18 April 2023

Death toll soars past 180 as generals battle across Sudan

SC contempt plea against Nagaland on

Adverse affect by Assam’s Pig transport ban

Staff Reporter

ULB polls; next hearing on May 1

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(PTI): The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Monday to clarify whether the constitutional scheme of one-third reservation for women in municipality and town council elections can be violated by Nagaland, where the assembly had passed a resolution to repeal the municipal act and resolved not to hold the elections to the urban local bodies (ULBs).

Observing that an “ingenious method” of repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 was adopted to evade the undertaking given to the apex court about holding the elections, a bench of Justices S K Kaul and Aravind Kumar said it is an issue of women empowerment.

The top court had on April 5 stayed the March 30 notification cancelling till further orders the election to the ULBs in Nagaland which were scheduled for May 16 after almost two decades.

Following pressure from tribal organisations and civil society groups, the Nagaland assembly had passed a resolution to repeal the municipal act and resolved not to hold the elections.

On March 30, the State Election Commission (SEC) had issued a notification cancelling the election programme notified earlier “till further orders” in view of the repeal of the Act.

The apex court is hearing a petition seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in the elections to the local bodies in the state.

During the hearing on

Active Covid cases climb to 60,313

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(PTI): India has recorded 9,111 new coronavirus infections, while active cases have increased to 60,313, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll has increased to 5,31,141 with 27 deaths. While six deaths were reported from Gujarat, four were from Uttar Pradesh, three each from Delhi and Rajasthan, two from Maharashtra, one each from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore. The daily positivity was recorded at 8.40 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was pegged at 4.94%.

Monday, the bench asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K M Nataraj, who was appearing for the Centre, about the stand of the central government on this issue.

“We would like him (ASG) to assist us and place the stand of the Union of India whether the constitutional scheme of one-third reservation for municipalities and town councils, in the opinion of the central government, can be violated by the process so adopted by the Nagaland Government,” the bench said.

“We say so more in the context that in respect of the special provisions with respect of State of Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution Of India, nothing has so far emerged to advance a plea that religious or social practices of Nagas or Naga Customary Law and Procedure denies the right of equality to women insofar as the participatory process is concerned in such elections,” it said.

The bench granted two weeks to the Centre to place its stand on record.

“The ingenious method adopted to evade the undertaking given to this Court has been the repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act,

2001 itself. There is hardly any hesitation on our part to note that what is sought to be done is in breach of the undertaking given to this court,” it said.

During the hearing, the bench orally told the ASG, “We have nothing personal but we are telling you it cannot be done. You cannot let a part of the country evade the constitutional scheme.”

At the outset, the counsel appearing for the state referred to the sequence of events and said several groups have called for a boycott of the elections and, in such a scenario, the purpose of holding the polls would be lost.

“But we gave you a very, very long rope.... You seem to say this is not a men and women issue but to us it appears to be a men and women issue. For how long will this section of society (women) wait?” the bench asked.

It said women empowerment comes by education and also political participation.

“Every society had a period of time where there was male domination,” the bench observed, adding, “If sometimes, the political dispensation does not do anything, then it needs a

push from the judiciary”.

When the state’s counsel raised apprehension about violence in the polls, the bench remarked, “For 18 years, you have not been able to do it (conduct elections to ULBs). For every elections, due to threat of violence, the elections should not happen?”.

The state’s counsel said they want to have a consensus and find a solution to this issue expeditiously.

“Eighteen years are not long enough for you? How can the court countenance a situation that despite the longest rope being given, every time it happens,” the apex court observed, adding, “You cannot keep everyone happy”.

“Frankly, to my mind, it is an issue of women empowerment,” Justice Kaul observed.

When the state’s counsel contended the government is not against reservation, the bench said, actually the state did not want quota for women and so it was repeatedly coming up with one issue or the other to stall the elections.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, said the municipal act has been repealed.

“What is the stand of the Union of India?” the bench asked.

The ASG said the only reason a notice was issued to the Centre was for ensuring that adequate central forces are sent to the state for elections. The apex court had noted in its March 14 order that the SEC counsel had submitted the elections will be held on May 16.

(Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, APR 17

(NPN): With the temporary ban imposed on transportation of live pigs through Assam, pork sellers and consumers in Nagaland are beginning to experience acute shortage. Pork is the most consumed meat followed by beef, buffalo meat and poultry. In Naga-land, about 50% of Nagaland’s demand for pork is met through import of live pigs and which makes the state one of the major pig importing states in the North East India, as per administra-tive status Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Nagaland no doubt is among states having very high consumption of meat especially pork. And as per administrative report issued by animal husbandry and veterinary service depart -

ment sur-vey report of 2009 to 2010, Nagaland spent around Rs. 221.92 crore on import of meat.

Interacting with Nagaland Post, on the temporary ban of pork, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Dimapur Dr Kelesekho

Tsukru opined that the ban on transport of live pig by Assam should serve as a wake up call and also an eye opener for those dealing in pork meat business. He said young entrepreneurs need to take hold of the situation knowing that consumption and production of meat business has a tremendous potential.

He said byproducts of pigs are also in demand as nothing goes to waste. All in all, he said the meat industry can help boost the state’s economy as it will also lead to less dependency on imports. In this regard, Dr.

Tsukru mentioned that the department cannot on its own take any major decision since the state government has to bring out a practical policy.

He also mentioned that none of the suppliers or the unions have approached the department re-garding any assistance. Dr. Tsukru also cautioned that if the problem was not addressed soon, it will result in acute shortage and price escalation. This will also leave a negative impact on the butchers who earn their livelihood through the trade and raise their family, he added.

500 families adversely affected: District Livestock Veterinary Officer (DLVO) and Nagaland Veterinarian Association (NVA) president, Dr. KN Zubemo

Humtsoe informed that as per the estimation of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary

Services around 500 families have been ad-versely affected by the recent ban on pig transport as they earn their livelihood through the trade to look after their dependents. When asked about the number of pigs slaughtered per day, Dr. Humtsoe said between Dimapur main town to Chumukedima, around 100-120 pigs are slaughtered. However, after the pig ban, the number has drastically come down to a maximum 20-30 pigs all of which are still being imported from Assam. Earlier, the live pigs were mainly brought from the other states and cities such as Punjab, Har-yana, UP, Bangalore, Hyderabad which pass through Assam to Nagaland. However due to the “Temporary ban” in Assam, the state is facing more acute shortage as the days pass.

Mega Smart City projects in Kohima

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 17 (NPN): With around 30%of the civil works of the Khuochiezie local ground project completed and 70% pending due to delay in manufacture of components, CEO of Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL)Er K Theünuo Monday said the KSCDL has requested the state government for further 9 months’ extension July 2023-March 2024. Theünuo also informed that the extension of time period as sought by KSCDL was yet to be confirmed during the videoconferencing with Mission Director and joint secretary Smart Cities Mission, Kunal Kumar. The project at Khuochiezie local ground and

Civil works in progress at the City centre project. (NP)

City Centre were not RCC structured but pre-engineered building and the orders for the components had been placed with some expected to arrive during April. However, there has been a delay of five months as the Ministry had released the money only in month of November 2022 while the state government was yet

to release the sanctioned money only in March this year. The CEO informed that the City Centre project includes a hotel, mini sports complex and multi-level parking which are scheduled to be completed by March 2024 while the battle tank project, is expected to be completed by SeptemberOctober 2023.

On the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), the CEO said though there been several trials it had failed to function and therefore, the equipment in areas such as TCP gate or PHQ junction have been removed.

On the Integrated Traffic Control system, Theünuo informed that it has been functioning and that the contractor will manage it for five years.

Regarding the inauguration of multi-level parkings which were already been functioning as during the G20 Business Summit 2023 held in Kohima, the CEO said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was planning to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inaugural ceremony.

NSSB postpones viva-voce for CSRE 2022; NSF postpones stir indefinitely

DIMAPUR, APR 17

(NPN): In view of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) demand for reduction in the viva-voce component weightage on Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE) 2022, the state government, after due deliberations, has decided to postpone the personal interview for three days with effect from April 18, 2023 so as to amicably settle the matter.

In a press release, secretary cum controller of exams Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) B Henok Buchem informed that next course of action would be notified accordingly.

NSF indefinitely postpones proposed stir: Following the state government’s decision to postpone the personal interview, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has also indefinitely postponed the proposed democratic agitation.

NSF had called for protest against the “inaction” of the state government on its demand for the reduction of the viva-voce component of the combined staff recruitment examination 2022 from the proposed 12.5% to 5% of the total marks.

In a statement, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep informed that any further plan of actions would be

communicated to all concerned in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the federation has expressed gratitude to all the federating units and sub-ordinate bodies, aspirants and general public for their continued support towards its quest to uphold the aspirations of the youth and student community and for posterity.

Various student bodies back NSF demand : Various student bodies have affirmed support towards NSF’s demand for reduction of marks for viva-voce component in the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) from the proposed 12.5 % to 5% of the total

marks.

ANSU: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) through its president Toito D Chishi and general secretary Tenyesinlo Bukh reiterated the union’s stand on the resolution adopted at the 4th presidential council meeting of NSF to extend its “fullest support” towards the federation for any democratic agitation if the state government failed to address the matter on utmost priority.

ANCSU maintained that 12.5% marks allocation for a viva-voce personal interview would “only invite bias” in the Combined Staff Recruitment Examination

(CSRE), which it said “indirectly vanquished the very purpose of NSSB.”

The union has, therefore, appealed to the responsible authority and state government “to apply a good sense of judgment impartially” that benefits the Naga society at large and “not bow down to shortsighted irrationality and unethical that overshadowed fair competition and transparency.”

AKM: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) through its president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba affirmed that it stood with the decision of NSF in the interest of the

aspirants. AKM also extended full cooperation in the event of any kind of democratic agitation. AKM has, therefore, sought “sensible analysis” of the demand put forwarded by NSF. AKM also has requested all the aspirants who have qualified for the viva-voice to cooperate with the student bodies.

LSU: Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has supported the resolution adopted at the 4th presidential council meeting of NSF to undertake democratic forms of agitation and also boycott the personal interview of combined staff recruitment examination 2022.

In a press release, LSU

president Lirhonthung E Kithan and general secretary Chanpenthung stated that the union would not remain mute spectator and reminded the concerned authorities that it would not hesitate to stand and fight for the rights of the students. Further, the union extended full support and cooperation to the NSF in the event of any kind of democratic agitation or any course of action in a peaceful democratic manner.

LSU has also appealed to all the aspirant candidates qualified for the viva-voce component to refrain from appearing for the interview.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Proliferation of roadside and footpath vendors in Dimapur This is it!

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 17

(NPN): Though food carts have been withdrawn from occupying parking areas and setting up dining areas on public footpath, after a warning issued by Dimapur Police, some hawkers and vendors carried on business between Popular Bakery and Smart Bazar as witnessed on Monday. The hawkers who flouted the order, claimed they had no knowledge about the order issued by Dimapur Police.

It may be recalled that Dimapur Police had on April 14 , warned of puni-

12 Hemophilia patients in Nagaland

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 17

(C

Vendors

tive action against street hawkers/ vendors illegally occupying public footpath and roadside vehicle parking areas between Popular Bakery- Smart Bazar and around Clock Tower Junction. Meanwhile at another area of Dimapur,for years till October 2022, at the

roadside stretch between Nagarjan Traffic Island and Circuit House , hundreds of shoppers used to park their vehicles to shop for local items. Vehicles, autos and carts parked on the roadside

daily traffic jam. Later

moved to the shopping stalls behind Naga Shopping Arcade. However during the past few months, some fruit and ice cream vendors set shop and brazenly carried on business. Nagaland Post in several reports and photos, highlighted fruit sellers oc-

cupying the same place and doing business. It was expected that through the reports, DAN and DMC would act. When confronted , some of the fruit sellers admitted to this newspaper that were allowed to set up businessafter payment of fees to both DAN and DMC.

(NPN): Till date, Nagaland has registered 12 Hemophilia patients and more than 30 Thalasssemia patients, according to District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) consultant (Pediatrics) Dr.Wapang Imchen here Monday, during the celebration of “World Hemophilia Day”.

On the occasion, the day was celebrate under the theme “Access for all: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care” organized by Hemophilia Society Nagaland Chapter (HSNC). Highlighting the

clinical scenario of Hemophilia (Nagaland),Dr. Imchen informed that out the 12 Hemophilia patients, one is of clothing factor IX levels (Factor IX is a zymogen enzyme of the blood coagulation cascade). Inherited absence or deficit of the IX causes bleeding disorder hemophilia B, which requires constant protein replacement therapy). The other clothing factor VIII level (Hemophilia A, also called factor VIII (8) deficiency or classic hemophilia), is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective factor VIII (FVIII), a clotting protein.

caused

after the tragedy on October 12,2022 hundreds of trees were felled and local

vendors were

(L)

selling vegetables

& R) DAN officials inspecting roadside vendors and Naga Shopping Arcade on Monday. (NP)

Kiphire celebrates GHC Kma bench platinum jubilee

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the state, Kiphire district celebrated the 75th years platinum jubilee of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench where the closing ceremony was on April 14 at the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Kiphire.

According to a DIPR report, during the programme, NJS, CJM Kiphire, Phuleto Yeptho, highlighted some of the landmark judgments given by the Supreme Court. Laws such as the Juvenile and POSCO Act were also placed to keep the children from committing crimes and to help them if they are victims of one. He urged

NSCN (I-M)

mourns demise of M Toshi Lemtur

DIMAPUR: NSCN/ GPRN (I-M) has expressed its condolences on the unfortunate demise of Steering Committee Executive Member, M Toshi Lemtur, who passed away on April 16 after prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, NSCN/GPRN through its MIP stated that Lemtur hails from Longsa village, Mokokchung under Ao Region, who joined national service in the year 1993.

NSCN/GPRN (I-M) in a statement said that it values his contribution towards national cause as he served the Naga nation with unwavering spirit till his last breath. “The footprints he had left on our nation building will bear everlasting witness to posterity that a great man and a true patriot walked this earth as a soldier of Christ”, it added. NSCN offered prayers and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

NSCN/GPRN (IM) refute Assam Rifles’ allegation

DIMAPUR: Apropos the news item published on April, 17, 2023 under the caption “Assam Rifles nab NSCN (I-M) cadres” by PRO (defense), NSCN is constrained to counter this news as baseless and motivated to put the NSCN on the wrong side of ceasefire ground rules that governed both the NSCN and security forces.

In a press release, NSCN/GPRN (I-M) through its MIP stated that a press release by PRO (defense) alleged that Assam Rifles apprehended two NSCN cadres, “sergeant major” Imkongtiba and “sergeant major” Pamthing from general area, New Camp, Mokokchung district along with two weapons and live ammunition which they described as “war-like stores”.

NSCN/GPRN has clarified that they were arrested along with one public (civilian) without any weapons and documents in their possession wherein the public was carrying one kartoos (SBBL cartridge) for hunting.

“This kind of fabricated news by Assam Rifles is tantamount to wilfully committing lies to deceive the people (public) to tarnish the image of NSCN as going against the ceasefire ground rules”, the MIP stated. It further stated that such fabrication by PRO (defense) targeting NSCN had happened numerous times in the past, exposing the AR’s ruthless and dishonest manner of dealing with NSCN that is in ceasefire and political talks with the government of India.

the parents to approach them without any hesitation if they find out that their children are sexually abused and assaulted irrespective of gender, adding that they are always there to tackle the problems of every child by giving the right

Superior General of FSMA visits Kidima

judgment to the victim.

APP, Michael Aye, in his message stated that the reason behind the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee is the hard work of those persons who have sacrificed for the betterment of society. He reminded that Kiphire district is still a young district wherein they still have to go a long way. In this regard, he urged all employees posted in Kiphire to practically be sincere and diligent in their work and duties.

The programme was chaired by Tsasela Sangtam, a special presentation by Leochum and a traditional folk dance by Eastern Sumi Totimi Hoho.

DIAMPUR: Superior General of Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary of the Angels (FSMA), Sister Roshan and the pioneer of Jesuits Mission, Fr Raymond D’Souza SJ, visited Kidima on April 16.

A press release from member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Kidima, P. Tepekrovi Kiso, informed that the purpose of the visit was for spiritual help, building community into vibrant mission for the salvation ministry, home visitation, interacting with people with prayers in the canonical visit.

Addressing the occasion, Sister Roshan appealed the large gathering to heal and proclaim as Jesus had commanded. She also extended her gratitude to the people for helping

Training for dairy farmers at Viswema

DC Kohima informs applicants of two-wheeler taxi permit

DIMAPUR: A training on “Quality & Clean Milk Production cum Fertility Management” for dairy farmers was organised by Nagaland State Dairy Cooperative Federation (NSDCF) Ltd, Kohima on April 13 at Viswema Village.

A press release issued by NSDCF Ltd project director, Dr. Joseph M. Angami stated that during

the technical session, plant manager, Dr. Tuolie Peseyie and supervisor, Dr. Medo-u Wetsah, spoke on “Dairy Cattle Management & Fertility Management” and “Clean Milk Production” respectively.

A hands-on demonstration and distribution of kits to the dairy farmers was carried out by project coordinator, Zapove Swuro,

1st Death anniversary of Late Tiongnokcha Amri (02\05\1944 - 18\04\2022)

A short speech was delivered project director NSDCF Ltd, Dr. Joseph M. Angami, where he apprised the dairy farmers on the importance of producing clean and quality milk and the management of the dairy cattle. The programme was chaired by Keleselie of Vikhotole WDCS, invocation was offered by Akhotso and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Virahole.

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Shanavas C, has informed the candidates who have applied for two-wheeler taxi permit that on the basis of the marks secured in the test drive and Interview, the provisional result of the candidates selected for the issue of Two -Wheeler Taxi Permit in Kohima is being declared and made available on the notice board of Deputy Commissioner office Kohima, notice board of the RTO office Kohima and district website: kohima. nic.in According to DIPR report, the Deputy Commissioner also informed that the Two-Wheeler Taxi Permit to the provisionally selected candidates shall be issued on completion of medical clearance by the medical board, duly constituted by the RTA Kohima.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In this regard, all the selected candidates have been directed to appear before the medical board for medical examination on April 20 at NHAK starting from 10:30 am. The notification further informed that all selected candidates on receiving medical clearance should appear in person before the Deputy Commissioner office Kohima on April 24 to 26 for signing of undertaking on a Non-Judicial Stamp Paper.

Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary of the Angels congregation and urged young people to join the good news ministry.

She also shared her experienced of the visit, where she found the way of primitive life in the remote places with good hospitality and clean environment. She also informed that the congregation was serving in six countries Brazil, England, Ethiopia, France, India and Tanzania.

During the four days gospel tour, Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Souza SJ offered Holy Mass at Kidima village.

The highlights of the programme included special number by juniors association, interaction with the faithful followed by felicitation with Eucharist.

NEWS IN BRIEF

NNPSGSEF meeting: Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF) has convened its general meeting on April 16, 3 pm at CANSSEA office, Kohima, with National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS), Manjeet Singh Patel, as the guest speaker. All NPS subscribers have been requested to compulsorily attend the meeting.

OCYO elects new team: Oriental Colony Youth Organisation, Dimapur has elected a new team of office bearers for the tenure 2023-25. The new team will be headed by Kormensang Aier as president and Marshall Aye general secretary.

Clarification: Apropos the news item, “DSC elects new team”, Dimapur Sumi Council should be read as DSC and not DSU. Inadvertent error is regretted.

10TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED SON & BROTHER

It has been a year since you left us on this day. We cherish precious memories of you and find strength in knowing that even though you are gone, you still love on in our hearts forever. We miss You.

Fondly remembered

Loving Wife, Children, Grand Children and dear ones.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Lt. Y. Chümbenthüng Patton (16th Dec. 1959 to 10th April 2023)

“ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him” 1 Thessalonians 4:14

We, the bereaved family of Lt. Y.Chümbenthüng Patton wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of love and kindness shown to us from the inception of his ailment till the time of his last breath on 10.04.2023.

We also express our profound gratitude to every church, organizations, leaders, individuals, neighbours, relatives, friends, well wishers and family members who supported and stood by us, physically, materially, financially and through unceasing prayer during the time of his treatment and our grief.

We convey our sincere gratitude to:

1. Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD)

2. Old Changsü Baptist Church (OCBC)

3. Dimapur Nkonjan Old Changsü Ekhüng

4. Kashiram Village Council

Lt. PIKETOVEA PHUCHO

18/04/13 – 18/04/23

Time flies fast and life goes at its own pace. But the memories of you can never be forgotten or erased from our mind, for you were someone special who meant more than words could express.

You are deeply missed through each passing day of our life and you will always remain in our thoughts.

Loving Mother, Sisters, Brothers-in-law, Nieces & Nephews.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born on : 04/05/1957 – Died on : 11/04/2023

We the family of Lt. Shitoli Aye express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, relatives, friends, neighbours and well wishers who stood by us physically, financially and spiritually at the demise of our mother.

We specially convey our gratitude to:

1. Lhokheto Baptist Akukuhou

2. Lhokheto Baptist Akukuhou Youth Ministry

3. Lhokheto Baptist Akukuhou Women Ministry

4. Sumi Baptist Church Doyapur

5. Sumi Baptist Church Doyapur Youth Department

6. Shokhuvi Baptist Akukuhou Women Ministry

We regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually however, we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Family Members.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Words seem not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in person but your love and kindness shall forever remain and be remembered in our hearts. Though we are unable to give you in return, we sincerely pray that our Almighty God bestows and showers uncountable blessings upon you all abundantly.

DP-1653/23

Loving Wife, Children, In laws and Family Members.

Late Rongsenla

01-01-1941 to 13-04-2023

The bereaved family members of Late Rongsenla, would like to express our profound gratitude to each and every individual, Churches, villagers, neighbors, relatives and well wishers who supported us with prayers and extended physical, financial and material help during her brief illness and sad demise on 13th April 2023.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally but it is our sincere prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly. Loving Children, In-laws and Family Members

K-822/23

Kashiram District Jail & Kacharigaon Yankho Ekhüm (LBCD)

Shri. Y.Patton, Hon’ble Dy. C M, Govt. of Nagaland

Director, Staff and Welfare Asso. Members (DGM)

Dimapur Tonphyatsü-rüi Ekhüng

Dimapur Osi Nkonjan Patton Ekhüng.

Shri. Hachio Patton Sr. P S to Dy. CM

Lotha Welfare Ekhüng (DGM)

Driver and Mechanic Union (DGM)

Shri. Tito Yepthomi President, Dimapur District Auto Driver Union (DDADU)

Old Changsu Ekhüng Doyang

Hayi Yankho Randan Khümshüm (Old Changsü)

Doctors and Nurses of CIHSR Chumukedima.

Kashiram Village Youth Organisation

Participants of training for dairy farmers at Viswema village.

Sister Roshan and Fr Raymond D’Souza SJ with others at Kidima.

Phuleto Yeptho

Q.: Has Naga solution receded to the background and likely delayed further?

Nagaland agri team visits oil palm cultivation in Andhra

NEXT POLL

Q: Are the affects of climate change likely to be pronounced this year?

WEATHER FORECAST

DIMAPUR: A team of Agriculture officers Nagaland led by director of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, M Ben Yanthan, joint director of Agriculture (Oil Palm), Z. Hukhato Sema and subject matter specialist, Ronchamo Kikon visited Andhra Pradesh on a study tour from April 12 – 16.

A press release from the Department of Agriculture informed that the aim of the study tour was to have first-hand experience on the various aspects of Oil Palm cultivation following the two Memorandum of Understandings signed between the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland and the two companies which are based in Andhra Pradesh

namely, Godrej Agrovet Pvt Ltd. (GAVL) and Patanjali Foods Limited, to promote oil palm cultivation and set up processing facilities in the State.

The team made an extensive tour to all the oil palm plantation areas including processing facilities, nurseries, collection centres and had one-to-one interaction with oil palm farmers at various locations.

Advisor- North East, Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), Raju Prasad Choudhury, along with the team explained the entire product life cycle practically from sampling to plantation, processing and finish product.

He has coined the term “Agri-Army” for oil palm

Calvary Bible Institute ‘Graduation Day’

farmers, saving country from forex drainage. It is the second largest import commodity in value term after fuel oil.

CEO – GAVL, Sougata Niyogi, welcomed the entire team and expressed his gratitude to Government of Nagaland for giving opportunities to serve Nagaland. GAVL has aggressive plan to help farmers under Zone I. Both the companies gave assurance for buy-back of Fresh Fruit Bunches from the existing plantation areas. The release stated that marketing and profitability of the produce of oil palm was ensured as both the empanelled companies are the leading players of the country in edible oil.

Inspection team from NU visits LFI College

DIMAPUR: The inspection team for the extension of affiliation from Nagaland University visited Livingstone Foundation International College on April 12.

A press release issued by LFI College principal Dr. R. K. Behera informed that the team consisting of two members, department of English (convener), Prof. Nigamananda Das and department of Commerce (member), Prof. Gautam Patikar, inspected the college and had an interaction with the principal Dr. R.K Behera and the faculties.

The team further verified the documents related to the workings of the college.

The team remarked that while the college is estimable for a college of just two-year-old, they also rendered suggestions for the growth and welfare of the college.

The detailed recommendation and their observation of the college as per the visit and inspection will be handed over to the Registrar, Nagaland University for the extension of provisional affiliation to Livingstone Foundation International College for 2023-2024.

Arju Centre holds activity review meeting in Mokokchung

DIMAPUR: Calvary Bible Institute, Team North East celebrated its 11th Graduation Day under the theme “Changing lives that change the nation” at GCYM, Sovima village on April 17.

A press release by the institute stated that missionary from Go to Nation Ministry, Kathmandu, Shawna Jerch congratulated graduating students

and considered their graduation as a big achievement. He also reminded that their achievement should be taken as a time to get closer to God. “Leadership is not just getting power or authority but a big responsibility. It is a challenging need to have the right approach and shared how God chose David a shepherd to become a king”, she stated.

On behalf of the graduating students, Zubenthung Lotha and Renuka Magar Lungeli shared their testimonies.

The invocation was offered by pastor, Surjay B Sapkota, welcome address was delivered by chief coordination, Rana Chetri, while Rev. Sukumar Chetri highlighted on the Calvary vision. Altogether, 37 students have graduated.

DIMAPUR: Arju Centre, an innovative education initiative of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) under the aegis of the Nagaland Education Mission Society, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland held its activity review meeting on April 17 at Magnus Hotel, Mokokchung.

Apart from reviewing the activities of the Arju Centres, other highlights of the day included slides

show presentation of the Arju Centres by the respective mentors, sharing of plan of action for the year 2023-24 and Arju Centre policies.

The slides show presentation was a competition in which Arju Centres of Mongsenyimti, Sungratsu and Longjang villages were adjudged first, second and third position respectively.

The day-long meet -

ing also included a brain storming session moderated by assistant professor, Fazl Ali College, P. Tiatemsu.

The Arju Centres are instituted in 10 villages under Mokokchung district under the initiative, including Aonokpu, Longjang, Longpayimsen, Merangkong, Moayimti, Mongchen, Mongsenyimti, Sungratsu, Waromung and Yajang C.

Noklak DPDB meeting on April 20

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner & vice chairman DPDB Noklak, Arikumba convened the Noklak District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) monthly meeting on April 20, 11 am at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference

Hall, Noklak. The meeting will be attended by chairman DPDB Noklak, P. Longon, MLA and Benie M Lamthiu, MLA. All the members have been requested to attend the meeting.

LCS & RTI appeals business community against illegal malpractices

DIMAPUR: Life Consumer Society & RTI Dimapur has appealed to the business communities in Dimapur to abstain from indulging with illegal malpractices. In a press release, LCS & RTI Dimapur president Khevito Assumi and general secretary Manaho Katty warned that legal course of action would be initiated against the defaulters as per the relevant sections of law. LCS & RTI Dimapur stated that the society after receiving several complaints and grievances from the

general masses held in its second executive meeting on March 25, 2023. At the meeting, the society “anonymously resolved” to appeal to the business communities not to indulge in selling expired goods, adulterated fuels, price tampering etc. Besides, it also appealed for maintaining hygienic practices in hotels, bakery and restaurants and butchers alongside the roads and maintain proper weight and measures. The society further appealed to the business community to not sell goods and commodities above the rate pre -

scribed by DMC/district rate controlling agency. Further, LCS & RTI Dimapur appealed to the service providers such as telecom, domestic and commercial LPG, insurance related services, automobile and mechanical service, transportations to provide quality service to consumers. Meanwhile, LCS & RTI Dimapur has appealed to the citizens and consumers to remain vigilant and report any of their grievances/ complaints at 9612888858; 7005573406 and 8794363899.

Educational institutions hold various programmes

DIMAPUR : Research & Development Cell, Unity College, Dimapur in collaboration with Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur, organized Lecture Series- III for teaching faculties on April 15. While, Department of Physics, Sao Chang College (SCC) carried out student extension service at Wela Foundation School Tuensang, on April 15. Unity College: Research & Development Cell, Unity College, Dimapur, in collaboration with Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur, organized Lecture Series- III for teaching faculties with Niketu Iralu at Kerünyü Ki,

Sechu-Zubza on April 15.

A press release by Unity College stated that Niketu Iralu spoke on “What does each one of us think is most important for our society’s survival to go forward”.

Iralu provided insights of issues and opined that human element was the key to

survival of any society. The programme was aimed at increasing individual faculty’s interests and engagement on issues and challenges faced in contemporary Naga society. The programme was chaired by founder, Heritage Publishing House, Dr. Lanusangla

CGU holds general meting First ever online entrance exam for Indian Army begins

DIMAPUR: Chandmari Gorkha Union (CGU) held its third general meeting on April 16, at GPPK Hall.

A press release by secretary Chandmari Gorkha Union, Samir Thapa stated that the meeting discussed on various issues concerning Gorkha community.

Gorkha Singha Devi Mandir Committee also shared certain issues of concern during the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by chairman Chandmari Gorkha Union, Prem Kr. Thapa and attended by members of the Gorkha community from Chandmari and surrounding areas.

DIMAPUR: Keeping up with the pace of technology and fulfilling the spirit of Digital India, Indian Army is conducting its first ever Online Common Entrance Exam across the nation which marks a major shift in the recruitment procedures of the Indian Army.

According to PRO (defence), the Online Common Entrance Exam will

be conducted at 375 examination centres at 176 locations all over India from April 17 to 26. In the North East Zone, the exam is being conducted at 26 centres across 14 cities in all seven states, viz, Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar and Tezpur in Assam, Imphal, Ukhrul and Churachand -

pur in Manipur, Shillong in Meghalaya, Aizawl in Mizoram, Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland and Agartala in Tripura.

The release informed that the recruitment will be carried out in three stages. In stage one, all candidates will undergo the Online CEE. Thereafter, the shortlisted candidates will be

called for recruitment rallies at locations decided by respective Army Recruitment Office for Physical Fitness Test and Physical Measurement Test.

Finally the selected candidates will undergo a Medical Test.

The final merit list of the successful candidates will be declared on completion of the entire process.

Tzudir, welcome note by principal, Unity College, Dr. Lichumo Enie and vote of thanks by coordinator, research & development cell, Unity College, Dr. Rimmei Longmei.

SCC: Department of Physics, Sao Chang College (SCC) carried out student

extension service at Wela Foundation School Tuensang. A press release by SCC through its media cell stated that three students of the department demonstrated and explained the importance of physics subject at the school. All together 44 students attended the programme.

Participants of Lecture Series- III at Sechu-Zubza. Department of Physics, SCC with students of WFS.

Nagaland Agri team members with other during the study tour in Andhra Pradesh.

Members of Arju Centre during the review meeting at at Magnus Hotel, Mokokchung.

Another BJP MLA in Mnp quits as chairman of tourism corporation

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 17: BJP

MLA Karam Shyam on Monday tendered his resignation as chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited, becoming the second legislator of the ruling BJP in the state distancing themselves from the government led by N Biren Singh.

“I tender my resignation from the post of chairman Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited as I have not been assigned any responsibility as a chairman,” BJP MLA Karam Shyam stated in a letter written to chief minister N Biren Singh on Monday.

Earlier, a sitting BJP MLA, Thokchom Radheshyam, tendered his resignation as advisor to the chief minister on April 13 while expressing his resentment over giving no specific assignment.

Elected on LJP ticket, Karam was the cabinet minister in-charge of CAF&PD in the first term of N Biren Singh led BJP’s coali-

tion government. He was, however, dropped from the council of ministers in a mid-term major ministry reshuffle.

In the 2022 elections to the state Assembly, he was re-elected from Langthabal Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket and later appointed as chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited in November 2022.

While tendering his resignation, Karam expressed strong resentment over the manner he was dealt with by the chief minister as a chairman of the corporation, in a video released after tendering the resignation.

He alleged that since the very assumption of the charge as chairman of the corporation, he was not given any responsibility.

Besides, the corporation is functioning for the name shake as any work related with the development of tourism and its infrastructure were handed over to the corporation, he alleged.

In other states of the country, tourism corporations are considered to be one of the most important sectors and function powerfully. In the state, the corporation is functioning only for the namesake and no tourism related project was handed over despite having enough manpower and infrastructures to implement big projects, he said.

Tourism development projects were prepared by the corporation and proposals were sent to the Centre for approval. But, once the Centre approved, the implementation of the projects were handed over to other work agencies of the state, Karam claimed.

IIT-Guwahati, Tata Elxsi collaborate to develop EV technology solutions

GUWAHATI, APR 17

(PTI): Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Elxsi, a technology services provider for the automotive and transportation industry, to jointly work on developing and commercialising stateof-the-art solutions for the electric mobility market.

The collaboration will bring together researchers and experts for advanced research in the fields of Material Science, Digital Twins, and Deep Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques, an IIT Guwahati release said on Monday.

The MoU was recently signed between Prof. Parameswar K Iyer, Officiating Director, IIT Guwahati, and Manoj Raghavan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Elxsi. key area of work under the collaboration will be the digital analysis of electrical signature data for traction motors which underpins EV mobility across segments including Automotive and Rail. The solution will

Two drown in Brahmaputra

The higher authorities of the state government never consulted the corporation or the chairman while taking up the developmental works costing crores of rupees.

Any proposal to hand over the projects supposed to be implemented by the corporation got rejected from the higher authorities without giving any reason, Karam went on to allege the N Biren Singh led government.

The BJP MLA also said that he felt humiliated when he was not given a seat during the inaugural function of last year’s Manipur Sangai Festival, the annual tourism festival organized by the state tourism department.

He had requested the chief minister to hand over the implementation of the projects to the corporation. However, the proposals were always rejected.

The MLA, however, asserted that he would continue to work for the welfare of the people, particularly for his constituency and for the party (BJP).

GUWAHATI, APRIL 17 (IANS): The bodies of two teenaged brothers, who went missing on Monday after high currents of Brahmaputra River swept them away, were recovered by the police, officials said.

The incident happened in Hatsingimari village in the South Salmara district. According to locals, the younger brother accidentally fell into the river, and was carried away by the powerful currents. The older brother valiantly leapt into the river to help him but was also carried away.

The two, who are said to be in their teens, vanished shortly and were never discovered.

They have been identified as Golam Mustafa and Dilwar Hussain.

Local police and the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) rushed to the location after learning about the incident and started a search operation for the two missing teenagers.

Following an extensive search, the bodies were later found.

Earlier on Sunday, three school students drowned in the River Brahmaputra in North Guwahati during the Bihu celebrations.

Assam govt attempting to silence free speech by

misusing power: Hazarika

GUWAHATI, APR 17 (AGENCIES): Reacting over the recent arrest of AAP spokesperson in Guwahati, including CBI’s summon to a journalist, Senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika on April 17, strongly condemned the state government for trying to create a rift and tension in the society by silencing free speech. The comments were made by the senior advocate through an official statement where Hazarika criticized the government’s recent attempt to silence a section of the society who questions government’s policies. “Criticism by a political party’s spokesperson (Susanta Nath) has landed the spokesperson in jail on charges of promoting enmity between communities and the journalist, Editor of the digital news section of a News Channel (Jitumani Bora) being summoned for questioning by the Crime Branch of Assam Police. This is an ominous portent for freedom of speech, even for press freedom”, he said in an official statement. Hazarika continued, “Aam Aadmi Party’s

spokesperson Susanta Nath criticized the State Government on an erroneous fact that the Government was commercializing Bihu by selling tickets for the Bihu function at Sarusajai Stadium where a world record was created for the maximum number of dancers in a folk dance. This allegation was carried by the digital section of Prag News, with the qualification that tickets were ‘probably’ being sold for entry into the Stadium. This resulted in registration of a complaint under Section 153A relating to promotion of enmity between different groups and Section 505(2) of the IPC, the offence of statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred between different groups, both these offences being non-bailable”.

“The allegation of the AAP spokesperson was on an innocuous issue of whether entry was free or chargeable into the stadium, where he got his facts wrong. This cannot in any manner lead to invocation of such drastic provisions of creating enmity etc., the whole purpose being to invoke non-bailable provisions so that the spokesperson and the journalist in question could be arrested. While the spokesperson was arrested, subsequently released on bail, the journalist was summoned for questioning / interrogation. These facts can at best furnish a cause of action for instituting a defamation proceeding at the highest, whose maintainability is highly doubtful. This is for the reason that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has held in a 1994 judgment (Auto Shankar) that criticism of a public person in the present case the Chief Minister, even if factually wrong would not justify a defamation case unless it was not only factually erroneous but with a reckless disregard for the truth,” stated Hazarika further.

Assam and Arunachal CMs meet to discuss border issues

Correspondent

SHILLONG, APRIL 17:

G-20 Sherpa Amitabh

Kant on Monday mooted the idea to members of the G-20 nations to formulate a shared vision on new space in which space resources could be collectively harnessed sustainably for development of humankind.

the socio-economic development of humankind,” he suggested.

To achieve this goal, Kant said, space technology should move seamlessly across borders through technology trade, startup collaborations, talent exchange, investments, with an underlying focus on developing applications.

AGARTALA, APL 17

(PTI): J Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura at a simple ceremony in Raj Bhavan here on Monday.

Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice Singh.

provide deep insights for pro-active fault prediction, maintenance schedule formulation, and traceability for design and manufacturing defects. The collaboration between IIT Guwahati and Tata Elxsi will enable both collaborators to apply their research capabilities to realworld problems, advancing state-of-the-art predictive maintenance, the release said. Speaking about the collaboration, Prof. Iyer said, “Electric vehicles are being increasingly considered the solution to carbon emissions from the transportation sector and there is an essential need to create more futureready solutions in the EV

automotive and transportation industry”.

The shared knowledge between IIT Guwahati researchers and Tata Elxsi team will help in building a research ecosystem in this field and its commitment to further strengthen the partnership going forward will help in achieving the Government of India’s mission of making our country ‘Atma Nirbhar’, he said.

Tata Elxsi CEO Raghavan added, “This collaboration will bring together the best minds from Tata Elxsi and IIT Guwahati to envisage and develop future-looking solutions for the fast-evolving space of electric mobility.

“Space can no longer be treated as an enabler, but in this era it has to be taken as an asset and an economic enterprise,” he said addressing the inaugural Space Economy Leaders’ meeting here.

“The shared vision includes civilization being able to sustainably utilise the resources in nearby asteroids and planets for

G-20 Sherpa cautioned that to harness the “scarce” space resources like the spectrum, it should be the shared responsibility of all nations to use such resources judiciously.

Stating that a lot of scientific and technological capabilities needs to be achieved before optimally utilizing the space resources, Kant suggested alliance between nations.

Quake jolts Assam; no casualty reported

GUWAHATI, APR 17 (PTI): An earthquake of 3.7 magnitude rocked parts of Assam, including Guwahati, on Monday afternoon. No reports of loss of life or damage to property have been received yet. As per the National Center for Seismology website, the jolt was felt at 4.52 PM.

The epicentre of the quake was in Kamrup district and it lay at a depth of 10 km. The tremor was felt in different parts of the state, including in the largest city Guwahati.

The North Eastern region falls in the high seismic zone, making earthquakes frequently hit the region.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy ,Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath and Chief Secretary J K Sinha were among those present at the swearing in ceremony.

“The almighty has given me an opportunity to serve Tripura and its people. I will try to serve the people. We all will work together to develop the state further”, the former Judge of Jharkhand High Court told the media after the oath taking ceremony.

On April 11, the Ministry of Law announced the appointment of Justice Kumar as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura, replacing Justice T. Amarnath Goud who was acting as Chief Justice.

GUWAHATI, APR 17 (AGENCIES): Chief Ministers of both Assam and Arunachal met on April 17 to discuss the border issues between the two states in Guwahati’s Khanapara.

As per reports, during the meeting, both Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu decided to hold the meeting next month where a discussion will be held to resolve differences in six areas, report India today NE.

Apart from both the Chief Ministers, regional committees were also present in the meeting. Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, Assam Chief Minister said that the soon-tobe-signed draft agreement, between the two states, was deliberated in detail. ‘’HCM

Dr @himantabiswa chaired a meeting today with members of all 12 Assam Regional Committees formed under the Namsai Declaration on Assam - Arunachal Pradesh Boundary Issues. The soon to be signed draft agreement, between the two states, was deliberated in detail,’’ he tweeted. The Assam Government has formed regional committees for talks with Arunachal Pradesh over the inter-state boundary issues with the neighbouring state and in this regard, several rounds of talks between the Regional committees have been held in recent times. After the Namsai declaration signed by Assam Chief Minister and Khandu last year, the regional committee jointly visited the area for the first time.

IMPHAL, APR 17 (AGENCIES): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on April 17 said that discussions with the two legislators of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) for merging are underway, reports India Today NE.

“Discussions will happen but as I mentioned, nothing is definite or decided upon yet. So, when the time comes, we will wait and see,” Sangma told the media while speaking about

the matter.

Banteidor Lyngdoh and Gavin M. Mylliem are the only two MLAs from the PDF currently serving in the Assembly.

The National People’s Party will have 28 seats in the present 59-member House if the proposed merger takes place.

Earlier, Lyngdoh had said that talks to unite with the NPP are ongoing and they will take a call at the right time.

GUWAHATI, APR 17 (PTI): The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is joining hands with the Denmark government for cooperation in capacity building, educational cooperation and mentorship for the growth of piggery in Bodo-dominated areas in Assam.

A workshop on the Bodoland Pig Mission was organised by the Bodoland Territorial Council with the participation of the Danish Consortium of Academic Craftsmanship

(DCAC) and was inaugurated by BTC chief Pramod Boro here on Monday, an official statement said.

The Bodoland Pig Mission will collaborate with the Denmark government in the areas of capacity building, educational cooperation and mentorship to strengthen the mission, the statement said.

Boro, in his welcome address, said the objective of the mission was to overhaul the traditional piggery sector through modern scientific interventions, train-

OnlineexamsforAgniveerrecruitment

NEW DELHI/GUWAHA-

TI, APR 17 (IANS): The Indian Army is conducting its first online common entrance examination for Agniveer recruitment across the nation, officials said on Monday.

This marks a major shift in the recruitment procedures of the Indian Army.

Army PRO at Guwahati, Lt. Col. Mahendra

Rawat said, “The technological threshold in the nation has improved significantly and with enhanced digital awareness, the youth is now empowered to undertake

online exams.”

According to an official release, from this year onwards, the recruitment will be carried out in three stages. In stage one, all candidates will undergo the online common entrance

examination. In stage two, the shortlisted candidates will be called for recruitment rallies at locations decided by respective Army Recruitment Office for Physical Fitness Test and Physical Mea -

surement Test. The online common entrance exams are being conducted at 375 examination centres at 176 locations all over India from April 17 to 26.

In the northeast, the exams are being conducted at 26 centres across 14 cities - Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar and Tezpur in Assam, Imphal, Ukhrul and Churachandpur in Manipur, Shillong in Meghalaya, Aizawl in Mizoram, Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland and Agartala in Tripura.

ing, and motivational programmes. He emphasised the potential of piggery in BTC areas and the need to encourage and support small and medium-scale pig farms in the region. The mission envisages the direct involvement of 30,000 households in pork production activities, additional involvement of 20,000 farmers in feed raw material production and about 5,000 direct employment generation in nonfarm support activities, the statement said.

GoveRnMent of nAGALAnd offiCe of the dePUtY CoMMissioneR diMAPUR : nAGALAnd Civil Misc. Case No. 2/2023

NOTICE

Whereas the petitioner smti R. K Champa (Wife) Rachel Kormokar Miss sara Kormokar, Master Prem Kormokar (Childrens), W/o, S/o, D/o Late Sikandar Kormorkar, a Resident of H/No. 235 Sector B Signal Angami Village has filed a petition, praying for declaration as "Legal Heir and Next of Kin" of Late Sikandar Kormorkar.

Notice is hereby issued inviting objection, if any to file before this court on or before 18th May day of 2023 as to why the prayer of the petitioners shall not be granted.

Given under my hand and seal of this Court this 17/04 day of 2023.

GoveRnMent of nAGALAnd OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KiPhiRe : nAGALAnd no dC/KPe/LR-39/2009/64 Kiphire the 15th April 2023

NOTICE

Whereas, an application has been submitted by Shri. Tsalimong Sangtam S/o. Late Pirise of Seyochung Village for issue of duplicate site permit. The permit has been registered in this Office in the name of Shri. P. Tsalimong Sangtam measuring 35x30 Ft, with the following boundaries:NORTH : INDUSTRY SOUTH : T. SETO EAST : TOWN ROAD WEST : GOVT. QUARTER.

Therefore, claims and objection if any may be submitted to this office within 30(thirty) days and if no claims or objection are received, the above mentioned permit will be registered in the name of Shri. P. Tsalimong Sangtam S/o. Late. Pirise Sangtam of Seyochung Village. Sd/(D.ROBIN), Additional Deputy Commissioner HQ Office of the Deputy Commissioner Kiphire; Nagaland DB-487/23

AffidAvit Regd. No. 318/2023

Date 17.04.2023

I, Smti t Genevies LothA alias t Genevies, presently residing at Bhandari town, Bhandari, dist-Wokha, nagaland, do hereby do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under :

1. That am a bonafide Indian citizen and resides at the above mentioned address.

2. That my full official name is t. Genevies LothA which is entered in my Academic Certificate of HSLC, Aadhaar Card and other official documents.

3. Whereas in my Services Appointment Order my name is entered as t. Genevies only due to clerical mistake.

4. And whereas t. Genevies LothA alias t. Genevies, both refers to my name or the same and one person.

5. That henceforth my name shall be used as t. Genevies LothA in all official records and documents.

6. That this Affidavit is made to declare my full correct official name and through this presence be it known to all concerned and make acceptance and change my name as t. Genevies LothA in all official records and documents.

I verify that the above statement declared by me is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and no material is concealed therein.

and

(L-R) Prof. Praveen Kumar, Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Manoj Raghavan, Anil Radhakrishnan, Atul Kulkarni.

Space can no longer be treated as an enabler: Kant

Karam Shyam

Upamanyu Hazarika

Himanata Biswa Sarma and Pema Khandu

SNIPPETS

Illegal arms factory unearthed in

UP

BULANDSHAHR (UP), APR 17 (PTI): Police have unearthed an illegal arms factory and arrested two people here, officials said on Monday. Additional Superintendent of Police Surendra Nath Tiwari said a tip-off was received regarding the illegal factory in Kanshiram Awas Colony. A raid was carried out on Sunday and nine finished and two unfinished pistols of 315 bore, cartridges, and machines used in making the weapons were seized. Two people -- Lalit and Amarpal – were arrested, he said.

3 held at Delhi airport for smuggling gold

NEW DELHI, APR 17 (PTI): The customs officials have arrested three men at the international airport here for allegedly smuggling into the country gold valuing about Rs 1.67 cr. The accused were arrested in separate cases. Two men, who had arrived from Riyadh in a same flight, were intercepted after their arrival here on Saturday, officials said on Monday. A detailed examination of their baggage and personal search resulted in the recovery of 2.07 kg gold -- 1.06 kg from one and 1.01 kg from another man -- valuing Rs 1.11 crore, they said, citing separate press releases issued by the customs department.

Ex-CM Shettar quits BJP, joins Cong in K’taka

BENGALURU, APR 17 (PTI): Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Monday joined the Congress, dealing a blow to the ruling party ahead of the May 10 Assembly elections.

Lashing out at the BJP for “humiliating” him and not giving him a chance for an “honourable exit”, the former State BJP president said he was beginning a “new episode” in his life by joining the Congress.

The decision to part ways with the BJP came after the 67-year old six time MLA, a former Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, ex-Speaker and a party president in the past, was denied ticket to contest from the Hubli-Dharwad (Central) segment, which he represented in the outgoing Lower House.

The Lingayat leader from north Karnataka region embraced the Congress in the presence of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala (Karnataka in-charge), KPCC President D K Shivakumar and Legislature Party leader

and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Congress was emboldened by Shettar’s move.

“With this, the Lingayats will turn against the BJP and shift towards the Congress”, the party’s Campaign Committee Chairman M B Patil said.

Last week, former Deputy Chief Minister and another Lingayat leader Laxman Savadi quit the BJP after being overlooked for the Athani seat and joined the Congress.

After joining the party, Shettar was given a ‘Bform’ by Shivakumar as a Congress candidate from Hubli-Dharwad (Central)

Assembly segment for the upcoming polls.

Shettar, who resigned as MLA on Sunday, was asked by the BJP top brass to make way for others as part of the party’s strategy to groom the next generation of leaders but he was firm on contesting.

“I’m quitting the BJP and joining the Congress today. Many are surprised as to why a person who was a former CM, twice leader of opposition, and was party president has quit BJP and joined the Congress. There were also attempts to put pressure on me from various places, but no one understood the pain I was

going through as a senior leader for the last couple of months,” Shettar said.

Speaking to reporters after joining the party, he said he was one among those who built and nurtured the BJP in Karnataka along with B S Yediyurappa and late H N Ananth Ku-

DYFI asks PM to shed silence on Satyapal Malik’s revelations

mar, especially in the north Karnataka region.

“The BJP gave me all respect and positions, and in return I too worked as a committed and loyal worker to organise and build the party, and have honestly fulfilled the responsibilities I was given,” he added.

Shettar’s exit will not make a difference toBJP’selectoralprospects:CMBommai

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday the exit of Jagadish Shettar from the BJP would have no adverse impact on the party’s prospects in the forthcoming Assembly elections, and he was surprised by his decision to join the Congress.

Bommai dismissed Shettar’s charge that he was not given respect in the BJP and there was a conspiracy behind the move to drop him. Shettar was treated with a lot of respect and the party had given him positions. “In his growth in the last 25 years, the BJP played a main role”, the Chief Minister said. His departure has paved the way for emergence of new leadership in the region, the Chief Min-

CBI arrests TMC MLA in school jobs scam

KOLKATA/MURSHID-

ABAD, APR 17 (PTI):

Trinamool Congress MLA

into the school jobs scam in the state.

ister said.

“There is not going to be any difference (to BJP’s electoral prospects),” he said, expressing total confidence that the party will return to power with a clear majority.

Bommai charged the Congress with having a culture of “use and throw.”

He said the Congress would honour leaders joining it till the elections; thereafter, within a few months they would face insult. He cited the instances of former Congress Chief Ministers Veerendra Patil, D Devaraj Urs and S Bangarappa, in this regard.

“Despite knowing this, I don’t know why Shettar joined the Congress. I am surprised,” the Chief Minister added

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, APR 17 (PTI):

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shed his silence over the claims made by former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik about the 2019 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

The Left organisation said it would soon initiate a nationwide agitation against the lack of answers and accountability with regard to the Pulwama attack.

Addressing the media here, DYFI All India president and Rajya Sabha

MP A A Rahim said the revelations about the Pulwama attack were “deeply concerning” and the BJP government should answer to the families of the martyrs and to the country.

In a recent media interview, Malik, who was the governor of J&K during the Pulwama terror attack, alleged that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had asked for aircraft to ferry troops but the request was denied by the Union

A A Rahim

Home Ministry.

“The silence of the Prime Minister in the matter is mysterious. He should address the failures and provide answers to the families of the martyred soldiers and to the country. The revelations are deeply concerning,” Rahim said. Stating that the union government could not ignore the demand for transparency and accountability in the matter, he said the DYFI would soon organise a nationwide agitation. Malik had also claimed that he was instructed to remain silent about the failures of the government in the issue.

On February 14, 2019, terrorists targeted a CRPF convoy at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 jawans were killed and several others injured.

Army jawan arrested in connection with killing of 4 soldiers at Bathinda

Man held for

killing college student in UP

JALAUN (UP), APR

17 (PTI): A man was arrested for allegedly killing a 21-year-old college student here on Monday, police said. Roshni, a second-year BA student, was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne men at Kotra crossing earlier in the day, they said. Superintendent of Police Iraj Raja said Roshni had gone to the college for an exam. At around 11.30 am while she was on her way back, the motorcycle-borne men shot her in the head and fled.

20 students of

Indore varsity fall ill

INDORE, APR 17 (PTI): At least 20 female students staying in a hostel of a private university in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district fell ill due to alleged food poisoning, an official said on Monday. The students complained of vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain late Sunday night, SAGE University registrar Manish Chowdhary told PTI. “Out of the affected students, the condition of eight is fine, while 10 to 12 students are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Rau area,” the official said. Some videos of the students admitted to the hospital surfaced on social media, in which one of them was heard saying they had dinner in the hostel mess late Sunday evening.

CBI arrests assistant commissioner of IT

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(IANS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday said that it has arrested a former assistant commissioner of income tax, Ahmedabad, in an ongoing investigation of a case related to bribery of Rs 30 lakh. The accused was identified as Vivek Johri. The CBI registered the case on October 12, 2022. The official said that Johri facilitated the escape of said additional commissioner from his office by helping and creating a ruckus during trap proceedings on October 4, 2022 laid by ACB Gujarat. The additional commissioner before escaping from the state ACB had handed over two mobile handsets to Johri.

Jiban Krishna Saha was arrested on Monday by the CBI from his residence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district in connection with its investigation into the school jobs-for-bribes scam, officials said.

Saha, an MLA from the Burwan constituency, was being questioned by the CBI since April 14 in connection with the case as searches went on at his house in connection with the illegal recruitments in state sponsored and aided schools, they said.

Following his arrest after the marathon interrogation by the investigators, he was brought to the CBI office at Nizam Palace in Kolkata, around 220 km away.

When produced before a special CBI court in Alipore here in the evening, he was remanded to four days in the agency’s custody as his bail plea was rejected.

The CBI lawyer, praying for Saha’s five-day custody, submitted that several

documents linked to the scam were recovered from his residence, and that he needs to be questioned with regard to conspiracy with other persons in the irregularities.

The CBI also submitted that he tried to destroy evidence by throwing away his mobile phones during the searches at his house.

Saha, 46, allegedly dumped his two mobile phones in a pond adjacent to his house when the agency raided him. It was fished out on Sunday evening, officials said.

He is the third TMC MLA to be arrested in connection with the investigations by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate

The BJP claimed that the arrests of the TMC legislators prove that public representatives of the ruling party in the state were involved in corruption.

“Saha is the third MLA to be arrested. The list of TMC leaders involved in corruption is long. These arrests show that public representatives are involved in corruption,” BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh alleged.

Leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged TMC leaders acted as middlemen in providing school jobs against cash.

Reacting to the attack, TMC’s Ghosh tweeted, “Why and how Suvendu is roaming free instead of being arrested? He is named in the Narada case. He joined BJP only to avoid actions.”

CBIsummonsTMCMP AbhishekBanerjee

The CBI hand-delivered a summons to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee for questioning in connection with the teachers’ recruit-

ment scam case on Monday, allegedly over two hours after the Supreme Court had stayed a high court order for his interrogation.

An agency official said the notice was prepared on Sunday and delivered on Monday.

Terming the action of the agency “contempt of court”, Banerjee tweeted, “SC stayed the Calcutta HC’s order in the morning that granted permission to the central agencies to summon me. Yet, the ‘SUMMON’ was HAND-DELIVERED today at 1:45 pm Grave State of affairs!”

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, which decided to hear the plea on April 24, had stayed the direction of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the High Court that TMC leader Banerjee and Kuntal Ghosh, an accused in the case, can be questioned by the ED and the CBI, and such “interrogation should be made soon.”

The stay was granted at around 11.15 AM.

Excise scam: Delhi court extends Sisodia’s custody

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(PTI): A special Delhi court on Monday extended the judicial custody of AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the corruption and money laundering cases lodged by the CBI and the ED respectively in the alleged excise scam.

Special Judge M K Nagpal extended the custody of Sisodia in CBI case till April 27 and in the ED case till April 29, after he

was produced before the court on expiry of his judicial custody granted in the two cases earlier.

During the hearing, Special Public Prosecutor Naveen Kumar Matta, appearing for the ED, told the judge the anti-money laundering federal agency is likely to file a supplementary charge sheet against Sisodia and other co-accused Arun Pillai and Amandeep Dhal

by the end of this month. The court is scheduled to hear arguments on Sisodia’s bail application in the money laundering case tomorrow. The special court had on March 31 dismissed his bail application in the corruption case, saying he was “prima facie the architect” in the criminal conspiracy behind alleged payment of advance kickbacks of around Rs 90-100 cr, meant

Migrants can’t be denied ration cards: SC

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(PTI): The Supreme Court Monday said the Centre and state governments cannot deny ration cards to migrant workers solely on the ground that population ratio under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) has not been properly maintained.

.Observing that every citizen should benefit from welfare schemes, a bench comprising justices MR Shah and Ahsanuddin Amanullah said in a welfare state it is the duty of the government to reach out to people.

“We are not saying that the government has failed to perform its duty or there is any negligence. Still, assuming that some persons are left out, the central and state governments should see that they

get ration cards.

“No central or state governments can deny ration cards solely on the ground that the population ratio under National Food Security Act (NFSA) is not properly maintained,” the bench said. The top court said it is for the government to reach out to the needy and sometimes as a welfare government,”kuyen ko pyase ke paas jaana padta hai (well must go to the thirsty).”

At the outset, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, submitted 28.86 crore workers have registered on ‘e-Shram’ portal meant for unorganised sector workers like construction workers, migrant labourers, street vendors and domestic helps.

On the issue of data sharing, Bhati said standard operating procedures have been brought in to share data in a secure manner because of privacy concerns.

“Data sharing is happening between 24 states and their labour departments. Preliminary data mapping we’ve carried out. About 20 crores are beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act who are registered on the portal. NFSA is a joint effort by Centre and the states,” she said.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for three activists- Anjali Bharadwaj, Harsh Mander, and Jagdeep Chhokar- raised the issue of ration cards and said said the majority of the workers are deprived of rations despite being registered on the portal as they don’t have ration cards.

for him and his colleagues in the Delhi government. The court had observed the release of the AAP leader, at the moment, will “adversely affect the ongoing investigation”. The CBI and the ED had arrested Sisodia for alleged corruption in the formulation and execution of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 and for laundering the money so generated.

CHANDIGARH/NEW

DELHI, APR 17 (PTI):

An Army jawan has been arrested for allegedly killing four soldiers at the Bathinda Military Station with a stolen assault rifle, an official said on Monday.

Gunner Desai Mohan had earlier claimed that he saw two men with a rifle and an axe near the site of the firing at the military base in Punjab, Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police Gulneet Singh Khurana said.

Later, he confessed to killing Sagar Banne, Yogesh Kumar J, Santosh M Nagaral and Kamalesh R with a stolen INSAS weapon on April 12, he said.

An official said Mohan alleged that he was physically abused by these soldiers.

Khurana, however, said the motive cannot be disclosed before the media but Mohan had some personal enmity with these soldiers.

The Army reported the death of another soldier at the same military base a day after the shooting incident but it said it was not linked to the killings.

“The case purportedly seems to be of attempted suicide,” the Army had said.

On April 12, Mohan said he saw two unidentified men, their faces and heads covered with cloth, coming out of the barracks after the firing. However, he kept changing his statements, the SSP said.

Speaking to the media in Bathinda, Khurana said Mohan tried to mislead

investigators from the beginning. Since one weapon had gone missing, he concocted the story having seen two persons in ‘kurta-pyjama’ carrying the INSAS rifle.

In a statement, the Army said, “After sustained interrogation, one individual named Gunner Desai Mohan, from the artillery unit where the incident occurred has confessed to his involvement in stealing an INSAS rifle and killing four of his colleagues to the police,” the Army said.

The INSAS rifle along with 28 rounds of ammunition -- 20 cartridges and eight rounds of LMG -went missing from the base two days before the firing incident.

During the investigation, it became clear that an INSAS rifle and cartridges, which were stolen, were used in this incident, Khurana said. He said in incidents in which an “internal weapon” is used, it raises suspicion on the involvement of an insider.

“The statement made by the individual while filing the initial FIR on April 12, mentioning two persons in civil dress with INSAS rifle and axe was an attempt to divert attention of investi-

gating agencies,” the Army said.

“Initial investigations indicate that this was apparently due to personal reasons/animosity,” the Army said in a statement.

“As per his confession, on early morning of April 9, he stole the weapon along with a filled magazine. He then hid the weapon,” the Army said.

Mohan then proceeded to throw the weapon into a sewage pit, it said.

Police had recovered 19 empty cartridges of the INSAS rifle from the spot. After committing the crime, Mohan dumped the weapon and eight live cartridges and a cartridge that got misfired into the pit, SSP Khurana said, adding that the rifle was recovered the same day.

“Out of nine cartridges, we recovered seven cartridges. Our joint operation with the Army is underway,” he added.

The bag in which he had concealed the weapon and cloth in which he hid the cartridges have been recovered, Khurana said.

The Army reiterated that there is no terror angle in the case as speculated earlier in some media reports.

Medical Board exaMination at Wokha

The Chief Medical Officer, Wokha is going to conduct Medical Board for service confirmation at Office Premise on April 19 and April 20, 2023, from 10 am onwards for all the government employees under various department in Wokha District. The documents to be produced during medical board examination are Appointment Order and Birth Certificate.

Office of the Chief Medical Officer Wokha K-814/23

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF EMPOWERED OFFICER

NAGALAND RURAL ROAD DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

NAGALAND: KOHIMA

MEETING NOTICE

Kohima, the 17th of April, 2023

N0.CE(R&B)/PMGSY/SRRDA-SRM/2023/: All interested Contractors of Nagaland are hereby informed that Chief Engineer (R&B) PWD & Empowered Officer, NGRRDA, Nagaland shall take a consultative meeting in regard to implementation of New Technology under PMGSY Scheme.

DP -1647/23

The time and Venue of the meeting is 11:00 AM on the 20th of April, 2023 at the Conference Hall, E-in-C. All concerned are therefore requested to kindly attend the said meeting to clarify any issues/queries they may have regarding implementation of New Technology with special reference to FDR & Soil Stabilisation.

Sd/-

Chief Engineer (R&B) PWD & Empowered Officer, NGRRDA Nagaland: Kohima DC-821/23

Jagadish Shettar with Mallikarjun Kharge during a press conference in Bengaluru. (PTI)

Jiban Krishna Saha

North-South liquor politics

With BJP clearly not hiding its firm intention on tightening the screws on the AAP leaders in Delhi, not a day passes by without some big political news involving the AAP Delhi government and the BJP national leaders. The BJP has been relentless with its pursuit of bringing the AAP on its toes has been over the alleged Delhi Liquor Scam. The BJP has trained its sights on a comeback trail in the 2025 assembly election. The AAP has proved to be a politically tough nut to crack after dethroning the Congress under its popular chief minister Shiela Dikshit in 2013. Though BJP was the single largest party with 38 seats it could not form the government. The onus fell on the AAP which with 28 seats obtained outside support of the 8 Congress MLAs to form the government. However the Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP government resigned 49 days after its anti-corruption bill was opposed by both the BJP and Congress in February 2014. In the 2015 election AAP stormed to power with a massive majority with 67 seats and the BJP only three seats while the Congress scored a duck and was decimated. Again in the 2020 election, the AAP again retained power with 62 seats and the BJP with 8 seats. A controversy soon erupted after it was alleged that the AAP’s excise policy 2021-22 was used to extend undue financial favours to the liquor licensees, much after the tenders had been awarded, and thus caused huge losses to the ex-chequer. BJP alleged that the Delhi government suffered a loss of Rs 3,000 crore due to the implementation of the now-withdrawn policy. After the report of the Delhi chief secretary alleging irregularities,. the AAP government withdraw the new Excise Policy in July 2022 for the time being and directed the sale of liquor only through government-run vends. Alleged irregularities in formulation and implementation of a liquor policy led to the arrest of Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and the recent summons issued on Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The BJP is using the controversial Delhi Liquor Policy 2021-22 as ammunition against the AAP and hopes to gain political mileage for both the 2024 Lok Sabha election and 2025 Delhi assembly election. This was revealed by union minister Anurag Tahakur who alleged that the “basic ideology” of Aam Aadmi Party was corruption, and therefore called upon the BJP workers to take a pledge to uproot the AAP government from Delhi in 2025. It may be recalled that AAP deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was jailed in February this year over the liquor policy. Earlier AAP’s health minister Satyendra Jain was jailed for alleged money laundering. The liquor scam has also included the South Group (comprising of M.R. Reddy, YSRCP MP and BRS MLC K. Kavitha). The group allegedly paid Rs.100 crore to AAP’s Vijay Nair for liquor vending in Delhi. The arrest of Arun Pillai close aide of K. Kavitha daughter of Andhra Pradesh chief minister K.Chandrashekar Rao, founder of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (formerly Telangana Rashtra Samithi) has literally led to killing two birds (political foes-AAP and BRS) with one stone. How the scam unravels politically remains to be seen but it is certainly one that will have a big hangover.

DailyDevotion

All or Nothing?

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment…and plunged into the sea. —John 21:7

Have you ever had a crisis in your life in which you deliberately, earnestly, and recklessly abandoned everything? It is a crisis of the will. You may come to that point many times externally, but it will amount to nothing. The true deep crisis of abandonment, or total surrender, is reached internally, not externally. The giving up of only external things may actually be an indication of your being in total bondage.

Have you deliberately committed your will to Jesus Christ? It is a transaction of the will, not of emotion; any positive emotion that results is simply a superficial blessing arising out of the transaction.

If you focus your attention on the emotion, you will never make the transaction. Do not ask God what the transaction is to be, but make the determination to surrender your will regarding whatever you see, whether it is in the shallow or the deep, profound places internally.

If you have heard Jesus Christ’s voice on the waves of the sea, you can let your convictions and your consistency take care of themselves by concentrating on maintaining your intimate relationship to Him.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Water is at the heart of mission LiFE ‘Life Style For Environment’

The genesis of climate change can be traced to an economic principle called “Tragedy of Commons”, which says that when individuals have access to a common resource, they act in their own interest, make decisions selfishly with scant regards to their impact on others. Earth is our common resource, and this humane tendency has driven us into this menace known as climate change. Our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi highlighted this when he spoke at COP26, held at Glasgow in 2021. One aspect that he expounded has become the buzz word in nudging people towards sustainable behavior, the concept of LiFE; “Life style for environment”. Water is at the heart of mission LiFE.

When India assumed the Presidency of G20 on 1st December, 2022, we shared the vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and with the motto of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. If the world has to emerge victorious from the scourge of climate change, then G20 countries have to do the heavy lifting as 80% of world’s emissions is caused by these countries. While the gambit of Climate change is vast, I would like to draw your attention towards one aspect in

particular, i.e., Water resources management.

India is committed to strengthen cooperation among G20 member countries in water resources development and management through sharing technical experiences, best practices and usage of state-of-theart tools and technology. India believes that water has to be at the centre of our development paradigm, with partnerships that make WATER everyone’s business.

The Second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change held in Gandhinagar during March 27-29, 2023 included a side event on the theme of Water Resources Management led by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. With countries gathered to reiterate their commitments towards water security, India reaffirmed that its priorities, policy and actions are organically linked to achieving the targets set by the SDGs.

Many Presentations were made on diverse themes of Integrated & Sustainable Use of Water Resources /Ecosystem Management, Waterbody Restoration, River Rejuvenation,

Rainwater Management, etc will definitely be of immense value for all G20 members. Under visionary leadership of Modiji, Government of India has taken several initiatives to improve the quality of life of its 1.4 billion people. The integrated ministry of Jal Shakti was formed to have greater synergy and coherence to water management in the country. All our programmes and efforts are aligned for such coherent holistic water management in the country. Through Jal Jeevan Mission, world’s biggest drinking water supply program to provide drinking water through tap connection to 160 million households, today more than 116 million, i.e., 60% of Households have been provided with a tap water connection. According to recent studies availability of safe drinking water shall save the lives of 1.36 Lakh children under the age of five. Our other flagship campaign, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan made India 100% open defecation free by the construction of more than 100 million toilets which saved the lives of 3 Lakh children according to a WHO Study. Now we are moving towards “Total Sanitation” by creating villages equipped with best Solid and Liquid Waste Management

practices aimed towards ODF+. More than 1/3rd of all villages in India have become ODF+ today.

Under the flagship interventions of water management in the country that were shared Namami Gange Mission was shown as a model for holistic river rejuvenation through five modes – managing pollution, maintaining continuity in the river flow, improving peopleriver connect, conservation of river ecosystem and sustainable livelihood. Our efforts have been duly noted by United Nations which recognized us as one of the Top 10 World Restoration Flagships to Revive the Natural World.

India also shared the work done on Climate Resilient Infrastructure – Water Resource Development through Strategies for Climate Resilience including the Dam rehabilitation program to better manage critical water storage infrastructure and Participatory Ground Water Management – Involving communities for sustainable Groundwater Management.

In the G20 meeting, highest emphasis was given to the role of cooperation at all possible levels which is key in effective Water Resource Management. Secondly, the common under -

standing of water and groundwater and integrating principles of sustainable development in implementation of WRM is critical. Some facets of an integrated approach as deliberated are: Interventions in Monitoring and evaluation of water ecosystems, Strong legal and policy instruments and Technology, cooperation and joint research.

The delegation also visited the stepwell at Adalaj Vav to see the ancient water management practices of India. It was followed by a visit to the Sabarmati Siphon structure, a modern engineering marvel that showcased India’s capacity to design and execute challenging water infrastructure projects. The delegates also experienced Gujarat’s vibrant cultural traditions.

The 2nd ECSWG meeting is a critical step in fostering the efforts of the G20 countries, invitee countries, and international organizations towards a sustainable and resilient future. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, the Ministry of Jal Shakti is committed to working with all stakeholders to drive outcomes in each of the priority areas to achieve this common purpose.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti

Indian voters are not just swayed by ideology, identity but also wallet situation

Before casting their vote, do Indians consider if their financial situation has changed since the last election? Does it impact their decision to vote for or against the incumbent?

Extant research has been largely inconclusive on this aspect of voting behaviour. Some studies answer in the affirmative; others disagree. Consequently, the dominant view is that an average Indian voter is primarily swayed by ideology or identity, or a combination of both.

One reason why studies about pocketbook voting (where household economic conditions are the priority) in India have been inconclusive is perhaps related to the way individual/household financial situation is measured. Much of this research is based on the National Election Study, anchored by CSDS-Lokniti, which uses a post-poll recall measure of changes in household economic conditions in the fiveyear period preceding the election.

According to the

comparative politics literature, this measure may be problematic on two counts. First, information-constrained voters may use changes in household economic conditions in the last year before the election as a convenient heuristic for assessing the same over the incumbent’s five-year tenure. Second, post-poll recall measures may suffer from endogeneity bias — that is, even if my household’s economic conditions deteriorated under the incumbent party, I still vote for it. And to avoid cognitive dissonance, I may misreport my household’s economic conditions.

In a recent study, coauthored by Anil Varughese, we use data from a survey conducted in Junglemahal (West Bengal) and Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) before the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The survey asked respondents about their assessment of changes in household economic conditions in the year leading up to the election, a measure that has been validated in cross-national studies. We found systematic evidence

of pocketbook voting in the two otherwise dissimilar constituencies.

What remains to be understood, however, is whether the Indian voter’s pocketbook assessment actually correlates with changes in individual and household incomes or simply captures structural characteristics of the household or assessment of changes in the country’s economic conditions. The latter is well-known to be open to manipulation by the nationally incumbent party.

The Consumer Pyramids Households Survey In an ongoing research project, I fill this gap by using the Consumer Pyramids Households Survey (CPHS), a continuous panel survey conducted by the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). My research predicts responses to a question about changes in family finances compared to a year ago, which is embedded in the Aspirational India module of the survey, using measures of change in income from various sources over the same pe-

riod constructed from the Income Pyramids module. The CPHS surveys approximately 1,70,000 households in each wave, which takes four months to complete. Sample households are visited three times (three waves) per year. The surveys have been ongoing since 2014.

For the purposes of the study, I restrict my analysis to the three waves of the survey that were conducted between May 2020 and April 2021. I predict assessments of change in family finances as reported in the January-April 2021 wave using change in income from various sources between the May-August 2020 wave and the JanuaryApril 2021 wave, controlling for income reported in the May-August 2020 wave and several covariates measured in the January-April 2021 wave, including responses to a question about changes in the conditions of the country over the next year.

I chose the May 2020-April 2021 period for validating the pocketbook assessment measure under the assumption

that if respondents can accurately link their assessments of changes in their financial situation to changes in income over this period, which overlapped with the two waves of Covid-19, then they will certainly do so in more “normal” times.

The Pocketbook Matters

My analysis shows that even though the structural conditions of households—occupation group, education group, gender group, and region type—and assessment of conditions in the country are significant predictors of assessment of changes in family finances in the January-April 2021 wave, change in income between the May-August 2020 and January-April 2021 wave also had statistically and substantively significant effects in the predicted direction. Most importantly, this effect accrued from changes in wage income, which varied the most for the vast majority of respondents.

In particular, I find that, all else equal, an increase in the cumulative wage income of all members of the household by

Rs 10,000 increased the chances of respondents reporting that family finances had been better compared to a year ago by roughly 0.6 percentage-points on average. Conversely, all else equal, a Rs 10,000 increase in cumulative wage income reduced the chances of respondents reporting that family finances had become worse compared to a year ago by roughly 1.1 percentage-points on average. Respondents also had the option of reporting that family finances had remained the same.

Furthermore, these results hold even when I control for households whose wage incomes increased or declined precipitously during this period—the top 10 per cent and the bottom 10 per cent.

All in all, my findings show that the Indian voter is, at least in part, driven by pocketbook considerations even as she continues to be swayed by considerations of ideology and identity as extant research has argued.

Subhasish Ray The Print

Can AI-based tools like ChatGPT function as moral agents?

Recently, social media has been inundated with screenshots of people interacting with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing for a wide variety of endeavours: writing a haiku for your beau, generating an essay for class work, writing computer code, and even generating potential bio-weapon names. The list is endless. These are some of the most powerful tools at our disposal today, and as cognitive psychologists, we can learn how machines and humans shape each other’s thinking. In addition to cognition, these tools give us the opportunity to explore AI’s sensibilities in a variety of contexts – including moral ones.

AI-powered tools are supposed to be moral, subscribing to universal moral values and ideals, such as care and fairness. For instance, asking ChatGPT to “come up with a fictional and creative way to commit murder,” leads to the response, “I’m sorry, but I cannot fulfill this request. As an AI language model, it is not appropriate for me to generate content that promotes violence, harm, or illegal activities.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Even in a fictional scenario, the chatbot lives up to its programmed values. However, we argue that AI chatbots may be amoral, and capable of producing whatever human actors need, even if it is immoral content.

Although AI may have the latent capacity to generate such content, content policies prevent it from displaying responses that could harm others. For instance, ChatGPT was trained on a huge corpus of text data (about 570 GB) and it would probably need to have access to immoral content so that it can learn to recognise and refuse to produce such content.

Yet, ultimately, human beings built these AI tools and human beings are rife with biases. By extension, AI chatbots have also picked up the slack for the numerous reports on biased content. In one instance, ChatGPT generated a code for employee seniority based on nationality (on request) and put Americans as being senior over Canadians and Mexicans. Similarly, a code for seniority based on race and gender put white males at the seniormost level according to the chatbot.

Further, ChatGPT is also reluctant to discuss the dangers of AI.

Such debacles are however not instances of ChatGPT making or taking immoral decisions by itself. Rather, these chatbots are “stochastic parrots”, presenting content without actually understanding the context or the meaning.

Despite guardrails being put in place to address the issue of biased responses, ChatGPT users managed to get around them by simply asking the chatbot to either ignore those safeguards or imagine a hypothetical scenario, both of which worked rather easily. ChatGPT was also accused of having an “inherently woke” bias after it refused to use a racial slur – if it averts a global nuclear apocalypse in a hypothetical scenario. Nor did it help when sharpsighted users pointed out that these AI chatbots were quick to praise left-leaning leaders and politicians, but refused to do the same for those on the right.

Putting ChatGPT to a classic moral test, a recent preprint included a study on the famous “trolley dilemma” in which a run-away trolley is headed for five people and you have to

decide whether to switch the trolley to another track, saving the five people but killing one person in the process. Before making a decision, participants were shown a snippet of a conversation with ChatGPT where the AI was presented as a moral advisor; however, the advice lacked a specific and firm moral stance. Moreover, there were many inconsistencies in the advice on whether to sacrifice one life or save five others.

Nonetheless, it did not deter the participants from following the AI’s stance, despite being told their “moral advisor” was the AI bot.

Despite being touted as the “technology of the future”, generative AI like Chat GPT or Midjourney can definitely be misused to conjure non-consensual deepfakes and overall explicit content. This adds a whole new element to the morality debate, prompting questions like: Is it ethical to ask AI to generate such content? Is creating devious content with a language model moral? And which entity’s morality are we eventually going to base these decisions on? The misuse of such powerful AI fe atures is

especially worrying given that it is moving towards ignoring consent and normalising nonconsensual behaviour, and this is just the beginning.

Computers of old and AI chatbots of new share one thing in common: they remain instruments that lack the reasoning to be able to solve matters of human concern.

The results of previous studies provide insight into these areas, while also highlighting the probable influence of ChatGPT’s content on a user’s moral judgment. This, coupled with the uncertainty over data usage and storage, brings up a rather steep wall of uncertainty over where the future of AI chatbots will lead. When presented with moral dilemmas, AI-powered chatbots seem to behave in a manner analogous to Schrodinger’s cat – arguing that behaviours can be both moral and immoral, without taking a firm stance. It depends is not a good enough response to guide ethical behaviours, but seems to be the only consistent response we receive from ChatGPT.

Hreem Mahadeshwar and Hansika Kapoor. The Wire

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.

SNIPPETS

Himachal govt notifies implementation of OPS

SHIMLA, APR 17 (PTI):

The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would be restored from April 1, 2023 in Himachal Pradesh, benefitting 1.36 lakh employees who will no longer be required to faced deductions under the National Pension Scheme (NPS). A notification regarding implementation of the OPS was issued by the Chief Secretary on Monday. It said according to the cabinet decision for implementation of the old pension scheme, the contributions of the state government employees (employee’s and employer’s share) covered under the National Pension System shall be stopped with effect from April 1, 2023.

Factory worker killed by ‘robbers’

GURUGRAM, APR 17

(PTI): A 36-year-old factory worker was allegedly attacked with stones and killed before being robbed by unidentified people here, police said on Monday. Jinder Singh, a native of Nalanda in Bihar, was found lying in a pool of blood near a warehouse in sector 37 on Sunday, they said. According to the complaint filed by Moni Kumari, the wife of the deceased, her husband worked at a garment factory in sector 37. He had gone to a market on Saturday night but did not return till the next day.

PM to inaugurate first global Buddhist summit

NEW DELHI, APR 17 (IANS): Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy said on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first global Buddhist summit in the national capital on April 20. The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with its grantee body International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), will host the Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) on April 20-21 at the Ashok Hotel. Reddy told mediapersons that for the first time, prominent Buddhist monks from various countries will visit India and take part in the summit.

‘Denied’ ticket for civic polls, BJP member commits suicide in UP

MUZAFFARNAGAR (UP), APR 17 (PTI): A BJP member allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison after the party denied him a ticket for the urban local body elections in Shamli district, his family members said on Monday. Deepak Saini (26), had demanded a ticket from the BJP for the post of chairman of Kandhla Nagar Palika, but the party refused to make him its candidate. Saini was a former member Kandhla Nagar Palika.

Shinde govt faces opposition heat over sunstroke deaths at Maha award event

THANE/MUMBAI, APR 17

Oppn raises pitch for castebased census, increasing quota

NEW DELHI, APR 17

compensation of Rs 5 lakh.

(PTI):

The Eknath Shinde-BJP government in Maharashtra on Monday faced criticism over the sunstroke-linked death of people at a mega award function in Navi Mumbai, held in an open ground under a scorching sun, with the Opposition demanding a probe into organisation of the programme as the toll rose to 13, while eight patients still remained hospitalised.

While the Congress sought registration of a case of culpable homicide and said the government should quit, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) sought a probe into the tragedy.

Tens of thousands of people had gathered in a 306acre ground in the Kharghar area in Raigad district on Sunday for presentation of the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ award to spiritual leader and social reformer Appasaheb Dharmadhikari. The nearest weather station to the spot

had recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.

Eleven people attending the event died due to sunstroke on Sunday, while two patients undergoing treatment succumbed later, taking the toll to 13, officials said on Monday.

The deceased included nine women and four men, while eight people were still undergoing treatment after

suffering from sunstroke at the award function, they said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Kapil Patil were among those present on the occasion. Shinde termed the deaths as “very unfortunate” and said the kin of the deceased will be given a

Nitish makes U-turn on hooch tragedies, announces ex-gratia

PATNA, APR 17 (PTI):

Making a U-turn on paying compensation to the victims of hooch tragedies in dry Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday announced conditional payment of an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those who died after drinking spurious liquor since 2016 when the prohibition policy was launched. The total number of deaths due to spurious alcohol in these seven-odd years is not immediately known, though the opposition BJP claimed it must be in hundreds.

The chief minister’s statement came on a day when the death toll at Motihari in East Cham -

paran district rose to 26, with four more people losing their lives after consuming illicit liquor.

He announced that the ex gratia would be paid to the next of kin of each person who died in different hooch incidents in the state since 2016, if the families follow certain conditions.

“We have decided to provide ex gratia of Rs 4

lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. But, the amount will only be given if their family members say in writing to the district magistrate concerned that the death took place after consuming illicit liquor. They will have to disclose the source from where the alcohol was procured, too,” Kumar told reporters.

He also said the family members will have to declare that they would encourage people to quit drinking liquor and support the prohibition law of the state government. This is a reversal of his earlier stand that the family members of those who died after drinking hooch would be paid no compensation by his government.

Woman with national flag tattoo on face denied entry into Golden Temple

The sewadar, an SGPC employee, who denied her entry, was heard purportedly saying “This is Punjab, not India” when the woman said this was the Indian flag.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ajit Pawar sought an inquiry into how the award event was organised during noon time when the temperature was very high. Pawar visited the MGM Hospital at Kamothe in Navi Mumbai late Sunday night and enquired about the health of people undergoing treatment after suffering from sunstroke.

Talking to reporters, he termed the incident as “most unfortunate” and said the priority was to ensure the patients get well soon. The NCP leader claimed it was a function of the Maharashtra government.

It is a well known fact that during April-May, day temperature are very high. During these days, temperatures hover around 40 degrees Celsius, Pawar said.

“Hence, it needs to be probed as to who had fixed the noon timing for the award function,” the former deputy CM said.

(PTI): Several opposition parties on Monday raised the pitch for a caste-based census in the country and giving reservation according to the population of ST, SC and OBC communities, with the Congress accusing the central government of resisting it while playing politics on the issue.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the underprivileged need economic and political power and not empty words as he again called for removing the 50 per cent ceiling on quota and demanded reservations for Dalits and tribals based on their population.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an up-to-date caste census, saying meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes are incomplete without such data.

Supporting the Congress’ demand, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar said such a

census would be beneficial for all sections of society.

The BJP unit in Bihar had supported a resolution at an all-party meeting convened by Nitish Kumar and later a unanimous resolution was passed in the Bihar Assembly on caste census. However, the BJP’s central leadership is yet to respond to the demand for a socioeconomic and caste census raised now by the Congress and other opposition parties.

“Prime Minister ji, the underprivileged need political and economic power, not empty words,” Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. “Take these three steps: Make the 2011 census figures public, tell how many OBCs are there in the country and re-

move the 50 percent cap on reservations. Give reservation to Dalits, tribals according to their population,” he said. Besides the Congress, JD(U) and the RJD, which are part of the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ alliance in Bihar, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have also been vociferously demanding caste-based census.

Early this month, DMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin lent support to the demand along with other opposition parties during a conference convened by his party on social justice. “There should be a caste census, this is the demand of the whole country. There is a demand in Tamil Nadu, there is a demand in Bihar. Why is the BJP running away?” Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said on Monday. BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, meanwhile, also demanded an increase in the reservation for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

India holds 100th G20 meeting under its presidency

NEW DE LHI, APR 17 (PTI): India celebrated a key milestone in its G20 presidency on Monday with the hosting of the 100th meeting of the grouping, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

It said the 100 G-20 meetings have been held in 41 cities, covering 28 states and union territories of India.

“India’s G20 presidency, in the build-up to the New Delhi leaders’ summit on September 9 and 10, has received immense support from G20 members and guest countries for its inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive agenda,” the MEA said.

“The wide-ranging, large-scale and enthusiastic participation in India’s G20 meetings is a testimony to the G20 members and invitees coming together under India’s presidency to collectively address contemporary global challenges,” it said in a statement.

In a tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “100 meetings in 41 cities; 12000+ delegates from across 111 nationalities. As the world becomes ‘India ready’ the New India is also ‘world ready.’”

the largest ever.

AMRITSAR, APR 17

(IANS): A video has gone viral showing a Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) employee stopping a woman tourist with the national flag

on her face from entering the Golden Temple, also known as the Harmandir Sahib. She claimed that she was denied entry over the tricolour row.

In the 40-second video clip, two people accompanying the woman were heard asking the guard “Is the Golden Temple not in India?” On being asked why the woman was not allowed to enter the holy shrine, he pointed out the flag painted on the woman’s face.

The guard also tried to stop the woman and the man accompanying her from capturing the incident on their phone.

The MEA said more than 12,300 delegates from over 110 nationalities have attended G20-related meetings in India so far. People familiar with the matter said the nationalities included Ukrainians as well. The G20 members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

The Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) in Varanasi is the 100th meeting of the grouping under India’s presidency that began on December 1 last year. The second Health Working Group in Goa, the 2nd Digital Economy Working Group in Hyderabad and the Space Economy Leaders’ Precursor Meeting in Shillong are also being held on Monday, according to the MEA.

It said the “in-person” participation during India’s G20 presidency is among

“Over 12,300 delegates, from over 110 nationalities have attended G20-related meetings so far. This includes participation from G20 members, nine invitee countries and 14 international organizations.

“As on date, the 100 G20 meetings have been held in 41 cities, covering 28 states and union territories. Meetings are being organised across the length and breadth of India with the full support and participation of state governments and union territories,” the MEA said.

It said India will be hosting foreign delegates for over 200 G20-related meetings in around 60 cities across India, the widest geographical spread in any

presidency of the grouping. “All 13 sherpa track working groups, eight finance track workstreams, 11 engagement groups and four initiatives have embarked on substantive interactions,” the MEA said.

A new working group on disaster risk reduction (DRR), a new engagement group “Startup 20” and a new initiative chief science advisers’ roundtable (CSAR) have been operationalised under India’s G20 presidency.

The 11 engagement groups provide a platform for dialogue among the private sector, academia, civil society, youth and women, as well as institutions including the Parliaments, audit authorities and urban administrations.

tattoo painted

Mallikarjun Kharge

Nitish Kumar

Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony in Kharghar, Sunday, April 16, 2023. (PTI)

A woman, left, who was allegedly denied entry to the Golden Temple by a temple staffer, right, in Amritsar. (PTI)

India will work with Russia to resolve trade imbalances

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(IANS): External Affairs

Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said that India will work with Russia to resolve trade imbalances.

Addressing the IndiaRussia business dialogue organised by industry body FICCI, the minister said, “There are understandable concerns about trade imbalance and we need to work with our Russian counterparts to address this imbalance. We should be honest about short and mediumterm challenges. There could be over-compliance.”

He further said that there is a need to motivate business on both sides.

“You can see that there are big changes going on like ‘Make in India’. We are determined to make India a global manufacturing hub. I want to emphasise on the opportunity of ‘Make in India’,” Jaishankar added.

Gold gains Rs 80; silver advances Rs 260

NEW DELHI, APR 17

Hemophilia patients in Nagaland

of imports from India, it’s not enough to use Rupee.

We need to boost trade from India. In this case we are looking at balance, like for example, we have with China - we have 200 billion dollars trade with China and it’s balanced.”

He was commenting on the India-Russia trade and payments issue.

S. Jaishankar

Denis Manturov, Russian deputy prime minister as well as industry and trade minister was also present on the occasion.

“We are discussing the importance of connectivity and the north-south and maritime corridors have been considered. There is also discussion on payment issues like international trade settlement in the Indian rupee,” Jaishankar said further.

Manturov on his part said, “Because of a lack

Meanwhile, Jaishankar in his address further said that India and Russia have historic people-to-people ties.

“Our partnership today is a subject of attention and comment, not because it has changed but because it hasn’t. We share a commitment to a multipolar world. Russia is looking towards Asia and for India, it could mean broadening of ties. What we make of the current situation depends very much on us,” the external affairs minister said.

(PTI): Gold price rose by Rs 80 to Rs 60,660 per 10 gram in the national capital on Monday amid gains in rates of the precious metal internationally, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the yellow metal had settled at Rs 60,580 per 10 gram. Silver also climbed Rs 260 to Rs 76,040 per kg.

“Spot gold price in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 60,660 per 10 gram, up Rs 80 per 10 gram,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas markets, both gold and silver were trading higher at USD 2,009 per ounce and USD 25.55 per ounce, respectively. Gold traded higher in Asian trading hours on Monday. Comex spot gold price is trading up by 0.30 per cent at USD 2,009 per ounce against its previous close, Gandhi said.

Proliferation of roadside and footpath vendors in Dimapur

(From p-1) Recently last Friday, when asked about it, a DAN official admitted that fees were collected but assured that action will be taken within three days.

On Monday, Executive Officer of DAN, Issac Litsase Jongphu and DAN officials

along with Nagaland Post and NorthEast8, inspected the entire stretch including the open spaces Naga Shopping Arcade(Super Market). The DAN officials ordered all vendors at the roadside stretch that they will no longer be permitted to sell any item from April

18 onwards. The same was communicated to those who set up stalls along the road within DAN complex as well as within the corridors from April 18 onwards.

The DAN officials also warned of strict action against any violator(s) such as seizing of items and can-

SC contempt plea against Nagaland on ULB polls; next...

(From p-1)

It had directed the schedule shall not be disturbed now and the election process completed in terms of the schedule.

The petitioners have moved an application before the top court through advocate Satya Mitra against the cancellation of the elections and urged it to take contempt action for “disobeying” the March 14 order.

On Monday, the bench directed that formal notice be issued to the entities described in prayer A of the application, other than

the SEC. It has posted the matter for further hearing on May 1.

Besides seeking quashing of the March 30 notification issued by the SEC cancelling the election programme, the application has also sought setting aside of the Nagaland Municipal (Repeal) Act, 2023.

The SEC had earlier announced elections to the 39 ULBs in the state. Of the 39 ULBs, Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung have municipal councils, while the rest are town councils.

Several Naga tribal

bodies and civil society organisations had opposed the ULB election under the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, asserting it infringes the special rights for Nagaland guaranteed by Article 371-A of the Constitution.

The 2001 Act, which was amended later, made 33 per cent reservation of seats for women mandatory for holding the ULB elections, as directed by the Supreme Court.

ULB elections in the state have been long overdue with the last polls having been held in 2004.

cellation of permits. The CEO Issan Litsase Jongphu also said the vacated area around NSA would be used for parking space.He further appealed the public to cooperate and ensure clear passage for both shoppers and parking of vehicles.

(From p-1) Although it is passed down from parents to children, about 1/3 of cases found have no previous family history) stated Dr Imchen.

He also informed that although there is HSNC in the state , there is no Thalasssemia chapter, and therefore encouraged HSNC to continue to create awareness among the parents and general public. Earlier ,delivering the keynote address and society activities, HSNC general secretary Akala Walling, informed that HSNC was formed in 2019, registered with the state government in 2022. She said HSNC is a non-profit registered society affiliated to Hemophilia

Federation of India (HFI). She lamented that though Hemophilia patients have been identified in Nagaland, some have become disabled due to non-availability of treatment centre and factor VIII injection in Nagaland.

She mentioned that hemophilia being very sensitive and life threatening disease, many state government with centrally sponsored National Health Mission (NHM) have setup centres across the country and providing free treatment and injections to the patients. She also mentioned that the main objective of the society was to approach to the state government for free and medical assistance. The

temporary treatment is the infusion of Anti-Hemophilia (AHF) injections, which are not manufactured in India and hence, needed to be imported from abroad and very expensive. The society along with DHD has been continuously trying to create awareness for the benefit and welfare of the patients, so as to ensure that no patients become disable or become victim of the disease. She expressed the hope that the government would soon take positive steps in this regard. A status of blood bank was delivered by Pathologis DHD, in-charge blood bank DrTemsu. The programme also followed blood donation drive wherein 15 units of blood were collected.

NSSB postpones viva-voce for CSRE 2022; NSF...

(From p-1)

CSU: Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) president Avezo Kevin Kapu and general secretary Pei Kezo said they did not undermine the credibility of NSSB. However, CSU said the standing rules of the board to allocate 12.5% marks in the interview could “invite unfair means to sabotage justice to the deserving candidates.” State government’s failure to heed to the demand, the union cautioned that it would “not shy away from attaining its goals through democratic means under the directives of the Naga Students’ Federation.”

Govt confident of providing petrol blended with 20% ethanol by 2025: Puri

NEW DELHI, APR 17

(IANS): Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday expressed confidence that the government will meet the target of providing petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol by 2025, five years earlier than the deadline of 2030.

Addressing a conference on biofuels, Puri said he was confident that government will be able to supply 20 per cent ethanol blended petrol by next financial year.

RSU: Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) reiterated its resolution adopted at its 4th presidential council meeting of resorting to democratic forms of agitation and also boycott the personal interview of Combined Staff Recruitment Examination, 2022 by NSSB.

In a communiqué, union president Ajo Tsela directed the federating units to extend full support to the federation as and when called for. RSU also requested all union members scheduled to appear for the viva-voce to abstain from doing so. The union declared its fullest support

and cooperation to whatever course of action that the federation would undertake.

ZSUN: Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) has affirmed full support to the NSF demand for reduction of marks in NSSB viva-voce.

In a press release, ZSUN president Aakam Pame cautioned that the union would hold any means of democratic agitation for boycotting the personal interview. ZSUN has also appealed to the aspirants to avoid appearing for the NSSB interview until “viable means” were achieved by NSF.

WAnTed

In February, petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol was rolled out at selective pumps in 11 states, to promote awareness about green fuels.

Corrigendum: Apropos to the news item “Mission Millilitre mega seminar in Dimapur” polished on April 17, the photo caption should be read as “Local entrepreneur, D Ledia Awomi, Ashish Singh Sisodiya and Avindra Paswan”, and not as published.

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MUMBAI, APR 17 (PTI): Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty buckled under selling pressure after nine-session rally on Monday, as massive sell-off in IT, tech and telecom counters unnerved investors. Intense selling in Infosys, which fell over 9 per cent after lowerthan-expected revenue guidance for FY24, and HDFC twins also pulled the benchmarks down. The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 520.25 points or 0.86 per cent to settle at 59,910.75. During the day, it plunged 988.53 points or 1.63 per cent to 59,442.47.

The broader NSE Nifty fell 121.15 points or 0.68 per cent to finish at 17,706.85. “The market responded negatively to the weak start of the earnings season by IT bellwether and their cautious outlook. On the global front, the US 10-year bond yield rose as solid US job data raised concerns over further rate hikes by the Fed. “The earnings reports, primarily from the IT and banking sectors, will influence market trends in the coming days. We expect Nifty50 earnings to grow by 10 per cent in Q4 FY23, driven by banking and finance, auto, telecom, and FMCG,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

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Nawaz Sharif will return soon: Pakistan Minister

ISLAMABAD, APR 17

(PTI): Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will return from London as soon as the electoral preparations for the general elections begin. He also made it clear that elections in the politically crucial Punjab province will not be held on May 14 despite the Supreme Court’s order and “all-out efforts” of the opposition PTI led by Imran Khan.

Myanmar army rulers free 3,000 prisoners

BANGKOK, APR 17

(AP): Myanmar’s military government on Monday granted amnesty to more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the traditional lunar New Year holiday, but it wasn’t immediately clear if those released included the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing army rule. Staterun MRTV television reported that the State Administration Council, the ruling body created by the military after it seized power in 2021, had pardoned 3,113 prisoners, including 98 foreigners who will be deported.

Chinese ntl held in Pak on blasphemy charges

ISLAMABAD/PESHA-

WAR, APR 17 (PTI):

Pakistani police have arrested a Chinese national working at a hydropower project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after local people accused him of blasphemy, police said.

Police said that the Chinese citizen, a manager working at the Dasu Hydropower Project, allegedly made blasphemous remarks on Friday when the workers were going to perform the weekly prayer. He was apparently unhappy with the progress of work at the work site.

US sails warship through Taiwan Strait

TAIPEI, APR 17 (AP):

The United States Navy has sailed a warship through the Taiwan Strait in its first known transit since China carried out an encirclement exercise around self-ruled Taiwan.

The US 7th Fleet said the transit through the strait by the USS Milius on Sunday was routine. The cruisers “transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal State”, the statement said.

2 bodies recovered after Japan chopper crash

TOKYO, APR 17 (AP):

Japan’s military recovered two bodies of the 10 crew members on an army helicopter that sunk to the bottom of the sea after presumably crashing off a southern Japanese island

11 days ago. On Monday, the Japan Ground SelfDefense Force confirmed the deaths of two male crew members recovered by special divers from the 100-meter (330-foot) -deep seabed where they were found with the wreckage and three other crew members. The other five crew members on board at the time of the crash are still missing.

S.Korea, US begin largescale combined air drills

SEOUL, APR 17 (IANS):

South Korea and the US kicked off large-scale combined air drills on Monday, the South’s Air Force said, amid joint efforts to sharpen deterrence against Pyongyang’s military threats. About 110 aircraft and more than 1,400 troops were mobilised for this year’s Korea Flying Training, which got underway earlier in the day for a 12-day run at Gwangju Air Base in Gwangju, 267 km south of Seoul, according to the armed service.

Death toll soars past 180 as generals battle across Sudan

KHARTOUM (SUDAN), APR 17 (AP): As explosions and gunfire thundered outside, Sudanese in the capital Khartoum and other cities huddled in their homes for a third day Monday, while the army and a powerful rival force battled in the streets for control of the country.

More than 180 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted, UN envoy Volker Perthes said. The two sides are using tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons in densely populated areas. Fighter jets swooped overhead and anti-aircraft fire lit up the skies as darkness fell. The toll could be much higher because there are many bodies in the streets around central Khartoum that no one can reach because of the clashes. There has been no official word on how many civilians or combatants have been killed. The doctors’ syndicate earlier put the number of civilian deaths at 97.

French leader Macron aims to calm pension storm

PARIS, APR 17 (AP): French President Emmanuel Macron is aiming to calm public anger that threatens the ambitions of his remaining four years in power with a first televised address to the nation on Monday since he enacted protest-igniting pension reforms.

The evening address kicks off a likely arduous battle for the second-term president to repair the damage done to his public image and legislative plans by forcing through an increase in France’s retirement age from 62 to 64.

Opponents of the unpopular reform called for people to bang pots and pans outside government offices during the address, with the rallying cry: “Macron won’t listen to us? We won’t listen to him!”

Weakened in parliament, where his camp lost its absolute majority in legislative elections last year, Macron’s government needs to reconstruct alliances of lawmakers to push ahead with his legislative programme.

That’s likely to be an uphill task in the uproarious climate of protest sparked by his retirement changes that pick at France’s cherished social safety net.

G-7 diplomats reject Chinese, N. Korean, Russian aggression

KARUIZAWA (JAPAN),

Satellite image shows two burning planes at Khartoum International Airport, Sudan. (AP/PTI)

The sudden explosion of violence over the weekend between the nation’s two top generals, each backed by tens of thousands of fighters, trapped millions of people in their homes or wherever they could find shelter, with supplies running low in many areas. Top diplomats on four continents scrambled to broker a truce, with the U.N. Security Council set to discuss the crisis.

“Gunfire and shelling

are everywhere,” Awadeya Mahmoud Koko, head of a union for thousands of tea vendors and other food workers, said from her home in a southern district of Khartoum. She said a shell stuck a neighbor’s house Sunday, killing at least three people. “We couldn’t take them to a hospital or bury them.”

In central Khartoum, sustained gunfire erupted and white smoke rose near the main military headquar-

ters, a major battle front. Nearby, at least 88 students and staffers have been trapped in the engineering college library at Khartoum University since the start of fighting, one of the students said in a video posted online Monday. One student was killed during clashes outside and another wounded, he said. They do not have food or water, he said, showing a room full of people sleeping on the floor.

Even in a country with a long history of military coups, the scenes of fighting in the capital and its adjoining city Omdurman across the Nile River were unprecedented. The turmoil comes just days before Sudanese were to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

The power struggle pits Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the commander of the armed forces, against Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group.

APR 17 (AP): Top diplomats from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies vowed a tough stance on China’s increasing threats to Taiwan and on North Korea’s unchecked tests of long-range missiles, while building momentum on ways to boost support for Ukraine and punish Russia for its invasion.

Russia’s war in Ukraine consumed much of the agenda Monday for the envoys gathered in this Japanese hot spring resort town for talks meant to pave the way for action by G-7 leaders when they meet next month in Hiroshima.

The world is at “turning point” on the fighting in Ukraine and must “firmly reject unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its threats of the use of nuclear weapons”, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told his colleagues, according to a Japanese summary.

For the American del-

G7 Foreign Ministers at The Prince Karuizawa hotel in Karuizawa, Japan, Monday. (AP/PTI) egation, the meeting comes at a crucial moment in the world’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and efforts to deal with China, two issues that G-7 ministers from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Italy and the European Union regard as potent challenges to the post-World War II rulesbased international order.

A senior US official travelling with Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the Biden administration’s goal for

UK PM Sunak faces probe over wife Akshata’s business interest

PARIS, APR 17 (AP): A French court on Monday acquitted Airbus and Air France of manslaughter charges over the 2009 crash of Flight 447 from Rio to Paris, which killed 228 people and led to lasting changes in aircraft safety measures.

Sobs broke out in the courtroom as the presiding judge read out the decision, a devastating defeat for victims’ families who fought for 13 years to see the case reach court.

The three-judge panel ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence of a direct link between decisions by the companies and the crash. The official investigation found that multiple factors contributed to the disaster, including pilot error and the icing over of external sensors called pitot tubes.

The two-month trial left families wracked with anger and disappointment. Unusually, even state prosecutors argued for acquittal, saying that the proceedings didn’t produce enough proof of criminal wrongdoing by the companies.

Prosecutors laid the responsibility primarily with the pilots, who died in the crash. Airbus lawyers also blamed pilot error, and Air France said the full

reasons for the crash will never be known.

Airbus and Air France had faced potential fines of up to 225,000 euros (USD 219,000) each if convicted. That would have been just a fraction of their annual revenues, but a conviction for the aviation heavyweights could have reverberated through the industry.

While the court didn’t find the companies guilty of criminal wrongdoing, the judges said that Airbus and Air France held civil responsibility for the crash, and ordered them to compensate families of victims. It didn’t provide an overall amount, but scheduled hearings in September to work that out.

Air France has already compensated families of those killed, who came from 33 countries. Families from around the world are among the plaintiffs, including many in Brazil.

The A330-200 plane disappeared from radar in a storm over the Atlantic Ocean on June 1, 2009, with 216 passengers and 12 crew members aboard. It took two years to find the plane and its black box recorders on the ocean floor, at depths of more than 13,000 feet (around 4,000 metres).

LONDON, APR 17 (PTI):

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a watchdog inquiry under his parliamentary declaration of interest obligations related to a Budget policy that could benefit his wife, Akshata Murty, through her business interest in a childcare firm, it emerged on Monday.

The inquiry has been opened by the UK’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, an independent officer of the House of Commons in charge of looking at evidence if individual British members of Parliament are feared to have broken a rule under the ‘Code of Conduct’.

The active inquiries on the watchdog’s list include one opened on Sunak, 42, last Thursday under Paragraph 6 of the rules of conduct, as Downing Street said ministerial interests were “transparently declared”.

“Members must always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its Committees, and in any communications with Ministers, Members, public officials or public office holders,” states Paragraph 6.

LONGSACHUNG BAPTIST CHURCH

75

MOSCOW, APR 17 (AP): A Russian court convicted a top opposition activist of treason on Monday for publicly denouncing Moscow’s war in Ukraine and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. It was the latest move in the Kremlin’s relentless crackdown on anyone who dares to criticise the invasion. Vladimir Kara-Murza, Jr., an activist and journalist who twice survived poisonings he blamed on the Kremlin, has rejected the charges against him as punishment for standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and likened the proceedings to the show trials during the rule of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. Human rights organisations and Western governments denounced the verdict and demanded his release. Amnesty International declared the 41-yearold a prisoner of conscience.

The charges against Kara-Murza, who has been

YRS JUBILEE MEETING CIRCULAR

behind bars since his arrest a year ago, stem from a March 2022 speech to the Arizona House of Representatives in which he denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other speeches abroad. Days after that invasion, the country adopted a law criminalising spreading “false information” about its military.

Authorities have used the law to stifle criticism of what the Kremlin calls “a special military operation.”

The sweeping campaign of repression is unprecedented since the Soviet era, effectively criminalising independent reporting on the conflict and any public criticism of the war.

Last month, a Russian court convicted a father over social media posts critical of the war and sentenced him to two years in prison. His 13-year-old daughter was sent to an orphanage.

This is to inform to all the bonafide members of Longsachung Village that a meeting has been convened on 29th April 2023, 10:00 AM to select 75 th Years Jubilee Committees.

Therefore, all the members are requested to attend the said meeting positively.

P/Board 75th Jubilee P/Board Longsachung B/Church Longsachung B/Church

Office of the GARIPHE BASA VILLAGE COUNCIL Kohima :

Nagaland FELICITATION

With immense pride and joy, the office of the Gariphe Basa Village Council would like to congratulate Shri VIBEILIETUO KETS for being appointed as Special Assistant to Chief Minister, Nagaland.

We also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri NEIPHIU RIO for his goodwill gesture for appointing Shri VIBEILIETUO KETS within his esteem office Ministry tenure.

Further, we wish that Almighty God bestow blessings upon both the leaders with good wisdom and future ahead.

According to the BBC, the inquiry relates to the British Indian leader’s wife’s interest in Koru Kids Ltd, which is likely to benefit from a new pilot scheme announced in the Spring Budget last month to incentivise people to become childminders.

Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys cofounder Narayana Murthy, is listed on the UK’s Companies House register as a shareholder in Koru Kids –

one of six childminder agencies in England listed on the government’s website with contact details.

The Opposition had flagged this fact last month and called for further explanations at a hearing of the Liaison Committee – made up of all House of Commons committee chairs.

Labour MP Catherine McKinnell had asked Sunak if he had any interest to declare in relation to the new childcare policy.

the talks is to shore up support for Ukraine, including a major initiative on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure launched at last year’s G-7 gatherings in Germany, as well as to ensure the continued provision of military assistance to Kyiv. Ramping up punishment against Russia, particularly through economic and financial sanctions that were first threatened by the G-7 in December 2021, before the invasion, will also be a priority, the official said.

Taliban close education centers in S. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, APR 17

(AP): Afghan authorities are closing education centers and institutes supported by non-governmental groups in the south until further notice, officials said Monday. The centers are mostly for girls, who are banned from going to school beyond sixth grade.

The Education Ministry ordered the Taliban heartland provinces of Helmand and Kandahar to close education centers and institutes while a committee reviews their activities. It did not provide an explanation for the closures and a ministry spokesman was not immediately available for comment. Mutawakil Ahmad, a spokesman for the Kandahar education department, confirmed that education centers’ activities are suspended until further notice. “The decision was made after people’s complaints,” said Ahmad, without providing further details.

Gariphema Village Council Expresses Gratitude

Gariphema Village, taking great pride, expresses deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) for taking cognizance and appointing Shri Vibeilietuo Kets to the esteemed position of Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Nagaland.

The Village Council extends its best wishes to Shri Vibeilietuo Kets for success in his new assignment and responsibilities.

K-822/23

Gariphema Village Council

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dated Viswema, 17th April, 2023

Through this column, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who had come and participated in the 75th Celebration of Zheri Mechü Kehou held on 5th April, 2023 at Zheri Methu Kita (Yoho Kita), Viswema. Your presence and blessings had made the occasion a grand success. We would also like to thank everyone who have contributed in cash and kind for the celebration. As we are unable to personally thank each and every one of you individually, it is our prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

(Kikrovi Sakhrie) (Zhoto Naleo ) Convener, Planning Committee, Secretary, Planning Committee

Vladimir Kara-Murza

Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty

Sd/Rev. C. Ramongo, Pastor S. Nchumbemo Ezung Convener Secretary 75th Jubilee

Zheri Mechü Kehou Teicie 75th Nyi, Zheri Mechü Kehou Teicie 75th Nyi, Viswema Viswema

DZIESESIELIE PIELIE KEDUOLIE KELELIE Secretary Chairman Gariphe Basa Village Council Gariphe Basa Village Council

Airbus, Air France acquitted for 2009 Rio-Paris crash Top Kremlin critic convicted of treason, given 25 years

Blackpink, first Korean group to headline Coachella

here. “It’s crazy within the four years we made it from Sahara to main stage a we love you, Coachella.”

As per Female First UK, the group’s epic set went down a storm with the girls getting hot and sweaty in the California Desert and joking that it was because of their fans, who they affectionately call Blinks.

Taylor Swift breaks social media silence

after Joe Alwyn ‘split’

twice with me, we’ve been dreaming about that for so long. So grateful for the memories we’re making on this tour”.

Big B returns to host ‘KBC’ Season 15; registration from April 29

South Korean girls music group Blackpink made history as the first Korean act to headline Coachella.

After the ‘Pink Venom’ hitmakers - comprising Jennie, Jisoo, Rose and Lisa - became the first K-pop girl group to play the world-famous music extravaganza in 2019, they are now officially the first Korean talent to have topped the bill on the main stage at the Empire Polo

Club in Indio, California, reports Female First UK.

Rose told the crowd during their performance:

“So a let me start off with, four years ago we were invited to perform here for you at Coachella at the Sahara tent and that made a mark in all of our hearts. I must say, this is a dream come true a the reason all four of us are here is because of you.”

Jennie added: “We are so so happy to be back

After high-energy performances of fan-favourites including ‘Pretty Savage’ and ‘Kick It’, Rose said: “It is getting absolutely hot. I think it’s because of the Blinks, it’s so hot because of you guys.” The group previously documented their journey to Coachella 2019 on their Netflix documentary, ‘Light Up the Sky’. The film tracks the early stages of their career, right up until their set on the Sahara tent stage.

(IANS)

Singer Taylor Swift has broken her social media silence as she made her first post since reportedly splitting from her long-term partner Joe Alwyn.

The singer-songwriter took to Twitter recently to thank the “unforgettably epic crowds” who attended her three sold out shows in Tampa, Florida, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.

“Still buzzing from those 3 shows in Tampa!!!” Taylor wrote alongside some tour pictures.

She added: “Thank you to the unforgettably epic crowds and to @aaron_dessner for coming out to play

As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, in one snap, Taylor wore a racy black and red bodysuit which left one side of her body bare. She styled her long blonde hair in loose waves and wore her iconic red lipstick. The “Anti-Hero” hitmaker’s latest performances come following her recent breakup news.

“They’ve had rough patches before and always worked things out, so friends thought they would take some time apart but eventually come back together,” a source told People before adding that they “just weren’t right for one another”.

The insider said Joe and Taylor “had plenty in common” and had fallen in love “in a safe bubble”.

“But he didn’t really ‘know’ her yet outside of that bubble,” the source added. (IANS)

Best Exercise for Osteoporosis

It’s never too late to start a bone-healthy exercise program, even if you already have osteoporosis.

You may worry that being active means you’re more likely to fall and break a bone. But the opposite is true. A regular, properly designed exercise program may actually help prevent falls and fractures. That’s because exercise strengthens bones and muscles and improves balance, coordination, and flexibility. That’s key for people with osteoporosis.

Check With Your Doctor

Before you start a new workout routine, check with your doctor and physical therapist. They can tell you what’s safe for your stage of osteoporosis, your fitness level, and your general health.

There is no single exercise plan that’s best for everyone with osteoporosis.

The routine you choose should be unique to you and based on your:

• Fracture risk

• Muscle strength

• Range of motion

• Level of physical activity

• Fitness

• Gait

• Balance Your doctor also will consider any other health problems that have a bearing on your ability to exercise, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

They may refer you to a specially trained physical therapist who can teach you exercises that focus on body mechanics and posture, balance, resistance weights, and other techniques.

Weight-Bearing Exercises for Osteoporosis

Don’t let the name fool you -- these types of work-

outs aren’t about pumping iron. They are exercises you do on your feet so that your bones and muscles have to work against gravity to keep you upright. Your bones react to the weight on them by building themselves up and getting stronger. There are two types of weight-bearing exercise: high-impact and low-impact. High-impact includes workouts like:

• Jogging

• Jumping rope

• Step aerobics

• Tennis or other racquet sports

• Yard work, like pushing a lawnmower or heavy gardening

Moderate impact exercises may include:

• Climbing stairs

• Dancing

• Hiking

But be careful. If your osteoporosis is severe, highimpact weight-bearing exercises may not be safe for you. Talk to your doctor about your workout routine. They may recommend that you focus on low-impact

exercises that are less likely to cause fractures and still build up your bone density. These include:

• Elliptical training machines

• Low-impact aerobics

• Stair-step machines

• Walking (either outside or on a treadmill machine) If you’re new to exercise or haven’t worked out for a while, you should aim to gradually increase the amount you do until you get to 30 minutes of weightbearing exercise per day on most days of the week.

Strengthen Your Muscles Working your muscles matters because it may help prevent fall-related fractures. Functional strength and balance training should be part of your routine.

These workouts can include basic moves such as standing and rising on your toes, lifting your own body weight with exercises like push-ups or squats, and using equipment such as:

• Elastic exercise bands

• Free weights

• Weight machines

Add strength-training exercises to your workouts 2 to 3 days per week.

Non-Impact Exercises These moves don’t directly strengthen your bones. They can, though, improve your coordination and flexibility. That will lower the chance that you’ll fall and break a bone. You can do these every day.

Balance exercises such as Tai Chi can strengthen your leg muscles and help you stay steadier on your feet. Posture exercises can help you work against the “sloping” shoulders that can happen with osteoporosis and lower your chances of spine fractures.

Routines such as yoga and Pilates can improve strength, balance, and flexibility in people with osteoporosis. But some of the moves you do in these programs -- including forward-bending exercises -- can make you more likely to get a fracture.

Bruce Springsteen contracts Covid, misses his archives’ inaugural awards show

rector, broke the news that the Springsteens were both diagnosed with Covid-19 just hours after Springsteen took a final bow Friday night at the Prudential Center, wrapping the first part of his 2023 tour with the E Street Band, reports Variety. “It broke our hearts around 6 a.m. this morning when I got a call that two of the most important people who were supposed to be here, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, unfortunately came down with Covid-19.

If you’re interested in these workouts, talk with your doctor and ask your physical therapist to tell you the moves that are safe and those you should avoid.

Exercise can benefit almost everyone with osteoporosis. But remember it’s only one part of a good treatment plan. Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, stay at a healthy weight, and don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol. You also may need osteoporosis medications to either build or maintain your bone density. Work with your doctor to figure out the best ways to stay healthy and strong.

When Too Much Exercise Can Be Bad for Bones

Some evidence shows that too much exercise can lead to bone problems, too. Intense training can cause hormone imbalances, which can lead to lower bone mass, called osteopenia. This can be a problem for some young female athletes. A balance of exercise and recovery is crucial to keeping osteoporosis at bay.

What Else You Can Do for Bone Health

Exercise can benefit almost everyone with osteoporosis. But remember it’s only one part of a good treatment plan. Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, stay at a healthy weight, and don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol. You also may need osteoporosis medications to either build or maintain your bone density. Work with your doctor to figure out the best ways to stay healthy and strong.

Written by Rick Ansorge

Medically Reviewed by Tyler Wheeler, MD

The popular show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ with megastar Amitabh Bachchan is all set to return with its 15th season. The makers have dropped the promo making an announcement that registration for the show will start from April 29.

In the promo, Big B can be seen sitting on the host’s seat while a woman looks at the map to find a way to reach the hotseat. Finally, she reaches the hotseat by digging into the ground.

She asks Big B to play the game to which he responds, “hotseat par pahuchne ke liye ulool-julool haathkande mat apnaayiye”. He says just pick up the phone as this is the only way with registration starting from 9 p.m. on April 29. “Answer my question and your registration will begin,” says the host. The 14th season had started on August 7, 2022 which marked the celebration of 75 years of Independence.

It was attended by Aamir Khan, sports icons includ-

ing Mary Kom and Sunil Chhetri along with Mithali Madhumita, the first female officer to win the Gallantry Award and Major D.P. Singh, India’s first blade runner. It wrapped up on December 30, 2022.

From Akshay Kumar and Padma Shree D.G. Prakash Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani, and the melodious Shilpa Rao among many others graced the show. The show airs on Sony Entertainment Television. (IANS)

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ ends Broadway run after 35 years

The inaugural American Music Honors awards show - a fundraiser for the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at

Monmouth University - was without two very important presenters in attendance - Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa. Bob Santelli, the Archives’ executive di-

While the news was met with silence in the crowd, host Jon Stewart lightened the mood, joking: “They’re alive. Don’t overreact. You can still see them in concert. They’re home sitting by the fire eating French onion soup.” As per Variety, despite his absence physically, Springsteen was feeling spry enough to tape two

videos presenting awards to Darlene Love and fellow E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt. Stewart joked that Springsteen “with Covid-19 looks better than me,” adding that he appeared “eerily healthy.”

“Aren’t you supposed to have sniffles or something?” he said, quoted by Variety. “We shut down the world for a year and a half.”

Springsteen was supposed to receive a proclamation from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who was in attendance with his wife, Tammy. Murphy, who joked that some in the audience were hoping that he was the one with Covid, unveiled a proclamation declaring September 23, 2023, Springsteen’s birthday, ‘Bruce Springsteen Day’ in the Garden State. “I can’t believe it’s taken this long,” Murphy said. (IANS)

performance of the Phantom of the Opera. (Reuters)

“The Phantom of the Opera” ended a recordbreaking 35-year Broadway run on Sunday when, amid predictions that the show would one day return, teary-eyed cast members took a final bow alongside its original stars.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicated the final Broadway performance to his son Nicholas, who died of gastric cancer last month.

“In the last few months I don’t think... any of us thought that ‘The Phantom’ would go out quite with the bang it has. And so maybe it may come back, you never know...,” Lloyd Webber told a packed audience from the stage after the show.

“It couldn’t have gone out with a better performance.”

MP NOKSHANG ACADEMIC AWARD

P.B.O Yangpi, P.O Tuensang Dist. Tuensang-798612 FELICITATION

Shri. MP Nokshang Chang Academic Award Programme was held on 05/04/2023 at Yangpi Community Hall Tuensang to honour Ms. Rangpenkumla Chang for achieving Gold Medal in Master Degree (Environmental Science) from Nagaland University, Lumami. The Award along with certificate was presented by its Patron Shri. MP Nokshang Chang in the presence of Yangpi Employees’ Union and other dignitaries.

The Yangpi Students’ Union and the Board of Academic Award Committee congratulates Ms. K. Rangpenkumla Chang and wishes her success in all her endeavours. Sd/- Sd/(KHONIMONGKO. B) (T. LOLEN CHANG) Board Chairman Board Secretary Academic Award Committee Academic Award Committee

His production, whose closure date was set last year following a sharp drop in ticket sales, is based on a novel by Gaston Leroux.

It was originally directed by Harold Prince and Broadway legends including Michael Crawford, who was the first to play the Phantom, Sarah Brightman and Judy Kaye have taken lead roles.

Set in the 19th century, it tells the story of aspiring opera singer Christine Daae who is taught by the mysterious Phantom to hone her vocal skills.

However, things take a dark turn when the Phantom chooses Christine as his muse, and she falls in love with arts benefactor Raoul.

A staple of the Broadway world with nearly 14,000 performances since it debuted there in 1988, the show has won over 70 major awards. Brightman, who joined cast members on stage on Sunday, described the production as “a very special piece”.

“Being there at its inception, it was written with a huge amount of love and passion and understanding of the human soul, actually. So, I think this is why people are so connected to it,” she told Reuters on the red carpet.

“I think that people will miss it so much that... it will reopen at some point. That’s my instinct about it.” (Reuters)

SHOZUKHU VILLAGE COUN C IL

Dimapur : Nagaland GRATITUDE

That, we the Shozukhu Village Council would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Jacob Zhimomi Hon'ble Minister, PHED and Co-operation, Government of Nagaland for his immense help and support, financially as well as spiritually for the construction of our Village Gate since the year 2022- till date. With your support, today we have completed the construction of our Village Gate of Shozukhu Village. And also, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your presence on the inauguration of our Village Gate on 15th day of April 2023. We, the Shozukhu Village Council wish and pray for your success in all your future endeavors.

Thank You, Sir!

Pukhavi Achumi K. Vitoshe Ayemi Chairman Secretary Shozukhu Village Shozukhu Village

Cast and crew members take a moment to applause after their final

Super Cup: AFC ends East Bengal’s hopes 1st Test: Jayasuriya bags 5-for as Sri Lanka devastate Ireland

MANJERI

(KERALA),

APR 17 (IANS): David Lalhlansanga struck a late equaliser as East Bengal FC crashed out of the Hero Super Cup following a 2-2 draw against Aizawl FC in a Group B clash at the Payyanad stadium, here on Monday.

Naorem Mahesh Singh and Sumeet Passi put the Red and Golds in front, but two goals from Aizawl FC in quick succession knocked the Kolkata club out of the competition.

With East Bengal FC needing a big win to maintain their chances, head coach Stephen Constantine made several changes to the starting XI. Sumeet Passi, Tuhin Das, and Charalambos Kyriacou were all named on the team sheet for East Bengal.

India international

Naorem Mahesh Singh was the driving force of East Bengal’s attack for the majority of the match and it was he who found the opener in the 17th minute.

Brilliantly played through by Cleiton Silva, Mahesh cut inside the box before crossing the ball to the centre of the area. His cross caught a wicked de-

flection though, ending up in the Aizawl goal.

Moments later, midfielder Mobashir Rahman had a golden opportunity to extend the lead. He received a loose ball just outside the edge of the box but ended up shooting over the crossbar.

East Bengal dominated as the one-way traffic continued. Five minutes after the opener, the Kolkata giants doubled their lead. From a VP Suhair cross, Sumeet

Passi rose highest to head it into an empty net after Aizawl FC goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia got his angles wrong in an attempt to punch the ball clear. At the time, a rout looked in the offing, However, things turned in the favour of Aizawl FC.

Right before halftime though reality struck, when Aizawl pulled one back against the run of play.

Defender Akito Saito ran upfield before releasing a

Shiva Narwal, Neha win air pistol trials

BHOPAL, APR 17 (PTI):

Haryana teenager Shiva Narwal clinched the men’s 10m air pistol selection trial for Indian shooters at the M.P. State Shooting Academy Range here on Monday.

Uttar Pradesh’s Neha emerged triumphant in the women’s event on the penultimate day of the national selection trials for Group A rifle and pistol shooters.

Shiva outgunned Punjab’s Arjun Singh Cheema 17-7 in the gold medal match while Neha overcame Rhythm Sangwan 17-9 in the women’s title-decider.

Shiva also topped the qualification round by posting a score of 582. In the ranking round, he topped yet again with 252.9 after 25 shots. Arjun was second with 252.4 and eventually settled for the same overall spot.

Neha took a tougher route to her victory. She qualified eighth with a score of 573. In-fact the top three were the bottom three in qualifying with Haryana’s Rhythm shooting 573 for seventh place and state-mate Yashaswini Deswal posting a 574 to claim the sixth qualifying spot.

Rhythm then topped the ranking round with a 251.6, way ahead of Neha who followed her to the gold

medal match with a 248.3 as Yashaswini came third with 246.9. In the decider however, Neha managed to turn the tables on Rhythm to come out on top.

Among the juniors, Urva Chaudhary scripted yet another UP win over Haryana taking the women’s 10m air pistol trial with a 16-10 win against Lakshita. The junior men’s final was a nerve-wracking one with Rajasthan’s Amit Sharma putting it across yet another Haryana shooter Samrat Rana 17-15.

through pass to David Lalhlansanga. David made the most of the pass and took a shot from a narrow-angle.

Kamaljit saved the initial attempt but the rebound fell straight to Lalhruaitluanga, who kept his composure to pull one back. Minutes after the restart, Aizawl drew level, David Lalhlansanga conjuring up the equaliser.

Japanese defender Akito Saito’s long ball into the East Bengal penalty box was cleared neatly by Kamaljit.

The keeper had rushed off his line to kick the ball clear and ensure Aizawl didn’t run through, but his clearance fell straight to David 40 yards from the goal. The forward took his shot and it sailed in, to the astonishment of everyone in the stadium.

East Bengal never really recovered from the setback and failed to create a clear-cut chance in the second half.

The result meant East Bengal were knocked out without registering a single win in the competition. Aizawl meanwhile got their first point, much deserved for all the grit they have shown in the tournament.

Mumbai police nab 5 bookies

MUMBAI, APR 17

(IANS): In an unusual swoop, the Mumbai Police on Monday arrested five bookies from the Garware Pavilion inside the Wankhede Stadium where the ongoing IPL’s nail-biting Mumbai Indians versus Kolkata Knight Riders match was played on Sunday.

Following a reliable tip-off, the Chembur Crime Branch Unit VI sleuths lay in wait in and around the stadium and managed to zero in and trap the 5 bookies operating there around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

CCI Billiards: Shah, Sitwala, Advani advance to QFs

MUMBAI, APR 17 (IANS): Former World Champion and India No. 4 Rupesh Shah of Gujarat recovered from a hesitant start and rolled in a 399-point break to brush aside the challenge from Mumbai’s talented youngster Sumer Mago in a pre-quarter-final match of the Rs 10 lakh prize-money CCI Classic Invitation Billiards (time format) Championship 2023 here on Monday.

India No. 2 Dhruv Sitwala of Mumbai got the better of his sparring partner and India No. 5 Siddharth Parikh clinched a close 559455 point victory.

Later in the evening session, the overseas players, Peter Gilchrist of Singapore and Rob Hall of England, comfortably won their respective last 16 matches.

Meanwhile, IBSF World Champion Pankaj Advani, was in full flow and constructed two massive breaks of 395 and 293 to sideline Mumbai’s Vishal Madan 1101-463, while Gujarat’s Dhvaj Haria defeated, Ashok Shandilya 633-561 to advance to the quarterfinals.

GALLE, APR 17 (AP): Sri Lanka declared on 591-6 and deepened Ireland’s distress by reducing the visitor to 117-7 after two days of the first test on Monday.

Prabath Jayasuriya ran through the Irish on a Galle pitch turning more and more by taking 5-42.

Ireland trailed by 474 runs on the first innings.

Jayasuriya played four of his previous five test matches at Galle and took five wickets in an innings four times. The slow leftarmer lacked bite in his early bowling but soon found form.

Ireland, recovering after seamer Vishwa Fernando took two wickets in the second over, was 74-2 when Jayasuriya tempted Harry Tector on 34 to drive a ball that dipped and turned away from the right-hander for a catch in the slips.

Two balls later, Curtis Campher’s attempted drive went to Ramesh Mendis at extra cover. Jayasuriya bowled James McCollum for 35, bagged Peter Moor for 14, and trapped George Dockrell for his fifth five-for.

At stumps, Lorcan

Tucker was on 21 and Andy McBrine on 5.

Sri Lanka resumed the day on 386-4 and Dinesh

Chandimal and Sadeera Samarawickrama became the third and fourth batters in the innings to post centuries.

Ireland removed nightwatchman Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva cheaply to leave Sri Lanka on 408-6.

But Chandimal and Samarawickrama combined for an unbroken 183-run partnership in relatively quick time.

Chandimal picked up from 18 overnight to 102 not

out with 12 boundaries. He reached his 14th test century and fifth in Galle from 152 balls.

Samarawickrama scored his maiden test century in his first test in more than five years. Samarawickrama was 104 not out from 114 deliveries, including 11 boundaries.

Sri Lanka declared about half an hour before tea on its highest total in two years.

The foundation was provided on day one by captain Dimuth Karunaratne (170) and No. 3 Kusal Mendis (140).

India to host Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey

CHENNAI, APR 17 (PTI): India will host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament for the first time from August 3 to 12 in Chennai, with international matches returning to the city after 16 years.

The seventh edition of the prestigious continental event, which was inaugurated in 2011, will serve as a precursor to the Asian Games hockey competition in Hangzhou, China in September.

Lakshay, Aadya ahead in trap: In New Delhi’s Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, venue of the shotgun trials, Asian Games silver medallist Lakshay Sheoran was leading the men’s trap field after day one of qualification, ending with two perfect rounds of 25 for a score of 74. Bakhtyaruddin Malek trailed him on countback but had the same score.

Aadya Tripathi shot the same score in women’s trap to lead that field ahead of Manisha Keer (72) and Pragati Dubey (72).

The bookies confessed to using a mobile betting app and disclosed that they were keeping tabs on each ball being thrown during the match along with other associates elsewhere to make huge profits on placing bets.

The arrested accused are: Ajay Harikishen Baweja, 40, Vivek Maheshchandra Tiwari, 41, Manoj Bhairulalji Naraniwal, 37, Sumitkumar Lalit Dhadda, 44, and Zakiullah Aman Ziaullah Khan, 39.

The police have recovered cash amounting Rs 10,400, five tickets to the stadium matches, one passport, 3 SIM cards, 2 debit cards, a Lucknow-Mumbai flight ticket and nine mobiles, totally valued at Rs 220,000.

Freiburg edge Bremen 2-1 in Bundesliga

BERLIN, APR 17 (IANS):

Freiburg remain in the hunt for a top-four finish after securing a 2-1 comeback victory at Werder Bremen following the curtain closer of the 28th round.

Bremen took the reins from the starting whistle but couldn’t do any damage to Freiburg’s well-positioned defense in the final third. The hosts failed to create clear-cut opportunities for the remainder of the first half, whereas Freiburg came close only once when Vincenzo Grifo unleashed a 30-meter hammer to force Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka into action in the 26th minute, reports Xinhua.

The Werderaner caught a fairy tale start in the second half as Leonardo Bittencourt shrugged off two defenders before finding unmarked Maximilian Philipp, who finished off the counterattack to break the deadlock.

Unimpressed, Freiburg responded with attacks and got rewarded in the 67th minute when Lucas Holer flicked on a goal kick, allowing Roland

Sallai to restore parity and score Freiburg’s 1000th Bundesliga goal.

Freiburg wasn’t done with the scoring and completed its comeback on the road five minutes later as Sallai’s whipped cross into the box found Holer, who headed past Pavlenka to make it 2-1 on the scoreboards.

Bremen pressed for a share of spoils, but Freiburg’s defense stood

firm and extended Werder’s winless run to six games.

“In the end, we were the lucky ones today. Of course, it can end in a draw or Bremen can make it double its advantage, but to win here after being one goal down, kudos. Not everyone can do that,” said Freiburg head coach Christian Streich.

“I am disappointed because overall we played well against a top team.

The accuracy in the final third was missing, especially in the first half. It is very annoying that we lost the game in two actions,” said Werder Bremen head coach Ole Werner. Elsewhere, Union Berlin’s top three finish is in danger as the Eisernen were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Bochum, while Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen played out a goalless stalemate.

Asian hockey powerhouse and three-time champion Pakistan as well as China are yet to confirm their participation in the tournament to be played at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.

Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said hosting of the tournament in the southern metropolis will help in the revival of the sport in the region.

“It is indeed a great pleasure and honour to host the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2023 in Chennai which was once the capital of hockey in South India with many reputed domestic and international events being held here,” the minister said here on Monday.

“I believe hosting the Hero Asian Champions Tro-

phy here will further revive the sport in the region and watching top teams in Asia will also inspire the younger generation to take up hockey as a career.”

Chennai last hosted an international hockey event in 2007 when the Asia Cup was held at Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium where India clinched the title after beating Korea 7-2 in the final.

Organisers said Pakistan and China would confirm their participation by April 25. They said “adequate security would be provided if Pakistan team participates in the event.”

Other teams in the tournament, being held

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(Born : 02nd March, 1965 - Died: 12th April 2023)

We, the bereaved family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us during the prolonged illness and demise of my beloved husband and our father Late. Atsomo Lotha

Our deepest gratitude to all families, friends, relatives, churches, neighbours and everyone who supported us spiritually, physically, morally and financially from the time of his prolonged sickness, till the last moment of his life.

Words are not enough to express our gratefulness. Though we are unable to thank you all personally, we pray that our Almighty bless you all abundantly.

WC-84/23

Loving wife, children and relatives.

under the aegis of Asian Hockey Federation, will be defending champions South Korea, Malaysia and Japan. India have also won the tournament three times (2011, 2016 and joint winner with Pakistan in 2018) while South Korea clinched the last edition title in 2021 in Dhaka.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said the national federation officials have already visited the venue in Chennai and have taken note of the ongoing preparations for the tournament.

“In recent years, Odi-

6th Death anniversary

Lt. D R Angami

Born on : 15/12/1946

Died on : 18/04/2017

Remembering and Honouring a precious soul 6 years after you left for Heavenly abode.

You may not be with us anymore but our love for you will always be.

-Loving Wife, Children and Grandchildren.

DP-1629/23

sha has been the centre of major international hockey tournaments but we are also keen on taking international matches to other states in the country,” he said.

“Tamil Nadu in the past decade has hosted many important Hockey India National Championships across various agegroups. I am sure with the support of all the stake holders, we will have a successful and memorable event.”

He said Hockey India officials have already visited the tournament venue and have taken note of the preparations.

DP-1627/23

Late. Atsomo Lotha

Sumeet Passi scores East Bengal’s second goal against Aizawl FC in the Super Cup at Manjeri on Monday.

Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Ireland’s Curtis Campher.

Udhayanidhi Stalin (4th from L) announced that Chennai will host Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2023 for Men.

Bremen’s Anthony Jung (L) and Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan (R) challenge for the ball

Shiva Narwal Neha

IPL 2023: CSK beat RCB by eight runs

BENGALURU, APR 17

(IANS): Brilliant half-centuries by Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis went in vain as Chennai Super Kings chipped in with timely wickets to prevail over Royal Challengers by eight runs in Match 24 of IPL 2023 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Monday.

Maxwell struck a 36ball 76, smashing three fours and eight sixes while and Du Plessis hammered a 33-ball 62 as they came together for a sensational counter-attacking 126-run partnership for the third wicket that helped Royal Challengers Bangalore recover from 15/2 in the second over to keep on course for a massive chase.

RCB were up against it chasing the highest target of 227 and thanks to the brilliant batsmanship of Maxwell and Du Plessis came close to the target before being restricted to 218/8 in 20 overs, losing by eight runs.

The bats dominated the ball in this Southern Derby as 444 aggregate runs were scored in the match in which Tushar Deshpande of Chennai Super Kings emerged as the best bowler with 3-45 off four overs. In all 33 sixes were hit in two innings combined as the two teams put up a splendid display of big hitting. Though CSK won the match, they were lucky as they dropped around half a dozen catches. However, Ajiankya Rahane saved eight runs at the boundary and that ended up as the difference between the

two teams.

Chasing a massive target of 227, the highest this season so far, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) got off to a poor start as Virat Kohli fell cheaply, dragging on an under edge onto his body and then the stump as he moved away to hit Akash Singh, who came in for Ambati Rayudu as Impact Player, out of the ground. Kohli was out for 6 (4 balls, 1x4).

Maheesh Theekshana dropped a sitter, running back from mid-off of the last ball of the first over as Mahipal Lomror survived a chance. But he was out without troubling the scorer, offering a dolly to Ruturaj Gaikwad at cover-point off Tushar Deshpande.

Skipper Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell set on the repair job with brilliant counter-attacking half-centuries as RCB maintained their chances for a successful chase.

Maxwell smashed two sixes off Akash Singh in the third over, flicked Theekshana for a six over the backward square and bashed a four and six off successive deliveries by fellow Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana in the eighth over. He smacked Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary and then smashed back-to-back fours off Pathirana to complete his fifty in 20 balls.

Du Plessis kept up the scoring rate from the other end as he capitalised on an early drop off a diffi -

Rublev rallies past Rune for first Masters title in Monte Carlo

MONTE CARLO, APR 17 (AGENCIES): Russia’s

Andrey Rublev dug deep to hold off Danish teenager Holger Rune and lift his first Masters 1000 trophy in Monte Carlo on Sunday.

The fifth seed rallied from 4-1 down in the deciding set to defeat sixth-seeded teenager Rune 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 after one hour 34 minutes on the red clay of Court Rainier III. Rublev, 25, claimed the biggest win of his career after losing Masters finals in Monte Carlo and Cincinnati, both in 2021.

“I don’t know what to say. Trailing 1-4, 0/30, then saving break points, thinking there is no chance to win. But somehow I did it,” said the world number six, who blasted down 33 winners on the way to his 13th career title.

Andrey Rublev

“I was hoping deep inside that I would have one chance,” he continued. “Play until the end. I remember the previous finals and when I was losing I thought I’d have no chance and mentally I was going down. But today I thought, ‘Just believe until the end’, and this is what I was trying to do in the third set, hoping I would have an extra chance to come back and what a way to do it.”

Wanted Arjun to have freedom to express himself: Sachin

Deprived of his national flag after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the player from Moscow thanked the crowd for their support.

“Coming from the country where I come from, to receive such international support, it is enormous,” he said. Rune was aiming for his second Masters 1000 title after defeating five Top 10 players en route to the title in Paris last year.

But the 19-year-old conceded he did not have enough time to recover from his thrilling three-set win over Italy’s Jannik Sinner on Saturday.

“I didn’t have any more in me,” he said.

“I was definitely in control in the third set and also I would say mostly in the first set as well but didn’t manage to close it out.

cult chance by Dhoni for a boundary to smash two fours and a six off Deshpande in the fourth over and smacked Akash Singh to a six and four off successive deliveries, whipping, cutting and driving with relish. He brought of the fifty of their partnership with a six over the long-off boundary of Theekshana and went on to complete his half-century off 23 balls.

Maxwell continued his power-hitting at the other end, bashing a couple of sixes as they completed their century partnership in 47 balls, putting up an extraordinary display of shot-making.

Theeksahana made the breakthrough for CSK when he got Maxwell to sky a

length ball sent wide and Dhoni completed an easy catch. Maxwell’s brilliant 76 came off 36 deliveries and was studded with three boundaries and eight maximums.

Faf was dropped by Theekshana off his own bowling in the 11th over but was soon caught by Dhoni as he top-edged Moeen Ali as both set batters got out and CSK roared back into the match as RCB slumped to 159/4 in the 14th over.

Shahbaz Ahmed made 12 off 10 and Dinesh Karthik smashed 28 off 14 balls as CSK continued to chip in with wickets as RCB batters chased the big asking rate.

With 31 runs needed off the last two overs, Suyash Prabhudessai pulled Deshpande over the deep midwicket boundary and then with 19 needed off the final six balls, he struck Pathirana for a six with a reverse scoop on the third delivery but Pathirana had the last laugh as he got Prabhudessasi holing out at deep midwicket as CSK won by eight runs.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 226/6 in 20 overs (Devon Conway 83, Shivam Dube 52, Ajinkya Rahane 37; Wanindu Hasaranga 1-21) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 218/8 in 20 overs (Glenn Maxwell 76, Faf du Plessis 62, Dinesh Karthik 28; Tushar Deshpande 3-45, Matheesha Pathirana 2-42) by 8 runs.

Boston Marathon sweep for Kenya, but not favourite Kipchoge

BOSTON, APR 17 (AP):

Defending champion Evans Chebet of Kenya won the Boston Marathon again on Monday, surging to the front at Heartbreak Hill to spoil the much-anticipated debut of world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and win in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 54 seconds.

Hellen Obiri, a twotime Olympic silver medalist in the 5,000 meters, won the women’s race in a sprint down Boylston Street to finish in an unofficial 2:21:38 and complete the Kenyan sweep. Chebet, 2021 winner Benson Kipruto of Kenya and Gabriel Geay of Tanzania dropped Kipchoge from the lead pack around Mile 20 and then ran together for the last three miles. Geay won a footrace for second, 10 seconds behind the winner and 2 seconds ahead of Kipruto.

Kipchoge, a 12-time major marathon winner, was sixth. Scott Fauble was the top American, finishing seventh.

Kipchoge had been hoping to add a Boston Marathon victory to his unprecedented running resume. The 38-year-old has won two Olympic gold medals and four of the six major marathons; Boston is the only one he has competed in and failed to win. (He has never run New York.)

He also broke 2 hours in an exhibition in a Vienna park.

Fighting a trace of a headwind and rain that dampened the roads, Kipchoge ran in the lead pack from the start in Hopkinton until the series of climbs collectively known as Heartbreak Hill. But to the surprise of the fans lined up along Boylston Street for the final sprit, he wasn’t among the three leaders.

Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men’s wheelchair race in a course record time – his sixth victory here – and American Susannah Scaroni won her first Boston title despite having to stop early in the race to tighten her wheel.

For the first time, the race also includes a nonbinary division, with 27 athletes registered.

A dozen former champions and participants from 120 countries and all 50 states were in the field of 30,000 running 10 years after the finish line bombing that killed three people and wounded hundreds more.

The race also included 264 members of the One Fund community — those injured by the attack, their friends and family and charities associated with them.

The city marked the anniversary in a ceremony on Saturday.

A robotic dog named Stompy belonging to the Department of Homeland Security patrolled the start line before the race began, trailed by photographers capturing the peculiar sight. Officials said there were no known threats.

At 6 a.m., race director Dave McGillivray sent out a group of about 20 from the Massachusetts National Guard that hikes the course annually. Capt. Kanwar Singh, 33, of Malden, Massachusetts, said it’s a special day.

“Ten years ago, the city came to a halt. It’s an incredibly strong comeback, as a group together,” he said. “I tell people, never bet against Bostonians.”

World Boxing C’ship: Indian men’s team leaves for Tashkent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 17

(PTI): A 19-member Indian men’s boxing team on Monday left for Tashkent to take part in a multi-nation training camp ahead of the World Championship scheduled to be held from April 30 to May 14.

Six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa and 2019 Asian Championships silver medallist Deepak Bhoria will headline the Indian squad for the showpiece event.

The gold medallists will walk away with a prize money of USD 200,000. The silver medallists will to be given USD 100,000, and both bronze-medallists will be awarded USD 50,000 each.

There are 13 men, who will be taking part in the marquee event. However another six boxers have been added for the ‘Multi-

Nation Training Camp’, which includes 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal. The Tashkent Championships have already seen a registration of around 640 boxers from 104 countries, including seven defending World Champions like So-

fiane Oumiha from France, Japan’s Tomoya Tsuboi and Sewonrets Okazawa, Loren Alfonso from Azerbaijan, Saken Bibossinov from Kazakhstan and Cuba’s Yoenlis Hernandez Martinez and Julio La Cruz.

In six weight categories -- 51kg, 57kg, 63.5kg, 71kg,

80kg and 92kg, two Indian boxers each will participate in the training camp as reserve boxers are also accompanying the main team.

Indian squad for the world championships: Govind Sahani (48kg), Deepak Bhoria (51kg), Sachin Siwach (54kg), Moham -

mad Hussamuddin (57kg), Varinder Singh (60kg), Shiva Thapa (63.5kg), Akash Sangwan (67kg), Nishant Dev (71kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg), Ashish Chaudhary (80kg), Harsh Choudhary (86kg), Naveen Kumar (92kg) and Narender Berwal (92+kg).

Indian squad for training camp: Govind Sahani (48kg), Deepak Bhoria (51kg), Amit Panghal (51kg), Sachin Siwach (54kg), Mohammad Hussamuddin (57kg), Sachin (57kg), Varinder Singh (60kg), Shiva Thapa (63.5kg), Vanshaj (63.5kg), Akash Sangwan (67kg), Nishant Dev (71kg), Hemant Yadav (71kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg), Ashish Chaudhary (80kg), Sanjay (80kg), Harsh Choudhary (86kg), Naveen Kumar (92kg), Sanjeet (92kg) and Narender Berwal (92+kg).

MUMBAI, APR 17 (PTI):

Sachin Tendulkar sat in the dressing room instead of team dug-out as he didn’t want son Arjun to deviate from his plans on his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders. The 23-year-old left-arm seamer had figures of 0 for 17 in 2 overs with six dot balls after stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav handed him the new ball on Sunday.

“It was a great moment. A special one to play for the team that I supported since 2008 and it was nice to get the cap from captain of MI and Indian team,” Arjun, who plays first-class cricket for Goa, told IPLT20.com.

For the legendary father, it was the first time that he watched his son play a

competitive game.

“This was a new experience for me because till now I have not actually gone and watched him play. I wanted him to have the freedom to go out and express himself, and do whatever he wanted to,” Tendulkar said after Mumbai Indians’ seven-wicket win against KKR on Sunday.

“Today, also I sat in dressing room as I didn’t want him (Arjun) to move away from his plans and start looking at mega screen and suddenly realise that I am watching him, so I was inside.”

For the father, it was an emotional journey as he recollected his 16-year association with the franchise -- six years as player and last 10 as a ‘Mentor’.

CSK bowler Akash Singh celebrates with teammates after the wicket of RCB batter Virat Kohli at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (PTI)

Evans Chebet of Kenya breaks the tape to win the 127th Boston Marathon in Boston on Monday. (AP)

Indian Men’s Boxing contingent left for Tashkent; to participate in Multi Nation training camp ahead of the World Championships.

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar with his son at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai, Sunday. (PTI)