many brands are becoming similar on social media. Therefore, in 2023, it will be important to focus on maintaining brand authenticity in social media communications to ensure that each brand stays distinct and creates a credible online presence for its target audience, regardless of trends.

Capturing Audience Attention

The average attention span of users on social media is relatively short, and they often scroll quickly through their feeds. Bite-sized content allows users to quickly consume and engage with a brand’s message, making it more likely that they will stop and pay attention. Bite-sized content is easy to share and can be easily repurposed across different platforms. This increases the chances that users will share the content with their own followers, amplifying the brand’s reach.

Being Real

Social Media often presents a distorted view of reality by promoting an idealized image. It is important for both individuals and companies to be authentic and promote inclusivity in their content. For instance, beauty and fashion brands can create content that is inclusive of all genders and sizes. This approach

allows for genuine communication and a better connection with the audience. This is also applicable to every other business including the hospitality sector that wants to communicate that its location is the ideal choice for dining experiences.

Social Shopping continues to grow.

Social shopping refers to the integration of social media and e-commerce, allowing consumers to purchase products directly through social media platforms.

This trend is expected to continue growing in 2023, with an even bigger emphasis on the concept of “Social Shopping.”

Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also becoming more prevalent in marketing. While these technologies are still in the process of developing and becoming more integrated into everyday life, they have already begun to have an impact on the world of social media.

Influencer Marketing expand into PR Campaigns Companies continue to increase working with influencers as a way to build positive relationships with their target audience, and this paves way for an evergrowing integration with modernday or rather post-pandemic PR activities.

(Quote) “With reference to the above-cited subject, the Kohima Village Council (KVC) reiterates the letter addressed to the President, Naga Club, Kohima, vide Ref. No. KVC0/X/CON/2017 dated 15.12.2019. Whereas, it was stated in the letter that “Belated though, the Council wished to put on record that the Centenary Jubilee Celebration monolith of the Naga Club should be erected at the proper site that is the Naga Club building at Khuochiezie. The Council further wishes to clarify that the entire area of the Naga Club building belongs to the Kewhimia ancestral land and therefore the buildings around Naga Club on a temporary permit should not be made permanent as it is under the jurisdiction of the Naga Club only. It was further stated in the letter that “no one should

distort the history of the Naga Club to suit their own interest but let historical facts remain as hard facts for posterity.” Therefore, the Naga Club, Kohima should ensure the wishes of the KVC and uphold the interest of the Naga people.” (unquote), signed by Mr Helievio Solo, Chairman, KVC dt 11.02.23. This letter of KVC is also very clear that the Naga Club should pursue steadfastly in upholding the interest of the Naga people as envisioned by the legendary founders and pioneers of the Naga Club and which the KVC fully endorses. The Naga Club is profoundly grateful to the Kohima Village Council for this timely, thoughtful, wise and legitimate crucial order in the most simple and clear terms.

Advocate Khriedi Theünuo, Chairman, Working Committee, Naga Club, HQ Kohima and Kuolachalie Seyie, President, Naga Club, HQ Kohima

The Lotha Baptist Churches Association on clean election

Believing that election of leaders for human community is God’s practice for maintaining order and justice among God’s people we take this upcoming election in Nagaland as an event to allow justice and peace to prevail among God’s people, the Christian Nagas. It is irksome to analyze the contestants who is God- fearing and who is otherwise. Contesting in election does not make them the lesser loved children of God.

The ball is in the court of the voters who should not sell their birthright votes to forfeit their responsibility to choose God fearing and people friendly leaders.

The public has now shifted their judgment not to the elected leaders but to those irresponsible voters who sell their vote to relinquish their right of electing the right leaders. Those who sell their votes to treasure mammon instead of good leaders themselves cry at the sight of the bad roads, the abandoned School buildings and primary medical centers. Misuse of Community development funds, relief to the aged, assistance to the orphans, caring for the unschooled kids, the starving poor people – they

all cry to their Creator Who wants clean and fair election of their leaders. They know the culprit is the one who sells his/her vote to allow some irresponsible leaders to hold the post.

Contestants please do not throw money or wine or any article to the voters to win your position. That is not the way God wants leaders to come up to lead. Your good intent to lead God’s people, your humility, your magnanimity and your fear of God who will bring every irresponsible act to His judgment throne will succeed even if you don’t win the election.

Voters likewise be warned of God’s wish for you to choose good rulers. Exercise a fair and clean manner of voting .If you do so, do not worry even if you lost the election, for you have won the heart of God. If you voted for the right person but lost the vote, God has in His store more lasting treasure for you and your posterity. Insist then, on clean and fair election and invoke God’s smile on your destiny.

Rev.Dr.Ezamo Murry Executive Secretary, Tssocholan LBCA Camp: Wokha

“Live out of your imagination, not your history.”

~ Stephen Covey

The whole world lies in the wicked one (1 John 5:19 )

Adani row: SC agrees to hear fresh PIL on Feb 17

NEW

DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on February 17 a fresh plea of a Congress leader seeking investigation under the supervision of a sitting apex court judge against the Adani Group of companies in light of the allegations made by the US-based Hindenburg Research.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of the submissions of a lawyer, representing Congress leader Jaya Thakur, that the plea needed urgent hearing.

The bench initially agreed to list the PIL for hearing on February 24 and later decided to hear on Friday after the lawyer pointed out that two other PILs are listed on February 17.

Thakur has also sought a direction for investigating the role of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the State Bank of India (SBI) in investing huge amounts of public money in the FPOs (follow on public offer) of Adani Enterprises, allegedly at a much higher rate than the

prevailing share price in the secondary market.

A follow on public offer is a process by which a company already listed on a stock exchange issues new shares to the investors or shareholders, usually the promoters.

On Monday, the Centre had agreed to the apex court’s proposal to set up a panel of experts to look into strengthening the regulatory mechanisms for the stock market following the recent Adani group shares crash triggered by Hindenburg Research’s fraud allegations.

The market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in its note filed in the top court indicated that it is not in favour of banning shortselling or sale of borrowed shares, and said it is investigating allegations made by a tiny short-seller against the Adani Group as well as its share price movements.

The top court seized of two petitions alleging exploitation of innocent investors and “artificial crashing” of the Adani Group’s stock value.

Adani Group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after the Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including those of fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation, against the business conglomerate.

The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements In her plea, Thakur has alleged, “The Hindenburg report has raised serious questions about the act and conduct of respondent no 13 (Adani Group of companies) and their associates, by which they have caused huge losses to the various public sector bank and LIC by inflating the share price of shares of their group

PM to inaugurate ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ today

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, a mega national tribal festival, on Thursday here as part of the efforts to showcase the tribal culture on a large scale.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that Modi has been at the forefront of taking steps for the welfare of the tribal population while also according due respect to their contribution in the country’s growth and development.

The Aadi Mahotsav, which celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and

traditional art, is an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

This year, it is being organised from February 16 to 27 at Major Dhyan

Rajnath bats for Aatmanirbharta in defence procurement

22 was Rs 2.58 lakh crore.

In 2020-21, the government had set aside 58 per cent of defence capital outlay for procurement from the Indian defence industry. It was increased to 64 per cent in 2021-22. The allocation was further enhanced to 68 per cent in 2022-23.

Chand National Stadium in Delhi, a statement said.

It will showcase the rich and diverse heritage of tribes from across the country in over 200 stalls at the venue.

Around 1,000 tribal artisans will participate in the exercise.

Since 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, a special focus will be on showcasing “Shree Anna”, a recent government nomenclature for millets grown by tribals along with usual attractions like handicrafts, handloom, pottery and jewellery, the statement added.

of company for obtaining loans and investment from banks and financial institution ibid.”

The plea, filed through advocate Varinder Kumar Sharma, claimed in accordance with the disclosure made in the Hindenburg report, the Adani Group and their associates have violated various laws, including the Indian Penal Code, the Customs Act, the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act, for “illegal and undue benefit” and have caused huge losses to the public sector bank and financial institutions.

“The Adani Group i.e. respondent no. 13 is indulge

in huge corruption, for gaining illegal and undue benefits, such as loans from various banks upon highly inflated share price of shares of their companies, due to which Rs 82,000 crore of public money is at risk,” it claimed.

The plea alleged that after the allegations were made in the Hindenburg report, the FPO of Adani Enterprises was opened in January and the LIC, SBI and several public sector companies invested huge amounts at the rate of Rs 3,200 per share, whereas in the secondary market, the share was prevailing at Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,800 per share.

It has urged the apex court to order an investigation against the Adani Group and its associates by various investigating agencies, including the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office under the supervision and monitoring of a sitting judge of the top court.

Cong accuses govt of allowing Adani group to ‘gain monopoly’ in defence sector

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): The Congress on Wednesday accused the government of allowing Adani group to “gain monopoly” in the defence sector and asked if it was in national interest to involve a “questionable” conglomerate in such a critical area.

Posing a set of three questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Congress’ “Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun” series, party general secretary communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the group has been acquiring start-ups in the defence sector.

“Today is the tenth consecutive day (of the series), three pointed questions are being put to the prime minister on his role in the spectacular growth of the Adani business group. This is HAHK (Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun)-10. Chuppi todiye pradhan mantriji (break your silence prime minister),” he said on Twitter.

Since Gautam Adani’s 2017 visit to Israel, he has a “powerfully lucrative role” in the India-Israel defence relationship and has

set up ventures with Israeli firms covering areas such as drones, electronics, small arms and aircraft maintenance, the Congress leader alleged and went on list several Israeli firms.

“Given that the Adani group has faced credible allegations regarding offshore shell companies for some years, is it in the national interest to hand over such a critical defence relationship to one questionable conglomerate? Is there a quid pro quo for you and the ruling party (BJP),” the Congress leader asked in one of the questions posed to the prime minister.

India has long had a number of startups and established firms that develop, manufacture and operate drones for civil and military applications, and these

include public sector firms such as the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

“Why is the government taking advantage of our armed forces’ emergency requirements and facilitating an Adani drone monopoly at the expense of startups as well as established Indian firms,” Ramesh asked.

“The group has been acquiring start-ups in the defence sector to gain monopoly in the defence sector,” the Congress leader said.

He claimed that as with drones, India has long had a number of startups and ordnance factories that develop and manufacture small arms for the civilian and the military markets. Ramesh also spoke of Adani buying, a majority stake in the Gwalior-based PLR systems that manufactures a wide range of small arms in collaboration with an Israeli firm.

The Congress has been posing a set of three questions to the prime minister as part of a series, ever since it targeted the government on the Adani group over the Hindenburg allegations.

Ladakh groups protest in Delhi, demand statehood, sixth

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(PTI): Slogans demanding statehood for Ladakh were raised at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday as a joint protest was held by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance in the national capital.

Representatives of social, cultural and political organisations from Ladakh, as well as hundreds of common Ladakhis gathered at the 18th-century observatory, a stone’s throw away from the Parliament building, and said they hoped their voice would reach the government.

“Our traditions, ethnic identity, resources and

security are at stake today. Our demand is very simple, we want democracy to be restored in Ladakh by giving it statehood, and to be brought under the sixth schedule of Constitution,” said Thupstan Chhewang, a former BJP MP who resigned in 2018 accusing the party of not fulfilling promises made to the people of Ladakh. He said Ladakh is an ecologically sensitive area and development activities without consulting locals will be harmful.

“A big solar power project has been planned, but the area earmarked is the area of nomadic people who are known for pro -

schedule

sion making, we will decide what kind of industries should be set up,” he said.

Environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk accused the BJP of reneging on its promise of including Ladakh under the sixth schedule.

ducing Pashmina. It will displace them because their rich pastures will go. In addition, it will also impact the

environment in the area,” he said.

“If the people of Ladakh have a say in the deci-

“In 2020, when Hill Council elections were held, the BJP had promised sixth schedule status. We are very thankful to the BJP as they gave Union Territory status to Ladakh... Was it a promise or not? Does the election manifesto mean anything or not,” he said.

Dated 14th February, 2023

No.RCN/Project-RC/668/Pt.III/2020

WALK- IN -INTERVIEW

Eligible candidates are invited to attend Walk-in-Interview for recruitment of 01 Young Professional-I under Oilseed Project to be held on 6th March, 2023 at 11.00 A.M in the office of the Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland.

Limit

BENGALURU,

FEB 15 (PTI): India will spend 75 per cent of the total defence capital outlay for procurement from domestic defence manufacturers in 2023-24, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday in a significant decision aimed at boosting the indigenous production of various weapons and military platforms.

The move will mean setting aside around Rs one lakh crore for procurement from domestic sources out of the total defence capital outlay of Rs 1,62,600 crore announced in the Union Budget for the next fiscal, officials said on the sidelines of Aero India here.

Separately, Aero India witnessed the firming up of 266 partnerships including 201 MoUs, 53 major announcements, nine product launches and three transfers of technology (ToT) pacts - worth around Rs 80,000 crore. “If you take one step, the government promises to take 10 steps forward. You spoke of land to run on the path of development.

We are providing you the full sky,” Singh said at the event “Bandhan ceremony” where the pacts were formally inked.

“Earmarking threefourths of the capital procurement budget for the local industry is a step in that direction,” Singh said.

According to official data, the value of India’s indigenous defence production from 2019-20 to 2021-

“The trust of the government and the society in our defence industry is increasing rapidly. The share of procurement from Indian vendors last year was 68 per cent. Inspired by the ‘Amrit Kaal’, that share has been directly increased to 75 per cent,” he said.

The defence minister described the decision to enhance the allocation for the domestic industries as a “very significant” one for the overall growth of the domestic defence sector.

“After this step, our defence industry will move forward with even more enthusiasm and will contribute to making the country’s defence manufacturing sector more powerful and prosperous,” Singh said.

“It is a matter of great pleasure that Aero-India 2023 witnessed this unprecedented decision,” he said. Singh said the Aero-India 2023 inspired all the stakeholders to take a resolution that “we will not get tired anywhere on the path of our progress”.

The defence minister said that Aero India showcased to the world the ‘New Defence Sector’ of ‘New India’, which has not only grown in the last few years, but is now fully ready to walk alongside the defence sectors of leading countries.

He expressed satisfaction that the event paved the way to strengthening the Indian defence industry, terming it as the beginning of a new era of ‘Aatmanirbharta’.

Terms and conditions:

1. The offer is purely contractual and co-terminus with the end of the project with no provision of regularization.

2. In case of high number of candidates, a written test will be conducted to shortlist candidates for interview on the same day.

3. The candidate should bring all relevant certificates, mark sheets from matriculation onwards, experience certificate etc. in original for verification.

4. Candidates should also bring an application with full biodata addressed to the Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema with attested photocopies of certificates and mark sheets. A recent passport size photograph should also be affixed on the top of the application. Sd/Asstt. Admn. Officer

dB-156/23

No.RCN/Project-RC/668/Pt.II/18

Dated 14th February, 2023

WALK- IN -INTERVIEW

Eligible candidates are invited to attend Walk-in-Interview for recruitment of the following contractual vacancies under different projects on 01.03.2023 at 11.00 AM in the office of the Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland.

Sl. No. Name of the post Name of the Project Pay Essential qualification Desirable qualification Age Limit

1 SRF (01) NICRA Project Rs.31,000/pm + HRA M.Sc. in Agriculture M.Sc. in Plant Breeding & Genetics

35 years for men and 40 years for women

2 SRF (01) PPV & FRA Rs.31,000/pm +HRA

M.Sc. in Plant Breeding & Genetics/Agril. Biotechnology

M.Sc. in Plant Breeding & Genetics -doTerms and conditions:

1. The offer is purely contractual and co-terminus with the end of the project with no provision of regularization.

2. The candidate should bring all relevant certificates, mark sheets, experience certificate etc. in original for verification.

3. In case of high number of candidates, a written test will be conducted to shortlist candidates for interview on the same day.

4. Candidates should also bring an application with full biodata addressed to the Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema with attested photocopies of certificates and mark sheets from Matriculation onwards. A recent passport size photograph should also be affixed on the top of the application. Sd/Asstt. Admn. Officer dB-155/23

Narendra Modi

Ladakhi people stage a protest demanding at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Wednesday. (PTI)

Jairam Ramesh

Rajnath Singh

Exports dip by 6.58 pc; trade deficit lowest

NEW DELHI FEB 15

(PTI): Contracting for the second month in a row, India’s exports dipped by 6.58 per cent to USD 32.91 billion in January due to slowdown in global demand, even as the trade deficit touched a 12-month low of USD 17.75 billion during the month, according to official data released on Wednesday.

Imports in January too contracted by 3.63 per cent, the second consecutive month, to USD 50.66 billion. Cumulatively, however, during April-January 2022-23, the country’s merchandise exports rose 8.51 per cent to USD 369.25 billion, while imports increased 21.89 per cent to USD 602.20 billion, the data showed. The merchandise trade deficit for the April-January this fiscal stood at about USD 233 billion. The country’s exports had contracted by 12.2 per cent to USD 34.48 billion in December 2022.

Last time, it was in January 2022, when the trade deficit touched USD 17.42 billion. Export sectors that recorded negative growth during the 10-months period of this fiscal include engineering goods, iron ore, plastic and linoleum, gems and jewellery. Engineering exports dipped by 3.37 per cent to USD 88.27 billion during April-January 202223. In the same period, gems and jewellery shipments declined by 0.54 per cent to

USD 31.61 billion. Sectors which recorded positive growth include petroleum products, electronic goods, rice, ready-made garments of textiles and chemicals. “The overall exports (goods and services) growth in the current financial year is about 17.33 per cent. The main engine behind this export growth is the Services sector, which has been growing at a historically high growth rate of about 30 per cent.

violence...

Congress

(From p-1) The DGP further warned the public from engaging in unwarranted activities that would attract legal action.

Sharma said that as per its preliminary investigation, narcotics were mostly flowing to the state from Manipur and Assam, while liquor routes were mostly detected from Assam. It was also informed that Rs 3.65 crore unaccounted cash had been seized so far and further investigations were under process with regard to the seizures, adding that

action would be initiated in accordance with the law. ADGP (law and order), Sandeep Tamgadge, who was also present, informed that 66,000 litre of liquor had been seized from godowns and storage rooms till February 14. While pre-trial destruction of seized liquor had been conducted in some districts, it was learnt that forensic examination of drug samples were in progress for investigation. The press meet was also attended by ADGP (Adm) Renchamo P. Kikon.

(From p-1) regional authorities, military and political wings and central secretariat, MIP said the plenary of the house unanimously elected Vusshe as ato kilonser and reposed its faith in the leadership of the president and new ato kilonser to take forward the Naga political movement and bring it to its logical conclusion at the earliest. According to MIP, the program was chaired by S Bumen, PS to the president, which began with an invocation prayer pronounced by GHQ Anmoi chaplain Yongmeth. Yongkhao Village Baptist Church pastor invoked special prayer for the newly-inducted ato kilonser, while Konyak Region chairman Akai delivered the welcome note. The programme concluded with a mass spoken prayer. NSCN/GPRN (K) thanked all its rank and file and civil society groups for their benevolent presence in making the programme a grand success.

(From p-1) not even have pipe connections and had to buy water for their consumption on a daily basis.

She asked what made then governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi appalled at the state of affairs in Nagaland if what the BJP in its manifesto had claimed is correct?

“We have been asking these questions over and over again and will not stop asking it until the children, citizens, youth and women of Nagaland are not given

what they have been promised,” Singh said. She said while Mukhi asked about the medical college and the Congress asked about the High Court; but there were no replies or report cards yet but the NDPP-BJP go on to bring out a 35-page manifesto.

“NDPP is yet to bring out their manifesto and we are looking forward to it. We are looking forward to more lies and brazenness from this government,” Singh said.

She further asked

“what face do they have to show to the people of Nagaland? With what face are they bringing out this 35-page manifesto?” She said BJP made all sorts of claims without providing any data, statistics nor report cards have been shown to the people, yet they were talking about achievements.

Meanwhile, Mahima informed that AICC general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, will be arriving Kohima on Thursday.

Resolutions by Longkhum, Alichen null...

(From p-1) in the election on the basis of free will.”

Further, Longkhum Village Council chairman and Alichen Town Council/ Alichen Urban Station Committee chairman/vice-chairman have been directed to appear in the court of District Magistrate, Mokokchung on or before the February 17, 2023 positively with written submission as to why action should not be taken against them as per the relevant sections of CrPC and other election-related laws for wilful disobedience.

The district magistrate warned that non-compliance of the order could invite penal and other legal action as per relevant section of law.

BJP-NDPP will form govt; no post-poll alliance with others: Patton

(From p-1) committed to win the election. The sense of camaraderie came after Sarma had to air dash to Dimapur on February 9 night on a ‘peace mission’ – to put the pre-poll alliance back on track after strong speculations arose over the ‘proxy war’ between NDPP and BJP.

Referring to reports that parties like Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), National People’s Party (NPP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal (United), etc. were also in alliance with NDPP and BJP, Patton clarified that the alliance was solely between the two parties fighting together on a seat sharing arrangement of 40 (NDPP) and20 (BJP) and that there was no room for any other political party.

Patton also referred to the past ‘resort politics’ dur-

ing 2013 and 2018, where NPF legislators had camped at Kaziranga to prevent poaching. Patton said he did not want to witness a re-peat of ‘resort politics’. “We don’t want to have that 2013 to 2018 situation. Every month there was crisis(at that time),” he added. Patton also highlighted about the Central schemes that benefited citizens of the State.

Supplementing Patton, Nalin Kohli said that the Central leaders have sent a clear message to certain political parties who are “creating confusion” about some “tacit understanding” with either NDPP or BJP. He reiterated that there was no other alliance except BJP and NDPP.

Kohli, who had campaigned for three BJP candidates at Seyochung–Sitimi, Noklak and Tuensang Sardar –I on Wednesday, said

that the rallies were hugely successful and people were informed about the BJP’s manifesto and agenda of peace and development.

On the recent issue where an RSS-backed Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Manch’s (JDSSM) called for removal of Christians from ST/SC list, Kohli again clarified that he had not come across about any such organisation in his 20 years of political life and neither had there been a single meeting of BJP to discuss such issues.

“There is no such agenda at all and I am rejecting it outright,” he added.

Kohli reminded that there was such a pattern in electioneering in the Northeast whereby opposition parties misused religion to malign BJP by propagating fake news.

“Why should we be concerned about any or -

ganisation anywhere with its demands? What matters is BJP’s demand and our agenda is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” he said.

Kohli also said that Barla, before joining politics, was a devout Christian and was serving as a pastor with a meagre earning of Rs 5,000 a month. He was later elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 on BJP ticket and was made a union minister.

On the allegation by Congress that BJP never acted against incidents such as the smashing of the statue of Jesus Christ on Christmas day in States where it was in power, Kohli dismissed it as a fabrication by the Congress as it did not have any other issue.

“The allegations of BJP being anti-Christian sound hollow because they ignore the real work done by the party for all commu-

nities, including the Christians,” he asserted.

He countered Congress by pointing out that its government in Chhattisgarh would do well to explain why there were attacks on Christian Adivasis and in Jharkhand, where Congress was in power and considered as the fourth most dangerous State for Christians, as per Times of India report of August 3, 2020?.

Referring to the differences between Congress and BJP’s election campaign in the State, Kohli pointed out that BJP went to the people, while Congress focused only on addressing press conferences and abusing BJP.

He claimed that while Congress followed a campaign of abuse, BJP believed in informing the people its vision for their development.

Patton also asserted that there was no question

of BJP harassing Christians. Meanwhile, union minister of state for minority affairs John Barla, said the people of Naga-land acknowledge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s style of governance. He said that Modi was the only person who was focusing on developing the entire Northeast, including Naga-land.

Barla, who has also been campaigning for the BJP, said that the people of Nagaland accepted the BJP and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also dismissed rumours spread by the opposition parties that BJP was anti-Christian. He called upon the people to be united and have faith in Modi’s leadership for development.

Barla also spoke on a number of development initiatives in the region like building hospitals and health centres, schools and colleges, stadiums, community halls, skill development and coaching centres, etc, undertaken by the Centre.

Kohli informed the media that a galaxy of BJP central leaders would be visiting the State for campaign including union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and other ministers.

sHalom Girls

It may mentioned that Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench had on Tuesday issued an interim stay order on the three resolutions adopted by the three organisations to support the candidature of Talitsuba from 28 Koridang Assembly constituency.

The high court had also observed that the resolutions were prima facie illegal and unconstitutional as they interfered with rights of the electorate of 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency, more particularly of Longkhum village and Alichen ad-hoc town, to a free and fair election.

The district magistrate also confirmed that it had received the high court order.

Airtel 5G Plus now live in all north-eastern states

NEW DELHI, FEB 15 (IANS): Bharti Airtel on Wednesday said that its 5G services are now live in all states in the north-east region and existing data plans will work on 5G until the roll-out is complete.

The Airtel 5G Plus services are available in Kohima, Dimapur, Aizawl, Gangtok, Silchar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.

Airtel 5G Plus is already live in Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Agartala and Itanagar. “Airtel customers in these cities can now experience ultrafast network and enjoy speeds upto 20-30 times faster than the current 4G speeds,” said Rajnish Verma, CEO Assam and North-Eastern states, Bharti Airtel. Airtel 5G Plus services will be available to customers in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network

and complete the roll out.A Customers with 5Genabled devices will enjoy high speed Airtel 5G Plus network at no extra cost until the roll out is more widespread. Airtel said it will augment its network making its services available across all the cities in due course of time.

No SIM change is needed and existing Airtel 4G SIM is already 5G enabled. “Connectivity to north-eastern states is in line with our commitment to bridge the digital divide and connect communities who need it the most,” said Verma.

UN says 73 migrants presumed dead in shipwreck off Libya

GENEVA, FEB 15 (AP): A boat carrying migrants wrecked off the coast of Libya and 73 people were missing and presumed dead, the UN migration agency said on Wednesday. It was the latest tragedy involving migrants seeking better lives in Europe.

The UN International Organisation for Migration said in a statement that the disaster took place on Tuesday and that Libya authorities had retrieved 11 bodies.

It said the boat, carrying around 80 migrants, reportedly departed from the village of Qasr al-Khayar, 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the capital, Tripoli. The migrants were heading to European shores, it said.

Seven migrants survived the mishap and made it to Libyan shores, the UN said, in “extremely dire conditions.” They were taken to a hospital. Tuesday’s shipwreck was the latest tragedy in the central Mediterranean

Migrants wait to disembark from a Spanish coast guard vessel, in the port of Arguineguin, Spain, Feb. 14. (Reuters) Sea, a key route for migrants. The death toll on that route has reached at least 130 migrants this year, IOM said. In 2022, more than 1,450 migrants died, according to the IOM’s missing migrants project.

“This situation is intolerable,” said Safa Msehli, the organisation’s spokesperson. She called on governments to increase search and rescue efforts and to “establish clear and safe

Avalanche kills 3, injures 2 in Afghanistan

it to Europe. The oil-rich country plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Human traffickers in recent years have benefited from the chaos in war-torn Libya, smuggling in migrants across the desert country’s lengthy borders with six nations. The migrants are then typically packed into ill-equipped rubber boats and set off on risky sea voyages.

disembarkation mechanisms as well as safe and regular pathways to migration. Off Libya’s shores alone, at least 529 migrants were reported dead and 848 others missing last year, while over 24,680 were intercepted and returned to the country, according to the IOM. Libya has in recent years emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants from Africa and the Middle East trying to make

Putin preparing new aerial attack on Ukraine

BRUSSELS, FEB 15

(IANS): Russia is preparing to send a new force of fighter jets and attack helicopters to regain ground in Ukraine, intelligence officials have warned, according to a media report.

Western analysts have said a build-up of aircraft on the Ukrainian border could see Vladimir Putin’s forces attempt to push the offensive in the Donbas region, Daily Mail reported.

It comes as NATO defence ministers meet for a two-day summit in Brussels to discuss plans for military support for the war-torn country.

NATO chief Jens Stol-

A Tu-95MS strategic bomber of the Russian air force is seen from another one during their mission. (AP/PTI) tenberg told the military alliance’s member countries that they must step up deliveries to ensure Ukraine can fight back against Russian aggression as Europe risks running out of ammunition, Daily Mail reported.

Prime Minister Stoltenberg said: “This has become a grinding war of attrition and therefore it’s also a battle of logistics. This is a huge effort by allies to actually be able to get in the ammunition, the fuel, the spare parts, which are needed.”

Former Norway

Air India-Boeing deal to create 1 million jobs in US: Biden to Modi

WASHINGTON, FEB 15

(PTI): The landmark Air India-Boeing deal will create up to 1 million jobs across 44 states in the US and will further deepen bilateral ties, President Joe Biden has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Boeing and Air India announced a mega deal on Tuesday under which the Tata Group-owned airline will purchase 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787, and 10 B777X for a total of 220 firm orders valued at USD 34 billion at list price.

The deal will also include customer options for an additional 50 Boeing 737

MAX and 20 Boeing 787, totalling 290 airplanes for a total of USD 45.9 billion at the list price.

While discussing the landmark deal with Prime Minister Modi, Biden said, he was looking forward to deepening the ties between India and the US. This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a four-year college degree, Biden said in the call. The Air India order is Boeing’s third biggest sale ever in dollar value and second in terms of the number of planes.

NATO chief eyes bigger defence budgets, hard spending target

BRUSSELS, FEB 15 (AP):

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday urged the 30 member countries to commit to spending at least 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defense by a set date, as Russia’s war on Ukraine and other threats eat into military spending.

NATO allies agreed in 2014, after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, to halt the spending cuts they had made after the Cold War and move toward spending 2 per cent of GDP on their defence budgets by 2024. That pledge expires next year, and NATO is

working on a new target.

“What is obvious is that if it was right to commit to spend 2 per cent in 2014, it is even more right now because we live in a more dangerous world,” Stoltenberg told reporters, after chairing a meeting of NATO defence ministers, where a first high-level discussion on the issue was held.

“There is a full-fledged war going on in in Ukraine, in Europe, and then we see the persistent threat of terrorism, and we see also the challenges that China is forcing to our security. So, it is obvious that we need to spend more,” he said.

European countries have in recent years pushed Libyan authorities and the coast guard to detain and intercept migrants attempting to cross to European shores. Many of those who have been intercepted and returned to Libya — including women and children — are held in government-run detention centers where they suffer from abuse, including torture, rape and extortion, according to rights groups.

KABUL, FEB 15 (IANS): Three people, including a child, were killed and two others injured as an avalanche hit a village in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, a local official said on Wednesday.

The accident took place in the Khan Lar area of the Raghistan district Tuesday afternoon, Mohammad Akram said, Xinhua News Agency reported. At least four people had been killed and eight others were injured in avalanches in the same district couple of weeks ago.

Extreme chilly weather and snowfall have swept through parts of Afghanistan since the first week of January as the temperature fell down to minus 30 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Nearly 200 people including children, according to officials have died due to chilly weather and heavy snowfall across the warravaged country over the past month.

WASHINGTON, FEB 15

(PTI): The US has said that it supports the importance of a free press, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as universal rights which are the “bedrock of democracies” around the world, including in India. The remarks by State Department Spokesperson Ned Price came a day after the Income Tax department carried out a survey operation at the British Broadcasting Corporation’s offices in Delhi, Mumbai and two other linked locations as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion.

The survey operation against the BBC in India continued for the second day on Wednesday.

“We are aware of the search of the BBC offices in Delhi by Indian tax authorities. I would need to refer you to Indian authorities for the details of this search. Beyond this discrete action, what I’ll say more broadly is the general point that I’ve consistently made in this context, but in a universal context as well,” Price told reporters here.

“We support the importance of a free press around the world.

LAHORE, FEB 15 (IANS): The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered that Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan should be presented before it in an “ambulance if he is injured and cannot walk” as he seeks protective bail in a case, media reports said.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh’s remarks came on Wednesday as he heard Khan’s plea seeking protective bail in a case lodged against him for protesting outside the Election Com-

mission of Pakistan’s (ECP) office, Geo News reported.

The PTI chief moved the high court after an anti-

terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad rejected his bail in the same case earlier in the day after Khan failed to appear in person before it, the report said.

The PTI leader was booked in the case in October last year after the Toshakhana verdict was announced by the ECP, sparking countrywide protests. Khan had been on bail on medical grounds after he was injured in an assassination attempt in Wazirabad during a rally on November 3.

Imran Khan

I-T surveys at BBC offices: US says it supports importance of free press

Joe Biden and Narendra Modi

NCM performs at National Cultural Festival, Mumbai

Elvis Presley’s private jet auctioned for $260K after 4 decades in desert

King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley’s private jet has been purchased for $260,000 after spending 40 years gathering dust in a desert.

After sitting on the tarmac at the Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico for the past four decades, the late King of Rock and Roll’s 1962 Lockheed 1329 Jetstar has now found a new home after going under the hammer last month on what would have been the ‘Unchained Melody’ hitmaker’s 88th birthday, reports aceshowbiz.com.

After a successful performance at the Republic Day Celebrations at the Red Fort Lawns in January, on invitation, Nagaland Conservatory of Music (NCM) performed at Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (National Cultural Festival) in Mumbai on February 13.

The choir comprise of 20 students of Nagaland Conservatory of Music who were professionally trained as part of an under graduate music degree programme.

NCM has represented Nagaland and India in Norway, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Ireland in collaboration with ICCR

What It Feels Like

and the Indian Missions in those countries besides numerous acclaimed performances in the country.

Nagaland Conservatory of Music was led by Hito Kiho who serves as a conducting faculty at Nagaland Conservatory of Music.

It may be mentioned that Nagaland Conservatory of Music (NCM) was established in the year 2012 in Dimapur under the visionary leadership of Lipokmar Tzudir, with an aim to prepare students as musicians, scholars, teachers and to provide the community with performance, scholarship and education.

Your heart pounds, flutters, or seems to skip beats. You might call these feelings palpitations. Although they can feel scary, most aren’t serious and rarely need treatment. Knowing what makes your heart race can help you not panic when it happens and know when to call your doctor.

Stress and Anxiety

Intense emotions can trigger the release of hormones that speed up your heartbeat.

Your body gets ready to face a threat, even if you’re not in danger. Panic attacks are intense bouts of fear that can last a few minutes. Symptoms include a racing heart, sweating, chills, trouble breathing, and chest pain. A panic attack can feel like a heart attack. If you’re not sure which one you’re having, get medical help.

Exercise Working out is good for you. And a brisk run or intense indoor cycling class will naturally make your heart beat faster. That helps your heart pump more blood to power your muscles through the workout. If your heart flutters or pounds, it could be because you haven’t worked out in a while and you’re out of condition. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can

In the last 10 years of its existence, NCM has successfully provided specialized music education and professional training at the highest international level, enabling students to develop musical skills, knowledge, understanding and resourcefulness which have enabled many to contribute significantly to the musical life in this country and internationally.

Hundreds of musicians and artistes from within the country, besides artistes from the Philippines, Korea and France have taken residency at NCM to progress their professional practices/careers while contributing tremendously to the local community.

also cause palpitations when you exercise.

Caffeine

Does your heart beat faster after your morning latte?

Caffeine is a stimulant that raises your heart rate, whehther you get it from coffee, soda, an energy drink, tea, chocolate, or another source. One study found that caffeine from coffee, tea, and chocolate isn’t likely to cause palpitations in people with healthy hearts. But experts don’t know whether it might trigger them in people with heart rhythm problems.

Nicotine

The addictive chemical in cigarettes and other tobacco products, nicotine raises your blood pressure and speeds up your heart rate. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart, though it might not slow your heartbeat right away.

Patches and other nicotine replacement products can make your heart race. Palpitations can also be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal, but they should stop within 3 to 4 weeks after you quit.

Hormone Changes

Women might notice that their heartbeat speeds up when they have their period, they’re pregnant, they’re close

At the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car Auction in Florida on January 8, Elvis’ ex-wife

Priscilla Presley said that the singer - who died from a heart attack in August 1977 aged 42 - got great “joy” from his car and plane collection.

The “Hound Dog” rocker bought the aircraft in 1976 for the mega-sum of $840,000, and it was used to transport his infamous manager Colonel Tom Parker, his band, crew and their gear to his gigs. While the outside is in desperate need of repairs, the inside has the original ‘60s red velvet seats, wood panels, gold finishing, plus a retro entertainment system. The cooking area also includes a Kenmore microwave. A businessman called Jim Gagliardi was the

last known owner of the jet after he bought it for $430,000 in 2017.

Priscilla attending the auction comes after the death last month of her and Elvis’ only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Following Lisa’s

passing from two heart attacks aged 54 on January 12, the 77-year-old actress decided to contest an amendment to her will but insisted amid the battle that she “loved” the “Suspicious Minds” hitmaker “very much” and

thwarted anyone who may “think differently.” She told E! News, “I loved Elvis very much as he loved me. Lisa is a result of our love. For anyone to think anything differently would be a travesty of the family legacy and would be disrespectful of what Elvis left behind in his life.” The former “Dallas” star is contesting an amendment on Lisa Marie’s will which removed her and the singer’s former business manager Barry Siegel from being in charge of her trust and replaced them with eldest children, Riley, 33, and Benjaminwho took his life in 2020 at the age of 27.

(IANS)

Farhan to treat festival-goers with songs from ‘Echoes’ at VH1 SuperSonic

Multihyphenate artiste

Farhan Akhtar, who is known for his films and music, has a compelling set list for his upcoming gig at the soon to be held edition of the VH1 SuperSonic music fest. While he may not give away the entire set list, but he has revealed that the performance will include the songs from his ‘Echoes’ album.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

When your blood sugar level drops, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline to prepare for an emergency food shortage. Adrenaline speeds up your heart rate.

Overactive Thyroid Gland

to menopause, or they’re in menopause. The reason: hormone levels. The boost in heart rate is usually temporary and no reason for worry. If you’re pregnant, palpitations can also happen if you’re anemic, which means you don’t have enough red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body.

Fever

When you have a fever during an illness, your body uses energy at a faster pace than usual. This can set off palpitations. Usually your temperature needs to be above 100.4 F to affect your heart rate.

Medicines

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines

cause palpitations as a side effect, including:

Antibiotics

Antifungal medicines

Antipsychotic drugs

Asthma inhalers

Cough and cold medicines

Diet pills

High blood pressure medicines

Thyroid pills

If you take one or more of these types of meds, ask your doctor if it could affect your heartbeat. Don’t skip any doses before you check with your doctor.

Low Blood Sugar

Have you ever noticed that you feel shaky, cranky, and weak when you’ve skipped a meal? It can also lead to palpitations.

BTS’ Suga to soon embark on his first individual world tour

Actress Emma Corrin, best known for portraying Princess Diana on Netflix’s royal drama ‘The Crown’, is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The actor will star with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in the third installment of ‘Deadpool’, reports Variety.

Corrin’s exact role hasn’t been announced, but they are expected to play the villain opposite Reynolds’ snarky mercenary and Jackman’s Wolverine. ‘Deadpool 3’ is scheduled to hit theatres on September 6, 2024.

Reynolds celebrated the casting on Twitter, writing: “New addition to the family! The Deadpool family, for clarity. Which is just like a real family except with less swearing. Welcome, Emma Corrin!”

Shawn Levy, who directed

Reynolds in ‘Free Guy’ and ‘The Adam Project’, is taking over filmmaking duties for ‘Deadpool 3’ which is the first R-rated installment in Disney’s MCU. Fox distributed the first two ‘Deadpool’ films prior to Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019.

Screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who worked on 2016’s ‘Deadpool’ and its 2018 sequel, are returning to pen the third entry.

Corrin, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, scored an Emmy nomination for ‘The Crown’. They have also appeared opposite Harry Styles in the romantic drama ‘My Policeman’ and alongside Jack O’Connell in ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. Up next, Corrin is starring in the upcoming gothic horror film ‘Nosferatu’, directed by Robert Eggers and co-starring Lily Rose-Depp, Nicholas Hoult and Bill Skarsgard. (IANS)

Suga, a member of K-pop supergroup BTS, said that he will begin his first-ever individual world tour in April.

The rapper announced the news with detailed tour dates on Weverse, a K-pop fan community platform, reports Yonhap, a news agency.

For the first time, a BTS member has announced a solo tour.

Starting with Belmont Park, New York on April 26-27, the tour will take him to other parts of the United States, Newark, Rosemont, Los Angeles and Oakland as well as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Seoul and Japan.

This will be the first concert by Suga as a soloist, with his last concert as a BTS member being the one held in October in Busan to support the southeastern city’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. (IANS)

Your thyroid is a butterflyshaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that help manage your metabolism and other things. An overactive thyroid (called hyperthyroidism) can make too much thyroid hormone. That can speed up your heart so much that you feel it beating in your chest. Taking too much thyroid hormone to treat an underactive thyroid gland (called hypothyroidism) can also rev up your heartbeat.

Heart Rhythm Problems

Sometimes an irregular heart rhythm, called an arrhythmia, causes palpitations.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, happens when the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, flutter instead of beating normally.

Supraventricular tachycardia is an abnormally fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s upper chambers.

Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rate due to faulty signals in the heart’s lower pumping chambers, called the ventricles.

Alcohol

To, The President Bharatiya Janata Party Nagaland.

Talking to IANS, the actor-director-singer said: “We will be playing songs from ‘Echoes’ the album that I released three years ago. There will also be new tracks as well there will be other additions to the list which will be more spontaneous going by the mood of the crowd.”

The 13-track album has all the songs in the English language and is an absolute favourite of those who love Farhan’s music.

If you drink a lot, or just have more than usual, you might feel your heart beating faster or fluttering. It often happens on holidays or weekends, when people drink more, earning it the nickname of “holiday heart syndrome.” But for some people, it can happen even when they only drink a little bit.

Premature Ventricular Contractions

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats. They happen when your heart’s ventricles squeeze too soon. The extra beat throws off your heart’s normal rhythm and makes it flutter, pound, or jump in your chest. If your heart is healthy, occasional PVCs are nothing to worry about. But you might need treatment if you have heart disease and you get these extra beats often.

Cocaine and Other Street Drugs

Illegal drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy are dangerous to the heart. Cocaine boosts blood pressure, raises heart rate, and damages the heart muscle. Amphetamines stimulate the nervous system, which ramps up your heartbeat. Ecstasy triggers the release of a chemical called norepinephrine, which makes the heart beat faster.

Farhan will be performing live at the VH1 SuperSonic music festival along with other talents such as Anne-Marie, CKay, Prateek Kuhad and others. VH1 Supersonic 2023 will be held at Mahalakshmi Lawns, Pune from February 24 through February 26. Fans in Bengaluru can watch two of the headliners from the main festival on February 24.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re healthy, you probably don’t need to worry about palpitations that happen once in a while and last only a few seconds. But make a doctor’s appointment if they come more often or you also have symptoms like these:

Chest pain or pressure

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Fainting

Finding the Cause

These tests can help your doctor figrue out what’s going on:

Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test looks for problems with the electrical signals that control your heart rhythm. Holter monitor. You wear this portable ECG for 24 to 72 hours at a time. It can find heart rhythm problems and any patterns that might need more tests.

Event Monitor. You wear this device for several weeks. It records your heart rhythm when you press a button while having symptoms.

Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to make pictures of your heart. It can find problems with your heart’s structure.

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD

Sub: RESIGNATION FROM UNITS OFFICE BEARERS OF BJP PARTY PFUCHAMA

Sir,

With due respect and humble submission we the undersigned office bearers of BJP under 14 th Southern Angami –I A/C, Pfüchama hereby resign from both Office bearers and primary membership of BJP and render our allegiance to Shri. Kevipodi Sophie, Independent Candidate 14th Southern Angami –I A/C.

‘The Crown’ star Emma Corrin joins Ryan Reynolds in ‘Deadpool 3’

Champions League: Milan beat Spurs

ComanhauntsPSGagain asBayerntakefirststep towardslasteight

Alcaraz yearning to climb back to top in ATP rankings

Test rankings: India becomes No. 1 team in all formats briefly before dropping to 2nd

DUBAI, FEB 15 (PTI):

ROME (ITALY), FEB 15

(IANS): AC Milan regis -

tered a morale-boosting victory, as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with Brahim Diaz’s early strike proving decisive.

It was Milan’s first knockout fixture at the European elites stage since the 2013-2014 season, as they entered the San Siro stadium without Mike Maignan,

Ismael Bennacer and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Spurs also had a long list of absentees, as they lost Hugo Lloris and Rodrigo Bentancur due to injury, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suspended.

Milan had a poor domestic form since the start of 2023, but made short work of Italian tactician Antonio Conte’s Spurs, as they scored the solo goal just seven minutes into the game when Fraser Forster denied

Theo Hernandez at the near post and made a save on Diaz’s rebound, but could do nothing to the Spaniard’s follow-up, a Xinhua report said. On Tuesday night, the Rossoneri remained firm after going ahead and held onto their 1-0 lead, while Tottenham’s trump card Harry Kane was under the constant watch of Simon Kjaer. The return leg will be held on March 8 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kingsley Coman came back to haunt Paris St Germain again as he earned Bayern Munich a 1-0 win at the Parc des Princes in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday. Born in Paris and raised at PSG, Coman scored the only goal when Bayern beat the French side in the 2020 Champions League final and he was again the sole scorer as the German champions put one foot into the quarter-finals. PSG, who have now lost five games in all competitions in 2023, held firm in the opening half but were eventually subdued and failed to fight back despite finishing the game with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi all on the pitch. Christophe Galtier’s side now face the prospect of a second elimination in a row in the last 16 on March 8 in Munich, although Mbappe’s highoctane display as a secondhalf substitute will have given them hope.

BUENOS AIRES, FEB 15 (IANS): Carlos Alcaraz is thrilled to be back in action after missing four months of action, which cost him No. 1 place in ATP Rankings, and is determined to climb back towards the top when he marks his season debut at the Argentina Open.

The 19-year-old had a breakthrough season in 2022, as he won his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open and rose to world No.1. However, he missed the 2023 season’s first major due to a torn abdominal muscle in his right leg, which he picked up last November at the Paris Masters.

As a result, the Spaniard slipped to number two in January when Djokovic won the Australian Open to reclaim the top spot.

“It has been a long time (I spent) at No. 1. Now it’s a goal for me to recover No. 1 and try to do my best in these tournaments to be back on that number. I’m looking for that,”Alcaraz was quoted as saying by the ATP tour.

SaniaMirzatomentorRCBinWomen’sPremierLeague

BENGALURU, FEB 15

(PTI): Indian tennis icon

Sania Mirza, who played her last Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month, was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore team as its mentor in the upcoming Women’s Premier League.

“It is a pleasure for me to join the RCB women’s team as a mentor,” the winner of six Grand Slam and 43 WTA titles said in an RCB statement. “Indian women’s cricket has seen a tectonic shift with the Women’s Premier League, and I am really looking forward to being a part of this revolutionary pitch,” Mirza said in a statement issued by the franchise. “RCB and its brand philosophy perfectly

resonates with my vision and outlook as that’s how I have approached my playing career and it’s also how I see contributing to sports post my retirement.

“RCB has been a popular team and much followed team in the IPL over

the years. I am immensely happy to see them building a team for the Women’s Premier League... “It will push the women’s sports to new heights in the country, open new doors to women cricketers and help make sports the first career choice for young girls and young parents with a girl child,” she added. Mirza retired from the sport after the Australian Open earlier this year, where she and her partner Rohan Bopanna finished runners-up in the mixed doubles event. She has announced that the ATP Dubai Open later this month would be her swansong tournament as she’s expected to join the franchise after that. On the appointment of Mirza as

Co RR igendum

Published on February 9th 2023 in Nagaland

Post daily at Page-9 in the ‘Declaration’ column, what it has written as ‘24th Angetyongpang BJP Unit’ should be corrected as ‘24 Angetyongpang A/C BJP Chakpa Unit’. Further, the designated signatories should be corrected as ‘BJP Chakpa President’ and ‘General Secretary, BJP Chakpa Unit’ not ‘President BJP’ and ‘General Secretary BJP’. Apology for the inadvertent.

Sd/Zululemba lkr, Kumlipongsang Jamir, President, General Secretary, BJP Chakpa Unit BJP Chakpa Unit

MKC-59/23

BUENOS AIRES, FEB

15 (IANS): After a disappointing start of the season at the Australian Open, Dominic Thiem of Austria registered his first win of 2023, beating Slovakia’s Alex Molcan 7-6(4), 6-3 in the Round-of-32 of the Argentina Open, here.

Former World No. 3 will next face Peruvian qualifier Juan Pablo Varillas, who earned a 6-2, 7-5 win against Joao Sousa earlier on Tuesday. Third seed Lorenzo Musetti will be a potential third-round opponent at the ATP 250 tournament.

“I won my first match of the season against a very good opponent. I stayed focussed throughout the whole match, as well in the difficult moments. So I’m happy and I’m trying to focus fully on the second round now,” the 2020 US Open champion was quoted as saying by the ATP tour.

Thiem and Molcan traded breaks from 5-5 in the opening set, with Thiem racing to a 5/1 lead in the tie-break after failing to serve out the set. The 29-year-old Austrian did not face a break point in set two as he improved to 12-1 with the victory.

India on Wednesday briefly claimed the top spot in the ICC Test rankings to become the number one ranked side in all three formats of the game only to drop back to number two in the longest format.

India’s had dislodged the Pat Cummins-led Australia, according to an ICC update in the afternoon.

Already the top T20 side, India had reached the number one spot in ODIs last month after beating New Zealand 3-0. However, after the latest update in the evening, India have moved back to the second spot behind Australia in Test rankings. India (115) are 11 rating points behind Australia (126) in the Test rankings.

Among individuals, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin jumped to the second spot in the Men’s Test Bowlers Rankings following his eight-wicket show against Australia in Nagpur. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who made a successful comeback after almost five months due to

a knee injury, has moved up to the 16th position, courtesy his player-of-thematch winning effort in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series-opener.

The spin duo haunted Australia in the first Test between by sharing 15 wickets between them as India won by an innings 132 runs inside three days. Ashwin ensured India wrapped up a stunning victory before tea on the third day, as the veteran off-spinner took 5/37 in the second innings to go with 3/42 earlier in the match. The 36-year-old is 21 rating points behind Australia captain Pat Cummins and is contention to return to the No.1 ranking for the first time since 2017.

While Ashwin stepped up in what turned out to be the last session of the Test, Jadeja did the damage on the first day with 5/47, including the prized wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

Jadeja then took 2/34 in the second Australian innings. Australia were bowled out for just 91.

Among other Indian bowlers, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who too has been out of action since September last due to a lower back stress fracture, is placed fifth.

In the Test batting chart, India captain Rohit Sharma has been rewarded for his match-defining ton in Nagpur. He gained two spots to be at number eight. Rohit came to the crease after Australia were all out for 177 in their first innings, then made the wicket look all-but tame with an assured 120 that set the tone for the rest of the match.

Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, who will be out of action for an indefinite period following his horrific car accident, is the other Indian batter in top-10. He is placed seventh. In contrast Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja have paid the price for being dismissed cheaply twice. Warner has fallen six places to 20th after his scores of 1 and 10, while Khawaja has dropped two spots to 10th after only making 1 and 5 in the first Test.

mentor, Rajesh V Menon, head and vice president of RCB said, “We are glad and honoured to welcome Sania Mirza as mentor of the RCB women’s team. She is the

perfect role model with her success stemming out of her sheer hard work, passion, and determination, despite many challenges in her playing career.

Seiyhama Village Coun C il Re S olution

The Seiyhama Village Council held a meeting with its denizens on 12/02/23 and unanimously declared that no denizen will take any election vote money from any candidate or political party nor any election campaign money shall not be entertained within its jurisdiction as per the NBCC clean election directive and Christian principle during the forthcoming 14 th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023, Therefore the village is declared as clean election village.

K-322/23

(lhoulalie Zumu) Chairman Seiyhama Village Council

Re S ignation f R om BJ ym, 37 t yui a/C

The undersigned office bearers of BJYM, 37 Tyui A/C, hereby tender our resignations with immediate effect (13/02/2023) as we have completely lost confidence in the party and legislative leadership of BJP, 37 Tyui A/C:

1. Samuel ngullie (Yanthamo Village), V.P., BJYM, 37 Tyui A/C

2. yilobemo n gullie (Niroyo Village), Executive Member, BJYM, 37 Tyui A/C

3. Samuel ezung (Yimkha Village), Executive Member, BJYM, 37 Tyui A/C

NDPP HOUSEHOLD IN SUPPORT OF LJP CANDIDATE SHRI NAIBA KONYAK 55 A/C TOBU

204 NDPP households from Monyakshu Village (150 Households), Meinchangle Village (19 Households) and Monyakshu Town (35 Households) withdrew support from NDPP candidate Shri. Bongkhao Konyak and resolved to support LJP candidate Shri. Naiba Konyak 55 A/C Tobu in the forthcoming 14 th Nagaland Legislative Assembly General Election 2023.

Dominic Thiem

Sania Mirza

Open:

AC Milan’s Brahim Diaz celebrates with teammates after scoring their side goal.

T20 Women’s WC: India beat WI by 6 wickets

CAPE TOWN, FEB 15 (PTI): Deepti Sharma shone with the ball before Richa Ghosh led India to a sixwicket win over West Indies in their Women’s T20 World Cup Group 2 match here on Wednesday.

Deepti spun a web around the West Indies batters to restrict them to 118 for six after being asked to bowl.

The seasoned offspinner (3/15) picked three wickets to become the first Indian to get to 100 women’s T20I wickets.

Ghosh (44 not out) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (33) then put up a vital 72-run stand to take India to their second victory of the tournament with 11 balls to spare.

Needing less than run a ball, India were off to an electric start with openers Shafali Verma (28) and Smriti Madhana (10) taking the team total to 31 in four overs on the back of six fours. But India lost the momentum as slow bowling did the trick for West Indies.

Mandhana missed offspinner Karishma Ramharack’s (2/14) ball completely, resulting in an easy stumping for wicketkeeper Rasha Williams.

Last game match-win-

ner Jemimah Rodrigues (1) became Hayley Matthews (1/12) first and only victim of the day as the skipper took a stellar catch of her own bowling.

After two low-scoring overs, Shafali tried to up the ante only to be caught at long leg and West Indies picked three wickets in quick succession.

Harmanpreet took her time to settle down before hitting back-to-back fours off Afy Fletcher (0/24) in the ninth over. The India

skipper’s knock came off 42 balls with the help of three boundaries.

Ghosh did what she does best -- finish the game.

The youngster hit five fours, including one to finish off the match in her unbeaten 32-ball innings.

She took India to 119 for 4 in 18.1 overs.

Earlier, Pooja Vastrakar (1/21), opening with the new ball, gave India the early breakthrough, getting rid of the dangerous Hayley Matthew (2), striking on her

NationalFootball:Manipurroutmighty Bengal4-1tokeepRiyadhdreamsalive

soon got worse.

Having conceded a needless freekick at the top of the box, Bengal saw the effort tipped on to the crossbar by Raja Barman, only for it to loop back straight into Subash’s path a yard from goal. He gratefully headed it in, sparking a melee inside the goal itself.

BHUBANESWAR, FEB

15 (IANS): Manipur team stung by the defeat to Meghalaya in their previous game, ran rampant against a hapless Bengal side 4-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in the evening kickoff. The loss means Bengal are now knocked out of the competition, with two games yet to play.

Manipur’s architect in

chief was Subash Singh, who rolled back the year in a scintillating performance right from the start. Singh had a part to play in each of Manipur’s goals, his pass sending Naoba Meitei into space on the right in the first half, from which the youngster finished brilliantly, shooting into the far corner, from an acute angle. For Bengal, the pain

Bengal came out with a bit more energy in the second half, utilising their wings, and doing damage from crosses from both sides. Within nine minutes of the restart they had their reward, Souvik Kar heading it in to halve the deficit. A period of Bengal pressure followed, Manipur happy to play on the counter, with Subash constantly pulling the strings to set up chances for his younger teammates. None of them could finish.

very first ball. The West Indies skipper was done in by the extra bounce as Richa Ghosh completed a regulation catch.

Pooja continued to put pressure on the West Indies, bowling a wicket maiden.

Shemaine Campbelle (30) hit West Indies’ first boundary in the third over, slapping a Renuka Singh (1/22) delivery past square leg. The introduction of spin led to West Indies collecting 12 runs, including

two fours from Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s over.

West Indies were 53 for 1 at the halfway mark.

Campbelle and Stefanie Taylor (42) steadied the West Indies innings as they slowly but steadily stitched a 73-run partnership. The two shared nine boundaries between them.

However, twin strikes from the ever-reliable Deepti led to a mini batting collapse. The off-spinner first punished Campbelle for going for a reverse sweep with Smriti Mandhana completing a lovely catch at short third.

Three balls later, she trapped Taylor leg before which was initially deemed not out by the umpire but India successfully reviewed the decision and got it changed.

Chinelle Henry (2) was the next to go as Mandhana and Ghosh effected her run out.

India were able to stem the flow of runs but their fielding was found wanting.

Deepti dropped Chedean Nation on 3 in the 16th over.

Nation and Shabika Gajnabi (15) took West Indies past the 100-run mark.

Deepti reached the 100-wicket milestone in the last over when she bamboozled Aly Fletcher (0).

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA Club World Cup 2023

ZURICH, FEB 15 (IANS): Saudi Arabia has been named the host of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place from December 12-22.

“In relation to the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, which is due to be played under the current format with seven clubs, the FIFA Council unanimously appointed the Saudi Arabian Football Federation as tournament hosts from 12 to 22 December 2023,” the FIFA said in a statement on Tuesday night.

The unanimous decision was made at a FIFA Council meeting and came only a few days after Real Madrid lifted the trophy in Morocco, following a thrilling 5-3 win over Al-Hilal, the first Saudi club to reach the final of the tournament.

Saudi Arabia will be only the sixth host of the competition since its inception in 2000. The Gulf

League Shield-winner Mumbai City loses first game of season against Bengaluru

nation, earlier this month, was awarded the hosting rights of the men’s Asian Cup 2027 and is also bidding to host the Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in 2026. The FIFA Council also confirmed a change in the format of the tournament from June 2025 -- to expand the FIFA Club World Cup from 24 to 32 teams -- with 12 teams from Europe involved along six from CONMEBOL, while CONCACAF, CAF and the AFC will each have four, with one place for the OFC and another for the hosts.

In addition, the Council also confirmed that the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026, namely Canada, Mexico and the USA, will qualify automatically as the joint hosts of the tournament, with their slots, therefore, being deducted from the overall allocation of six assigned to Concacaf.

Sunil Chhetri of Bengaluru FC celebrates after scoring a goal. (ISL)

BENGALURU, FEB 15 (AGENCIES): Bengaluru

FC (BFC) took a big step towards grabbing a playoff spot with an impressive 2-1 win over table-topper Mumbai City FC in their Indian Super League fixture here on Wednesday.

Second-half goals from Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez gave BFC a seventh consecutive win. BFC (31 points) now sits fourth on the points table, with one game to go. Mumbai City’s hopes of staying unbeaten through the season went up in flames. Chhetri, included in the starting eleven for the first time in seven matches,

troubled the Mumbai City defence. He made three attempts on goal in the first half, before finally breaking through in the 57th minute.

The Indian captain hit the target with a header off a corner kick and ran towards the West Block Blues stand to celebrate. Chhetri, who got to play only because regular striker Roy Krishna is serving a suspension, received a standing ovation when he left the field in the 83rd minute.

BFC added a second through an excellent run by Aleksandar Jovanovic. The Australian accelerated into the box, leaving his marker Sanjeev Stalin in the dust.

Jovanovic then laid off the perfect pass for Javi Hernandez, who slotted it in from close range. At this stage, BFC looked on course for an easy victory. But it was not quite straightforward, as Mumbai City struck back with a goal from captain Mourtada Fall. The home team was then bombarded by attacks in the last 10 minutes but managed to hold on.

Mumbai City FC missed a golden chance in the first half when Bipin Singh had only BFC custodian Gurpreet Singh to beat. A clumsy left-footed effort from Bipin, however, did not trouble Gurpreet.

Britain to boycott Women’s World Boxing Championships in Delhi

NEW DELHI, FEB 15

(IANS): Boxers from Britain have joined a United Statesled boycott of the World Championships, to be held in Delhi from March 15-26, over Russian athletes participation.

The world governing body has allowed boxers from Russia and Belarus to compete with their national flags and anthems, which contravened the resolutions passed by the IOC in February and December 2022 following Russian invasion of Ukraine.

On February 28, last year, the IOC Executive Board made a resolution that, to protect the integrity of global sports competitions, International Sports Federations and sports event organisers should not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in in-

ternational competitions.

Great Britain Boxing said the decision to pull out of next month’s event was also sparked by concerns over the future of boxing’s place on the Olympic programme. Boxing has been left from the initial program for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“Boxers from the GB Boxing squad will not participate in the forthcoming IBA Women’s World Boxing

Championships in New Delhi, 15-25 March 2023,” GB Boxing said in a statement.

“The decision reflects on-going concerns about the future of boxing’s place on the Olympic programme and the recent move by IBA to allow boxers from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags, which contravenes resolutions passed by the IOC in February and December 2022.

India celebrate the wicket of West Indies Shemaine Campbelle during the Women’s T20 World Cup cricket match in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday. (PTI)

Match in action between Manipur and West Bengal.