25 April 2023

Nagaland Post

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Process to repatriate human remains of Nagas from UK museum underway

KOHIMA, APR 24 (PTI):

The process to repatriate the human remains of Nagas from a museum in the United Kingdom is underway, with a collective at the helm of the initiative.

The Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) in Oxford, which houses 213 human remains of Nagas among other artefacts from across the globe, had in 2020 announced it would remove the human remains and other “insensitive exhibits” from the display.

Coming to know of it, an Australia-based Naga anthropologist, Dolly Konyak, roped in a fellow Naga social scientist, Dr Arkotong Longkumer, who is based in Edinburgh in Scotland, and approached PRM director Laura Van Broekhoven, who in turn urged Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR)

CM urges citizens to consider energy conservation

DIMAPUR, APR 24

(NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to all citizens to consider the importance of energy conservation.

In a message on the occasion of Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav (SAKSHAM), 2023 being held across the country from April 24 to 8 May by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, he called for developing a culture of preference for various renewable non-petroleum energy sources and adopt, popularise and use greener and cleaner forms of power in national interest.

He said India was the third largest energy consumer in the world and, with the energy demand ever increasing, the demand was projected to double by 2040. Accordingly, a major portion of budgetary allocation by necessity had to be diverted from developmental programmes to defray the import cost of petroleum.

He mentioned that conservation of petroleum resources, consequently, became the first step for sustainable development of the country. Hence, he stressed that it was vital that each and every petroleum consuming citizen of the country learned to conserve petroleum and turn to renewable energy to effectively contribute towards building a new and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

IPL: Delhi Capitals pip hapless SRH by 7 runs

PBUD to continue with shop closure

Staff Reporter

kumer and some other members of the Naga society, formed a Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team in 2020 for the repatriation process.

“We have learnt that the human remains were taken under duress and not given due ritual of burial or treated with dignity. They were taken for infotainment or research purposes which are against our values and belief,” Jamir told PTI.

Nagaland medical college gets

NMC nod for 100 MBBS seats

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Even as closure of all the pork butcher shops in Dimapur began on Monday, Pork Butchers Union Dimapur (PBUD) affirmed that closure would continue till the issue was addressed. PBUD decided to close butcher shops in protest against the Assam government ban on transportation of pigs through the state of Assam.

PBUD president Shikato

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR)

Phriebagie, Kohima, has received the Letter of Permission (LoP) from the Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) of National Medical Commission (NMC) on Monday for 100 MBBS seats for the academic year 2023-24.

to be the facilitator in the repatriation process.

FNR has been playing an active role in reconciliation among various Naga factions that have been holding peace talks with the Centre.

These human remains were taken from Nagaland and other Naga-inhabited areas in the region by the British more than a century

ago for exhibition of the colonised people and the repatriation is part of the “decolonisation” process.

FNR convenor Wati

Aier said the organisation is working as a facilitator in the process, which is in the initial stage.

Ellen Konyak Jamir, a member of FNR, said the forum, along with Dolly Kikon and Arkatong Long-

“The actual repatriation process has not yet begun but the process has been initiated and it may take some time as it is an international issue. We have a lot of work to do,” she said.

Jamir said the RRaD team has conducted interviews with scholars, elders and tribal organisations and generated awareness on the issue.

T Swu told Nagaland Post that the union has decided to urge the authorities to take up the issue with Assam counterpart and explain on what basis ban was imposed.

In this regard, he said the union would also be submitting a memorandum to chief veterinary officer Dimapur.

Stating that wholesalers were selling “Assam local” pigs at high rate, Swu said the union would ban import of “Assam local” until pig supplies from other states were allowed.

ED crackdown on crypto app dealing; seizes `91.6 cr Caselodgedon basisofanFIRby CyberCPS,Kohima

NEW DELHI, APR 24

(IANS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently conducted searches against the offices of an app which dealt into cryptocurrencies and seized Rs.91.6 crore lying in various Payment Gateways/accounts.

The search was carried out on April 21 at three bank/payment gateways premises in respect of the accounts held by the entities controlled by Bhupesh

Arora and his associates in connection with an investigation relating to the misuse of App-based token named “HPZ” and other similar applications by several entities.

ED lodged the case on the basis of an FIR registered by Cyber Crime Police Station, Kohima, Nagaland, under various sections of IPC against HPZ token and others.

“The HPZ Token was an App-Based Token which promised users of large gains against investment by investing in mining machines for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Investigation unearthed larger conspiracy and involvement of various entities in money laundering,” said the official.

ED investigation revealed that Lillian Technocab Pvt. Ltd and Shigoo Technology Private Limited were involved in the operating and collecting money from investors in the name of HPZ token.

Bhupesh Arora and his associates had control over

Japanese ambassador on 2-day visit to Nagaland

War Cemetery, Kohima Cathedral etc.

He also interacted with members involved with colleting bones of World War II Japanese soldiers buried in and around Kohima.

Shigoo Technology Private limited and he was indulged in operating unregistered gaming Apps/website in this company and various other entities and was collecting money fraudulently from the gullible public in the garb of these Apps/ website.

“During the searches, the total amount of Rs. 91.6 Crore was found lying-in various Bank accounts/ Merchant Accounts maintained with Banks/Payment Gateways of the entities involved in money laundering and the same was freezed. Total freezing in this case is now Rs. 178 Crore,” said the official.

Push for Oppn unity ahead of 2024 polls

This was contained in a letter addressed to the dean/principal of NIMSR from member/president of MARB. In the letter the member/president MARB stated “I am directed to refer your application for starting of new medical college at Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Phirebagie, Kohima under Nagaland University, Kohima with annual intake of 100 MBBS seats u/s 26(1) (a)(b) and 28(1)(2) of the NMC Act, 2019 for the academic year 2023-2024.”

According to MARB, permission for starting the MBBS course and admission of students would be for such time the first batch of students admitted against the above course appear for the final examination in the subject. The MARB also di -

rected college authorities to take up the matter for recognition of the qualification under section 35(2) of the NC Act at the time of first batch admitted against the sanctioned intake of 100 MBBS seats appear the final examination with National Medical Commission.

This LoP was also confirmed by commissioner and secretary Health & Family Welfare and NIMSR executive committee chairman Y Kikheto Sema. In a release Kikheto termed the LoP as realisation of a “great moment for the people of Nagaland, as aspiration of the people and commitment of the government.

Kikheto also thanked the MARB and NMC for the prompt action in granting LoP within a week of permitting Letter of Intent

(LOI). He said this reflected their sincerity towards Nagaland. He also thanked chief minister Neiphiu Rio and chief secretary J Alam for their sincere guidance and support to make the dream come true.

Kikheto also expressed gratitude to H&FW minister P Paiwang Konyak for leading the department in fulfilling the requirement of the NMC in a short period after assuming the office.

He also expressed gratefulness to all officers and staff of the H&FW department led by principal director Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachu as well as staff of NIMSR led by directorcum-dean Prof Dr Soumya Chakraboty for their unrelenting efforts in establishing the medical college.

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Japan’s ambassador to India, Hiroshi Suzuki on Sunday arrived Nagaland on a two-day visit.

Suzuki, accompanied

by a team of counsellors from the Embassy, visited various historical places in and around Kohima including Heritage Village Kisama, World War Museum,

Taking to twitter, Suzuki said: “Visited Nagaland for the first time. I had a fabulous lunch with 3 ladies from the Kohima Japanese Bone Collecting Team. They have been contributing to the Japanese bone collect mission for decades. I very much enjoyed local delicacies of Nagaland.”

“Their episode of friendship with Japanese veterans and their family touched my heart,” he said.

NEW DELHI, APR 24 (PTI): Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar Monday jetted across the country for a flurry of meetings– with his Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, as well as Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh- in a bid to rekindle JP’s “total revolution” by cobbling together a coalition of opposition parties.

The meetings come within 12 days of Kumar holding talks with Congress and signals emanating from Monday’ meetings indicate that both the regional satraps are willing to give up their apathy towards Congress and agree to a rainbow coalition.

India’s population to surpass China this week:

UNITED NATIONS, APR 24 (AFP): India will overtake China as the world’s most populous country in the coming week, hitting almost 1.43 billion people, the United Nations said Monday.

“By the end of this month, India’s population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people, matching and then surpassing the population of mainland China,” the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said.

Last week the UN’s annual State of World Population report had said the milestone would come by midyear 2023.

India is topping China due to both rapid growth in

its own population and a decline in China’s after hitting 1.426 billion last year.

Regarded as the world’s most heavily populated country since the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century CE, China is expected to decline steadily to around one billion people by the end of this century, according to UN projections.

China’s fall is heavily tied to decades of maintaining a strict one-child policy for married couples, which ended in 2016.

In addition, its falling birth rates are also attributed to the rising cost of living and the growing number of Chinese women going into

UN

the workforce and seeking higher education.

Meanwhile, India’s population “is virtually certain” to continue to grow in the coming decades, according to the United Nations.

Last year, China’s fertility rate fell to one of the lower levels in the world at 1.2 births per woman.

For India, which has taken much longer than China to get population growth under control, the fertility rate was 2.0 births per woman, just below the 2.1 replacement level.

“India’s lower human capital investment and slower economic growth during the 1970s and 1980s contrib-

uted to a more gradual fertility decline than in China,” the UN said.

Both countries must confront rapidly ageing populations, China more so than India.

India faces huge challenges providing electricity, food and housing for its growing population, with many of its massive cities already struggling with water shortages, air and water pollution, and packed slums.

Surpassing China shines a spotlight on the challenge facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide jobs for the millions of young people entering the job market every year.

Sudanese seek refuge from fighting as foreigners are being airlifted out

Some of the collections from Nagaland inside Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. (Video grab RRaD)

(3rd from L) Hiroshi Suzuki during his visit to Kohima. (Twitter)

An aerial view of NIMSR campus Phriebagie, Kohima.

ANPSA Pfutsero holds ‘cultural meet’

tion was bagged by Baptist School, Pfutsero followed by Nazareth School, Pfutsero and Baptist Mission School, Phusachodu in second and third positions.

Advisor Nyuthe holds coordination meeting

DIMAPUR: Advisor, NRE & NSDMA, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe held a coordination meeting with all heads of offices under the Meluri Sub division on April 24.

DIMAPUR: All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA) Pfutsero SubDivision organised “cultural meet” under the theme: “Shaping Minds with Cultural Values” at Nazareth School, Pfutsero on April 21. The event was graced by Asst. District Manager, NSRLM, RD department Phek, Zhalie Puro.

In his brief message, Zhalie informed the gathering about the rich Naga culture, including organic

SSC Teachers Association holds medical check up

DIMAPUR: Sao Chang College (SSC) Teachers

Association organized medical health check-up for residents of Sakshi 3rd NAP sector, Tuensang, on April 22, with assistance from office of Chief Medical Officer, Tuensang.

A press release by SCC through its media cell stated that medical team was led by ENT, Dr. L Chensangba, Medical Officer, Dr. Wealle Loyem and medical attendants, where free medicines were distributed to patients.

The release added that the health check-up was organized as part of extension service to local community as well as to maintain a robust and healthy relation with residents of the locality.

NEWS IN BRIEF

WSYF meeting: Western Sumi Youth Front has convened a meeting on April 26, at 11 am, at WSH office Chekiye village, to discuss for the upcoming general conference to be held on June. All office bearers and executive members have been informed to attend the meeting without fail, as no complaint will be entertained later.

F&RMCA meeting: Forest & Raw Materials Contractors’ Association Tuli (F&RMCA) has informed all members that the 40th Annual General meeting has been scheduled to be held on April 28, 10 am, at F&RMCA Conference hall, Tuliyong Ward, Tuli Town. All members have been informed to attend the meeting positively.

SJU hosts ‘Econovanza’ fest: A one-day fest “Econovanza” was organized by Economics Association, Department of Economics, St. Joseph University (SJU) on April 21 at SJU auditorium. In a press release the university stated that the event was graced by Dean of Academic St Joseph University, Dr. Kinitoli H Yeptho as chief guest.

NSCPCR chairman takes charge: State Commission for Project of Child Right Government of Nagaland has notified that Alun Hangsing, NCS Retd. has taken over the charge of the chairman, Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) w.e.f March 1, 2023. In this regard, all correspondence and matters relating to Child Rights can be addressed to the chairman, NSCPCR.

food and drinks, traditional agricultural practices and dignity of labour.

He advised the members present to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas. He also encouraged the association to organise more such events in the future.

A total of 16 schools participated in folk song quartet competition and nine schools in the drama competition based on the Naga folktale, “The Legend

of Sopfunuo”. The judges for the drama competition were: Diezeno Tase Asst. Prof. PGC, Neitele Mero Asst. Prof. BTC and Dr. Aneile Puro Associate Prof. DIET. The judges for Quartet were Shuduzo Curhah, Wekhroü Ritse and Vehüsülü Rose.

The results of the competition was declared by headmaster, Eastern Mission High School,Chizami, Vikholie Venuh. In drama competition- the first posi-

In quartet competition, the winners were: Baptist School, Pfutsero (1st), Union Christian School, Pfutsero (2nd) and Solomon Christian School, Middle Khomi (3rd). On the occasion, the best actor award both male and female were also presented to Kosoho of Baptist School, Pfutsero (male) and Sopfunuo of Eastern Mission High School, Chizami (female).

Earlier, the programme commenced with an invocation by principal, Nazareth School, Fr. Lancy Santosh D’Costa and welcome address by president ANPSA Pfutsero Sub-Division, Thepuhu Thira. The Hill Brothers Band performed their original song “Tüce Küsa”.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A DIPR report stated that, Nyuthe while addressing the meeting called upon the heads of government offices to fulfill their responsibilities by performing their duties with utmost sincerity. He also appealed

GOVERNOR MESSAGE

to the officers to be available in their respective posting places and urged all the officers-in-charge to coordinate with one another.

Earlier, ADC Meluri Albert Ezung delivered the welcome address where he highlighted some of the department grievances under Meluri Subdivision. The meeting was also attended by representative of Pochury Mothers’ Association.

I am pleased that World Malaria Day is being observed in Nagaland on 25th April 2023 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of Malaria and to step up efforts to combat and eliminate Malaria globally.

The country has reached a critical juncture in the fight against malaria and in recent years the worldwide campaign against malaria has both picked up momentum and produced impressive results. In continuation of this momentum, global leaders at the UN General Assembly pledged to eliminate malaria epidemic completely by 2030 as a part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, it is critical that we redouble our efforts to achieve this goal.

I would like to congratulate the Government of Nagaland for its progressive efforts towards the elimination of malaria. Mention may be made that Nagaland is the top contender in elimination of malaria from among the north eastern states. It is reported that the state has achieved the highest decline in cases of new infections compared to other north eastern India states.

A sense of urgency is a must to continue the momentum towards malaria elimination goal. Early diagnosis of the problems and speedy corrections are imperative coupled with real-time monitoring and efficient redressals of programmatic bottlenecks are essential if elimination is to succeed.

Late Ms. Angukali Aye

16.01.1985 – 20.04.2023

“If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” Romans 14:18

We the bereaved family members of Late Ms. Angukali Aye would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends, neighbours, and well-wishers for their generous and kind support throughout our hard time till the end of her earthly journey. We would specially like to convey our special gratitude to:

1. Dr. George Thira, Senior Medical Officer, and Dr Neilasakou, District Hospital Dimapur (DHD)

2. Nurses and Staff of ICU, DHD

3. Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church (DSBC)

4. Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, Niu/Vety Fellowship

5. Women Ministry Niu/Vet

6. Veterinary Sumi Totimi Loka (VSTL)

7. Veterinary Colony Sumi Council (VCSC)

8. Veterinary Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (VSKK)

Malaria elimination, though an ambitious target, is possible and achievable in our state. We will make it a success by working together with renewed commitment.

CHIEF MINISTER MESSAGE

9. Children Ministry, Niu/Vety Colony

10. Jukchho Sutsa , Niu/Vety Colony

11. Living Prayer Centre (LPC)

12. Tichipami Community Dimapur (TCD)

13. Yehokhu Ghami Baptist Akukuhou (YGBA)

14. Member of ex-YMCM, Niu/ Vety Colony

15. Burma Police Colony Fellowship (BPCF)

16. United North Block ‘B’ Fellowship (UNB-B)

17. GB Hokuto Zhimomi, Veterinary Colony

Though we the bereaved family members are unable to thank you all individually, yet your prayers, physical and financial supports during our time of grief would always be remembered and we pray to our Almighty God to Bless you all abundantly.

DP-1769/23

-Family Members

On this day, the 25th of April, I would like to draw your attention to World Malaria Day, which is observed globally. The purpose of this day is to raise public awareness about Malaria and to provide inspiration to the global community and all affected countries that are working to root out this deadly disease & improve the health and livelihood of their people.”

The Government of India and the state of Nagaland through the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) has taken the onus of making India Malaria free by 2030. This year’s theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement” , is particularly important in the context of our state and country, as we are working to eliminate malaria nationally and to contribute to improved health, quality of life and alleviation of poverty

I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate health care workers for their tireless work in providing free diagnosis and treatment to Malaria positive patients. I would also like to felicitate our fellow citizens who have taken up the fight against Malaria. The state government will give further momentum to ensure that the gains in this regard are sustained despite of many challenges, and the march towards malaria elimination does not slow down. “With active community participation and sound inter-sectoral coordination, will be able to achieve its malaria elimination target by 2030”.

Let us come together on this World Malaria Day and continue our fight against Malaria to achieve a healthier and brighter future.

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE MINISTER MESSAGE

Every year, World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 to create global awareness of the disease named malaria. It is observed to raise awareness of the global effort to control and ultimately eliminate malaria. World Malaria Day is observed to recognize the existence of malaria in countries worldwide and to bring greater awareness to the global fight against the disease.

Malaria has a devastating impact on families, communities and societies. It is preventable as well as a treatable disease and has created problems for the health and livelihood of people across the world. Malaria has been a major public health problem and despite several challenges, the state has made great strides in the past few decades towards eliminating malaria. Ending Malaria remains a top government priority of the state.

On this World Malaria Day, let us take inspiration from our successes. With commitment and resources, we can eliminate malaria and achieve all our development objectives. We should all learn ways to keep ourselves and others safe from malaria. Let us pledge to come forward and work together to achieve a malaria free country by 2030.

ANPSA members, judges, teachers and students at the ‘cultural meet’.

Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe and others after the meeting.

Q.:

CPO celebrates Tsukhenyie

Conservation of energy everybody’s responsibility: Dir. F&CS

Staff Re porter DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Director, Food & Civil Supply (FCS), V Lovitoly Sema on Monday said it was the moral responsibility of everyone to contribute towards energy conservation and that every citizens should find a way to conserve energy.

DIMAPUR: Chakhesang

Public Organisation (CPO) in collaboration with the department of Tourism celebrated Tsukhenyie festival (Chakhesang tribal festival) at Pfutseromi village on April 24.

A DIPR report stated that the festival was graced by minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along as special guest.

Extending greetings, the minister thanked the CPO and Pfutseromi village and said that Chakhesang people were regarded for their hospitality, honesty, and hard-working.

He said the festival was a time to celebrate and enjoy and called upon the people present to learn

about the culture and take back the memories to their respective places and states.

Wepretso Mero NCS

Rtd. highlighted the brief history of Tsehkenyie celebrated by Chakhesang tribe after successful harvest year and a time for rejoice and rejuvenate.

Greeting message was delivered by Deputy Commissioner Phek, Kumar Ramnikant.

The programme was chaired by Medozii Mero, and Wenyi Kapfo invoked God’s blessings. Tshiipelo Medo blew a trumpet which signifies the onset of the festival and CPO president, Veziihu Keyho released Tsukhenyie balloons.

A folk tune was presented by the Chakhesang Cultural Organisation and Ngulo Lomi the seniormost citizen (106 years) gave the traditional blessings.

The chief host of the festival was Dr. Neisatuo Mero, MLA, leader of the NPF Party Kuzholuzo Nienu MLA was the cultural guest and advisor CAWD & Taxes, Keducho Khamo as the guest of honour. Kevipodi Sophie, MLA and government officials and public leaders also attended the celebration.

Later, the special guest along with a host of MLAs and government officials visited the stall set up by various departments and villagers.

Sema said this while addressing a gathering at the inaugural programme of SAKSHAM-2023, at Meeting Hall, Faith Services, Chümoukedima. She said the inauguration of SAKSHAM-2023 in the state was necessary, as the need of the hour was for sustainability.

On energy conservation, she pointed that India has not been able to produce enough crude oil, pointing out that nearly 82% of crude oil was depended on import from other countries.

She therefore requested the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to reach out to the masses, and urged the citizens to inculcate various habits on the awareness disseminated by the agency.

Delivering a short message, CGM (LPG), Indian Oil AODSO Guwahati, DP Vidyarthi, said that India was the third

TSU, TGPU (C) condemn alleged physical assault

DIMAPUR: Tseminyu Students’ Union (TSU) and Tesophenyu Group Public Union (TGPU) Central have vehemently condemned the alleged “inhumane, physical assault” and an attempted to “murder” Yhuntilo Kent on April 18 night at Tseminyu Town by unidentified miscreants.

TSU president, Shyeruhun Tep in a condemnation note expressed anguish on the “barbaric act” by some antisocial elements to one of its senior leader and member Yhuntilo Kent.

Tep said that the incident which took place near the educational institutions filled with students have

caused trauma and fear psychosis in the young minds. Maintaining that Tseminyu Town was known for its peaceful co- existence and stability, the union said such act of inhumane and barbarism should be condemned by all the right thinking people as it was a threat to all the peace loving people in the town and beyond. The union therefore appealed to the law enforcing agencies to immediately arrest and punish the unwanted antisocial elements so that peace and normalcy return to Tseminyu town.

TGPU: In a condemnation note, TGPU president, Phanishe Chung and

vice president, Kenneth Woch said that such act of blatant cruelty cannot be tolerated and warned that those involved in the crime should not try to escape but admit their crime in the interest of all.

The union also appealed to the law enforcing agency to apprehend the culprit at the earliest and award punishment so that the victim gets justice.

Meanwhile, the union also strongly condemned the “barbaric act by a group of Tseminyu youth for looting cash, vandalising the house and property” of Velhoulie Magh of Tesophenyu village at Tseminyu town on April

19 on the “ground of suspicion” that some of his family members or acquaintances have committed physical assault on Yhuntilo Kent.

TGPU said that the “violent action and high handiness” by a group of Tseminyu youth was crime and deserved to be condemned. The union expressed dismay on the inaction of the law enforcing agency and for remaining mute spectator and “allowing the group of youth to perform all kinds of crime in their presence”.

TGPU said that after the April 18 night incident, the law enforcing agency imposed 144CrPC on April

19 morning from 6 am. However, the union alleged that the youths were allowed to gather leading to vandalism. The union said that the incident could have been averted had the security personnel acted as per 144 CrPC imposed.

Therefore, the union has also condemned the action of the law enforcing agency and appealed to the concerned authority to investigate the matter and take disciplinary action against erring officers and personnel. The union also demanded that the youths involved in the crime be apprehended as they cannot take law into their hand.

Noklak farmers trained on pest management

DIMAPUR: Department of Agriculture, Noklak organized a training on Integrated Pest Management at Wonthoi Village on April 24. The resource persons of the training were Mongyon (A.F.A) and Cholen (A.O).

District Agriculture Officer, Noklak, Dr. Lanunochetla informed that at the training programme,

SBI Mon branch organises menstrual hygiene camp

largest energy consumer in the world, and the energy demand has been increasing and projected to be doubled by 2040. He reiterated that India heavily dependent import of crude oil, and therefore conservation of petroleum resources has become the first step for sustainable development for the country.

He also said that it was important for each and every petroleum consuming citizen to conserve petroleum and to use the alternative renewable and green energy.

Vidyarthi further said that the theme for SAKSHAM-2023 was “Energy Conservation towards Net Zero”, and appealed everyone to realize on the importance of energy conservation.

Earlier, chairing

the programme and delivering short note on the implementation of SAKSHAM-2023 in the state, manager, LPG sales, IOC and state level coordinator, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), H Thangzamuan, said that SAKSHAM was an annual flagship event of PCRA, to sensitize citizens on the need of fuel conservation for health and environmental protection, as well as to help India reduce its reliance on crude oil imports.

He said that due to dissolution of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), it was proposed for IOCL to conduct SAKSHAM activities from 2023 onwards.

He also informed that SAKSHAM-2023 was proposed to be held

from April 24 to May 8, under the theme, “Energy Conservation towards Net Zero”, and the main inaugural will be held at New Delhi on April 24.

As part of the programme, the organizers would reach out to various mass segments such as school children, youths, LPG users, drivers/fleet operators (4 wheelers and LCVS/MCVS/HCVs), industry personnel/workers, farmers, residential societies, gram panchayats, NGOs, etc. with various fuel conservation activities to propagate awareness about importance, benefits and methods of fuel conservation and also to promote adoption of fuel efficient technologies and practices.

He further said that activities such as campaigns on fuel conservation in Schools/Colleges/ Public places, fuel efficient driving contests, Saksham Cyclothon at 200 identified cities, walkathon, promoting efficient and safe use of LPG, group talk at retail outlets and CNG stations, conducting E-Vehicle Rally in selected cities, campaign for farmers: agriculture workshops at KSKS, were planned to be conducted in the state.

Workshop on plastic waste management

DIMAPUR: As of part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), State Bank of India, Mon branch conducted a oneday camp to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene management for the students of two GHSS Mon and GHSS Mon Town D on April 24. Deputy manager SBI

Mon, Khooshboo Rai initiated the programme and highlighted various CSR activities of the SBI.

The in-depth information about maintaining health & hygiene during menstruation was given by Kezevinuo Thepa, staff nurse and resource person of the camp.

Meanwhile, the prin-

cipals of the respective schools thanked State Bank of India Mon Branch for undertaking relevant CSR initiative and sensitising the students on sensitive topic.

The program concluded with the distribution of sanitary napkins to over 700 girl students of both the schools.

farmers were highlighted on the importance of Rodent Pest Management, effective control measures to prevent outbreak of rodents and also identification of natural predators that rely on rodents pest as a food source.

Altogether, 30 farmers attended the programme and Kharif seeds were distributed to the farmers.

DIMAPUR: A one day workshop on “Plastic Waste Management and segregation of Waste at Source” was organised for Dhansiripar block villages on April 18 at Selouphe Village Council Hall.

The workshop was organised by PHED (R) division Dimapur and sponsored by Sanitation amd WSSO PHED Kohima.

At, the programme, Executive Engineer, PHED (Rural) division, Dimapur Er. Nirie-e Nisa, welcomed the gathering and stressed on the importance of the concerted efforts for the

successful implementation of plastic waste management for cleaner environment.

District Co-ordinator, DWSM PHED (R) Dimapur Imojungla Longkumer, delivered a power point presentation on the topic Plastic Waste Management (PWM) under SBM(G)-II.

Resource team from Kuda Village Waste Processing Facility led by the founding member, Kelhousesi, shared their experiences and demonstrated through audio visuals the operation of their rotary waste segregator and baling

machine at their facility, glass and thermocol crusher along with the upcycling/ downcycling of plastic wastes. The programme chaired by JE PHE-Dhansiripar Er. Moajungla, began with an invocation by chairman Mission Board, CBVC Selouphe Nusazo Lohe and vote of thanks by, SDO-PHE, Dhansiripar Er. Nagaho Sema. Village leaders, WATSAN members and women members from various villages under Dhansiripar block attended the programme.

State level workshop on Intellectual Property Rights

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 24

(NPN): A state-level workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for accelerating creativity and innovation was held at the Capital Convention Centre here on Monday.

In his keynote address, head of IPR Division of Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), Dr Yashawant Dev Panwar shared that with property protection being an integral part of rights and with innovation and creativity in any form, it was necessary to protect and stimulate the development and distribution of new products and the provision of new services based on the creation and exploitation of inventions.

Further, he highlighted the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-C) on IPR, a scheme of Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, for women scientists that was being implemented by Patent Facilitating Centre (PFC) of TIFAC. The scheme is aimed at training

women scientists having qualifications in science, engineering, medicine or allied areas in the area of IPR and provide them scholarship for a period of one year and eventually develop a pool of women scientists geared up in creating, protecting and managing intellectual property in India. And till now, about 800 women have been trained.

In her welcome address, Nagaland Science and Technology Council (NASTEC) chairperson and secretary Hokhuli K Chishi remarked that such a workshop was required to create awareness about IPR among the people to make sure the creator had an exclusive right over the use of his/her creation for a certain period of time. She said it was the need of the hour in such a scenario of commercial exploitation.

With the Patent Information Centre having been inaugurated in 2002, she claimed that though it was a new terminology for the State, the centre had carried out awareness programmes with an outreach of about 20,000 innovators, including research scholars,

Dr. Panwar addressing the gathering on IPR. (NP) students and entrepreneurs.

Divulging that four IPR cells had been set up across the State-- department of Industries and Commerce, Patkai college, Kohima Science College and SET, Chishi requested TIFAC to help the State increase public awareness.

The programme was chaired by programme coordinator, Scientist D, NASTEC, Dr Nesatalu Hiese and vote of thanks was delivered by Scientist B, NASTEC, Kekuneil Ltu.

The workshop was organised by NASTEC, Department of Science & Technology in collaboration with TIFAC 2 cases of IPR: Meanwhile, interacting with the

media, Hiese revealed of two cases of property rights on Chakesang attire.

Case 1: The Chakesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) had accused Indian designer Ritika Mittal for using Chakesang textile without proper consent for her “Mora Collection”, which was a case of property rights and exploitation of Naga traditional designs and motifs.

It was informed that the designer had allegedly used the Chakhesang shawls in her saree and marked it for her “Mora” collection and claimed that they were her own creations in 2021

It was also learnt that Ritika had claimed that

‘Thebvo’ was a word she claimed was coined for her project as she stayed with the Chakesang community. She was also about to release her book, though it had been halted.

Case 2: In a mela organised by TRIFED, it was mentioned that the Government of India had also pre-informed the organisers on property rights. In this context, the Chakesang community had filed a case against Ritu Beri, an Indian fashion designer, as two Chakesang shawls had been used on saree and everything had been woven in fabric and some in a carpet ramp, that had hurt the sentiments of Chakesang women.

The Chakhesang women had filed two cases – one defamation and one GI infringement – and had also written to the designer to stop production of more products.

The case started in 2020 and due to Covid-19 had been delayed for two years. At the preliminary stage, the society had won the case, though the final verdict was expected in May this year.

DC Peren, Vineet Kumar inaugurated Agro Food Processing Machineries under Livelihood, Micro Enterprises & Business Development Component of PMKSY-WDC 2.0 villages under Peren at DPO Office, Jalukie Town on April 24. (DPRO Peren)

Temjen Imna Along visiting stalls at the Tsukhenyie festival at Pfutsero. (DIPR)

SBI officials, teachers and students at the menstrual hygiene management camp.

The workshop in progress at Selouphe Village Council Hall.

V Lovitoly Sema DP Vidyarthi

NE is a huge inspiration for the nation: PM

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 24: The two-day Chintan Shivir of Youth Affairs and Sports Ministers of States/Union Territories kicked off in Imphal on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual address.

The inaugural session of the conference held in Imphal’s City Convention Centre was attended by Union minister of youth affairs and sports(YAS) and information and broadcasting Anurag Thakur, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Banwari Lal Purohit, state chief minister N Biren Singh, Union minister of state for YAS and home Nisith Pramanik, secretary of youth affairs Meeta R Lochan and secretary of sports Sujata Chaturvedi and Manipur chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar among others.

In his virtual address, the Prime Minister said that many sportspersons from the northeast, particularly Manipur have raised the glory of the Tricolour by winning medals for the country.

He highlighted the indigenous games of the state such as Sagol Kangjai, Thang-ta, Yubi Lakpi,

Mukna and Hiyang Tannaba and said that they were very attractive in their own right.

“Northeast and Manipur have significantly contributed to taking forward the sports tradition of the country. The region is a huge inspiration for the nation,” Modi said. He claimed that projects worth more than Rs 400 crores related to sports infrastructure were giving a new direction to the development of the northeast today.

Modi said that the National Sports University, Imphal will provide new opportunities to the youth of the country in the coming times, and efforts like Khelo India Scheme and TOPS have played a big role in this.

He then urged the stakeholder to speed up such works in the respective states

and expressed confidence that the Chintan Shivir will play an important role in this direction.

Union minister of YAS Anurag Singh Thakur, in his address on the occasion, said that other states of the country have many lessons to be taught from Manipur in the field of games and sports. Despite being a small state of just 36 lakhs population, Manipur had contributed a lot in the field of sports, compared to other bigger states, he said.

Acknowledging the contribution, the Prime Minister had sanctioned setting up of the National Sports University in the state and an approximate amount of Rs 900 crores will be spent for developing the University, he said.

He informed that considering the popularity of

Fourth BJP MLA quits govt post in Mnp

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 24: Even as chief minister N Biren Singh denied any rift among the legislators of the ruling BJP in Manipur, it appeared clearer when another MLA tendered his resignation from the government administrative post.

MLA Khwairakpam

Raghumani Singh tendered his resignation as chairman of the Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) on Monday to become the fourth MLAs of the ruling party distancing themselves from the chief minister.

“For personal reasons and also in the public interest, it is felt that my continuation as chairman of MANIREDA is not called for, at this juncture. Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the said post of chairman and the same may kindly be accepted,” the bureaucrat-turned-politician wrote the chief minister.

Arunachal Pradesh is definitely part of India: Lt. Gen Kalita

sports infrastructure in their respective states.

Correspondent

Elected from Uripok AC of Imphal West district in the last Assembly elections, Raghumani is the fourth sitting BJP MLA who tendered resignation from the administrative post offered by N Biren Singh in his second term as chief minister of Manipur. Earlier, three legislators had stepped down from the government administrative posts. MLA Poanam Brojen Singh resigned as chairman of the Manipur Development Society on April 20, Thokchom Radheshyam, the cop-turned politi-

cian elected from Heirok AC of Thoubal AC on BJP ticket quit as the advisor to the chief minister citing that he was not given any responsibility on April 13.

It was followed by MLA Karam Shyam who tendered his resignation as a chairman of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited complaining that he had “not been assigned any responsibility”, on April 17.

The state unit of the saffron party has been hit by a series of resignations of MLAs from their administrative posts, triggering speculations of trouble in the Biren Singh government.

Chief minister N Biren Singh had, however, said that there was no crisis in his government while responding to queries from reporters after a crucial closed door meeting of the state unit of the ruling party held on April 21 in the wake of resignation from government administrative posts by three MLAs.

indigenous games of Manipur, the Centre had adopted many indigenous games in Khelo India.

He added that the Centre and the state government should come together and have an open discussion on how to promote sports in their respective states. Mentioning the achievements of sportspersons of Manipur who had brought laurels for the country, he said that they made the country proud. He hoped that other states would give extra efforts to bring more players who could add to the pride.

The Union minister urged the participating sports ministers of different states and union territories to share their experience during the conference and showcase what initiatives they had taken up to develop

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, in his address on the occasion, expressed confidence that the deliberations in the national conference would help shape a framework for the state governments and stakeholders towards charting a trajectory for the country towards growth and development of youth and sports. He informed that under the pioneering initiatives like Khelo India, the government continued to create the ideal environment for sports to thrive in India.

“As we mark five years of Khelo India, the scheme has proved to be a catalyst in turning India into a sporting nation, giving a platform to grassroots athletes and building sports infrastructure across the country,” he said.

Singh also informed about the progress of the development of the permanent campus of the National Sports University (NSU) and said that the University would play an important role in shaping the future of sports in India. He also maintained that the state government is extending every possible support to promote sports culture and sportspersons in the state.

SHILLONG, APR 24: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita on Monday reiterated that “Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India”, although there are different perceptions of the Line of Actual Control between India and Tibet.

“Arunachal Pradesh is definitely part of India that has been clearly stated in various articulation that has come out from the government,” he told reporters.

“There are different perceptions about the Line of Actual Control that is the border between India and Tibet, because of which there are escalation in both sides when we go out to carry out patrolling activities,” Lt. Gen. Kalita said who was in Meghalaya to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Headquarters 101 Area. However, he said there are five agreements in place between India and the Chinese and all these problems are being resolved within the existing protocols and laid down provisions.

“Last year, we have seen a stable security situation on the northern bor-

ders as well in Arunachal as well in Sikkim. We are constantly monitoring the situation and our armed forces are prepared to meet any contingencies that arise in the border,” the Eastern Command Chief said.

Noting that there has been a perceptible improvement in the security scenario in India’s northeastern states over the past few years, Kalita said, due to the relatively peaceful situation, the region has witnessed development at a faster pace

“Overall in the northeast there is a definite improvement in the security situation and people are yearning for peace and development,” he said. “States like Assam , Manipur and Nagaland have seen a lot of insurgent movements. There has now been a drop in violence and because of which the Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been

removed in certain districts and police stations in these three states,” the army officer pointed out. Similarly, in other states of the region there is peace and the law and order issues situation is being handled by the state police.

However, in states such as Mizoram, infiltration from Myanmar, due to instability in that neighbouring country, is causing some problems, but the situation is being handled by the local government and police. In Arunachal Pradesh on the other hand three districts - Tirap , Changlang and Longding – have been affected by insurgency, but slowly there is a change in these districts with the people not supporting the insurgent groups. “In fact, the people have come out openly in the streets demonstrating against the extortion that is being carried (by the insurgents) in these areas,” Kalita said.

“Peace has come in and at certain times you need to take harsh steps to ensure sovereignty of your own country. Whenever there is a question or threat to the sovereignty of the country, definitely all instruments of power whether it is armed forces or diplomacy will come into play,” Kalita asserted.

Fresh trouble, summon for youth Cong chief in harassment case

GUWAHATI, APR 24 (AGENCIES): Congress’ youth wing chief is in fresh trouble over a harassment complaint, as the Assam Crime Investigation Department (CID) has summoned him to its headquarters for examination in the northeastern state today. Notice was served to him on April 20.

The specialised police unit’s action is based on the National Commission for Women’s letter to the Assam police, asking them to initiate action against Indian Youth Congress national president Srinivas BV, who has been accused of harassment and discrimination by a former party colleague.

The Assam Police also visited Karnataka on Sunday to serve a notice to Srinivas, who the police couldn’t trace, directing him to appear before the Dispur Police Station in Guwahati at 11 am on May 2. Police were looking for Srinivas BV at his uncle’s residence in Bengaluru, where he used

Manipur cops nab drug dealer; heroin worth Rs 30 cr seized

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 24: A 23-year-old youth was arrested with 3.51kg of Heroin (No.4) powder from outskirts of Imphal city after a chase by a police commando team on Sunday evening, the police said on Monday.

The contraband seized is estimated to be worth over Rs 30 crore in the illicit market. The arrested person was identified as Md Samir (23) son of Md Md Hefajuddin of Lilong Chaobok Mairenkhun in

Thoubal district. A team of Imphal East district police commandos arrested him from Mantripukhri Bazar along Nh-2 under Heingang police station of Imphal East district on Sunday evening, around 4pm, the police said. He was arrested after 265 soap cases containing suspected Heroin powder were found in a SUV he was travelling with one of his colleagues who escaped from the police hands.

Addressing a news conference, Imphal East SP Ksh Shivkanta said that while a

Two KLO militants killed, 4 held in Assam: Police

KOKRAJHAR (ASSAM), APR 24 (PTI): Two militants of a faction of the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation were killed while four others arrested following a gunfight with security forces in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Monday, a police officer said.

Two camps of the outfit KLO(KN) were also destroyed in the operation.

“Based on inputs regarding movement and training camp of KLO(KN) cadres in Chakrashila hill and surrounding jungle, a search operation was launched today at 4 AM by a joint team of the Assam Police and CRPF,”

the officer said. Assam Police spokesperson Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan said large amounts of IED materials, explosives, wires and logistical items were seized from the camps which were destroyed. At about 12.30 PM, the operation team noticed a few cadres moving in the jungle some distance away.

“They were asked to stop, but they fired on the security personnel. In selfdefence, the operation team retaliated in a controlled manner,” Bhuyan said.

After firing ceased, the area was searched and two injured persons were found, with two pistols lying near them, he said.

team of police commandos of Imphal East district took position at Sangakpham area along NH-2 acting on specific information, a SUV vehicle was spotted.

When the police commandos challenged to stop, the vehicle sped up towards Mantripukhri side, following which the police team chased after, he said.

The vehicle stopped abruptly at Mantripukhri Bazar as the vehicle was blocked by a tanker at a crossing point of the highway. Two persons came out of the vehicle and

ran away in a bid to avoid the police. The police, however, caught one of them later identified as Md Samir while the other one vanished in the midst of the crowd of the bazar. Upon checking the vehicle, the police recovered the contraband drugs. On spot verification, the arrested person revealed that the seized drugs belonged to a drug dealer from Lilong of Thoubal district and he along with his escaped friend were transporting the drug to Guwahati on the advice of the drug dealer.

BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE/NOTARY PUBLIC, DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND AFFIDAVIT

I Mr. Tiamongba, son of Mr. Lolenteka, aged about 47 years, presently posted and serving as Chowkidar in the Office of Chief Executive Officer, Department of Fishery & Aquatic, Fish Farmer Development Agency, Jorpukhuri, Purana Bazar, East Dimapur, Nagaland and a resident of Duncan Bosti, House No. 64, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly declare and affirm:

1. That I am the deponent and I am competent to swear this affidavit.

2. That I state and declare that in my official name is Mr. Tiamongba and hail from Ao/Naga Tribe.

3. That I further state and declare that in my Appointment Order my name is entered, used and recorded as Mr. Tiamongba Ao.

4. That I also state and declare that except in my Appointment Order in the service, in all other official documents my official name Mr. Tiamongba has been used, entered and recorded issued by various agency/ies and competent authority/ies.

5. That I state and declare that my names Mr. Tiamongba and Tiamongba Ao belongs to one and the same person.

6. That this affidavit is sworn by me for clarifying the names as indicated above and the same to be used before any competent authority as and when so necessitated.

7. That the statements made in the above paragraphs 1 to 6 are all true to the best of my knowledge and believe and I also state and declare that nothing is stated false or concealed.

Identified by : (Mr. Tiamongba) Mr. Moarenba, Advocate, Nagaland Dimapur Deponent Solemnly sworn and declare by the deponent, read out the contents and understood thereto and signed on this the 14th day of June, 2022.

to stay whenever he was in the city, as he had vacated his permanent residence two years ago. Congress on Saturday suspended its former Assam Pradesh Youth Congress chief who made the allegations against Srinivas. She has been expelled for six years for “anti-party” activities.

The Assam unit of the grand old party reportedly found the woman’s allegations “baseless and politically motivated”, and took disciplinary action against her for tarnishing the image of the party and its leaders.

Assam Chief Minis -

ter Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala traded barbs yesterday over the motive behind police action against Mr Srinivas.

The woman had filed a complaint against Srinivas at the Dispur police station on Wednesday and was summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police on Thursday. She accused the Congress leader of being “sexist and chauvinistic”. She claimed that Srinivas and another IYC leader, Vardhan Yadav, had discriminated against her based on her gender and had used foul language to threaten her. Srinivas, who is currently campaigning for the Congress in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections next month, has denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit against the complainant for using “unparliamentary and defamatory” words against him.

IN THE COURT OF DEPUTY COMM I SS I ONER D I MAPUR : N AGALAN D N OT IC E

Dated Dimapur, the 21st April /2023 No. M. 98/23/832- Notice is hereby given that Andrew Ahoto Sema Vrs Geoffrey Yaden a resident of Colony/Village in the District of Dimapur Nagaland under Rule 50 & 51 of the Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act 1886 have applied for Mutation of Land described in the schedule below:-

The undersigned under Rule 52 of the said Rules do hereby invite Claim/Objection concerning to the said land if any & should here be any, should submit to this court on or before 1(one) month from the date of publication in local newspaper.

SCHEDULE OF LAND AND BOUNDARY

Name of Patta Holder:- Andrew Ahoto Sema

Block No/ Village - 4 Patta No. - 175

Dag No. - 57 Area – 00B-03K-07LS

North – Merong Noktsung Ao East – Sarabjit Singh Pameswar

South – Road West – Road Sd/- SACHIN JAISWAL IAS Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Nagaland COM

Regd. No. 03/APRIL

BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE/ NOTARY PUBLIC DIMAPUR : NAGALAND AFFIDAVIT

Date : 24/04/2023

I, Smti. I Atula Changkija, D/o Imchameren Changkija, aged about 51 years, presently serving as Head Constable, INT. Nagaland Police, Govt. of Nagaland permanent resident of Duncan Basti, H/No - 64, District-Dimapur do hereby solemnly declare and affirm :

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of Indian and am also competent to swear this affidavit.

2. That I state and declare that I hail from Ao (Naga) Community

3. That state and declare that my father's official full name is Imchameren Changkija. Whereas in HSLC Admit Card my father name's was used, entered and recorded as I. Meren Changkija. The Alphabet Letter "I" stands for "Imcha", which stands for his first name "Imcha".

4. That I also state and declare that due to clerical error and inadvertent mistake my father's name was also used, entered and recorded as Imchenmeren Changkija in my Appointment Order.

5. That I declare that my father's name Imchameren Changkija, Imchenmeren Changkija and I Meren Changkija belongs to one and the same person who is my father.

6. That this affidavit is sworn by me for clarification and ratification of my official father's name and particulars as indicated above and that this affidavit is sworn for the purpose of evidencing and proving before any competent authority as and when so necessitated and for correction and rectification.

7. That the statements made in the above paragraphs are all true to the best of my knowledge and believe and also state and declare that nothing is stated false or concealed.

(Smti. I Atula Changkija) DEPONENT

Solemnly sworn and declare by the deponent on this the 24th day of April 2023. Magistrate

Expelled Assam Youth Congress president Angkita Dutta on Monday alleged that “all the work” done by Indian Youth Congress chief Srinivas B V during the Covid pandemic was a part of “a stunt and PR exercise”. She also maintained that though the Congress expelled her for “anti-party activities” after she levelled charges of harassment and gender discrimination against Srinivas, she will remain loyal to her “duty and responsibility” towards the party.

“The Congress has expelled me. It is their decision; I have nothing to say about it. But we are a fourthgeneration Congress family. We understand our duty and responsibility towards the party,” Dutta said, addressing a press conference here.

Dutta was expelled from the Congress on Sun-

Regd. No. 198/2023

day for six years following a show-cause notice, soon after she went public with the allegations against Srinivas last week.

Alleging that the IYC chief has been trolling her through his “paid social media workers”, Dutta said, “He is trying to justify himself as the ‘Oxygen Man of India’, as a messiah.... All the work he did during the Covid pandemic was a stunt, a PR exercise. I later came to know as I was privy to the internal affairs of the party,” she claimed.

AFFIDAVIT

Date 24/04/2023

I, Mr. Lumchiba Sangtam, Edn 18931, permanent resident of H/ No. 559, SP Resident Road, Tuensang TC Officers Colony, Tuensang Sadar, Tuensang, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as under:

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

2. That my father's official name is Mr. Mukhe Sangtam also known as Mr. Mukheba.

3. That my date of birth is 1991.

4. That in my NPS my D.O.B has been entered/recorded as 1990 and in my service book and PIMS my father's name has been entered/recorded as Mr. Mukheba.

5. That the name Mr. Mukhe Sangtam and Mr. Mukheba is same and one person.

6. That this affidavit is made for the purpose of declaring that my father's official name Mr. Mukhe Sangtam and my D.O.B 1991 shall be used in all other official and future correspondences.

7. That the statement made in para 1 to 6 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material is concealed therein.

Solemnly affirm and declared before me: DEPONENT

DP-1767/23

Regd. No. : 409/2023

Notary Public Dimapur : Nagaland

DECLARATION

Date : 24/04/2023

I, Smti. Hukali Chishi, D/o Yexuvi, Permanent Address : Mapulimi Village, P.O. Akuluto, Zunheboto, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:-

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

2. That presently I am employed as Hindi Teacher at GMS, Tishi Valley, Deputy Inspector of School, Zunheboto under Department of School Education, Nagaland.

3. That in my Birth Certificate, PAN Card No. CPGPC1156N, Service Identity Card and all other documents my name has entered/ recorded as Hukali Chishi, whereas in my Service Appointment Order my name has been entered/ recorded as Hokali.

4. That 'Chishi' is my surname and the correct/actual spelling of my name is 'Hukali' and my official name is 'Hukali Chishi'.

5. That the names Hukali Chishi and Hokali refers to one and the same person's i.e., me and my names.

6. That this affidavit shall be used as a piece of evidence to authenticate my actual name i.e., 'Hukali Chishi' and shall produce before any competent authority as and when required.

VERIFICATION

I, hereby verify that the content made in Para 1 to 6 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and beliefs and nothing material is concealed therein.

DEPONENT

Solemnly sworn and signed by the deponent before me on this 24th day of April 2023.

Two-day conference of ministers of YAS kicks off in Imphal, on Monday.

Lt. Gen Rana Pratap Kalita

Angkita Dutta

Srinivas BV

K R Singh

Three killed, 3 hurt in factory fire

NAGPUR, APR 24

(IANS): At least three workers were killed in a major fire that broke out in a factory in the Hingna MIDC in Sonegaon-Nipani area of the district, officials said here on Monday. The incident occurred around noon at the Katari Agro Pvt. Ltd. plant and teams of fire-fighters rushed to battle the conflagration. Plumes of dark smoke were seen billowing out of the factory complex that was visible from long distances, said eyewitnesses.

Man killed in UP for seeking vehicle passage

MEERUT, APR 24 (IANS): A man was allegedly killed in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut after seeking passage for his tractor to pass. Aamir, along with two other people, were carrying chaff on his tractor and passing through Solana village when he encountered a few men who were standing blocking the road. After Aamir asked them to make way, a verbal spat erupted between him and the other group. Later, the same group of men, wielding weapons, visited Amir’s house and allegedly shot him dead after an argument.

2 kids mauled to death by dogs

in UP

ALIGARH, APR 24 (IANS): Two children were mauled to death by dogs in separate incidents that occurred in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh and Moradabad districts. In Aligarh, a three-monthold infant was mauled to death by a stray dog on Sunday when her family was attending a wedding near their house while she slept unattended. The incident took place under Quarsi police station limits. In the second incident, a seven-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Moradabad’s Bilari area also on Sunday.

Modi blames Cong for meting out ‘step-motherly’ treatment to villages

projects.

The previous governments used to avoid spending money for villages, because a village was not vote bank in itself. “That is why they were ignored,” he said.

“Many political parties were running their ‘shops’ by dividing village folks,” he said.

REWA, APR 24 (PTI):

Prime Minister Narendra

Modi on Monday blamed the previous Congress governments for meting out “step-motherly” treatment to villages in the country after Independence and breaking their trust.

Addressing a public event in Rewa on the occasion of the National Panchayati Raj Day, Modi said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has changed the situation and pumped in huge grants to panchayats.

“The party which ruled the most after Independence broke the trust of villages... meted out step-motherly treatment to them,” Modi said.

“People, schools, roads, electricity, storage facilities, economy of villages... all these were kept at the bottom of the government’s priorities during the Congress regime,” he said after virtually inaugurating a number of development

BJPweakeningPanchayatiRajinstitutions bydelayingelections:Congress

The BJP has ended this injustice meted out to villages and opened our treasury chest for their development, he added.

He also took a veiled jibe at MP Congress chief Kamal Nath by speaking about lack of development in Chhindwara, adding that the blame lay with the thinking of some political parties. Nath was the Lok Sabha MP from Chhindwara for the dominant part since 1980, while his son won the seat in the 2019 general elections, which also ensured the BJP didn’t have a clean sweep in the state’s 29 seats.

“The ruling parties broke the trust of the rural poor by ignoring the basic needs of these areas after Independence,” Modi said.

The prime minister extended wishes to people on the National Panchayati Raj Day and said more than 30 lakh panchayat representatives from across the country were virtually connected to the programme held in Rewa.

Rain to bring relief from heat wave for a week: IMD

The Congress on Monday accused the BJP of weakening Panchayati Raj institutions by not holding elections in time in states ruled by it and reducing funds for the local self government bodies. The opposition party claimed that the Panchayati Raj institutions were empowered during its rule but Prime Minister Narendra Modi was claiming credit for it.

It was reacting after Prime Minister Modi accused the previous Congress governments of meting out “step-motherly” treatment to villages in the country after independence.

Speaking at a public event in Rewa in Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of the National Panchayati Raj Day, Modi said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has changed the situation and pumped in huge grants to panchayats.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP had voted against a crucial Constitutional amendment bill in 1989 that sought to empower Panchayati Raj institutions (PRI) during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister.

“Today marks

Probe team to challenge acquittals of 67 accused in Gujarat riots case

an important day in our political history as 30 years ago, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into effect on this day. This amendment gives constitutional status to Panchayats and this is the biggest contribution of the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi to India’s political system. “The bill could not be passed in September 1989 when Rajiv Gandhi was the PM as Congress did not have a majority in Rajya Sabha, where the bill fell short of five votes. The BJP also voted against the bill. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Bill became an Act on April 24, 1993 during the Congress government rule,” he claimed. Ramesh said April 24 was observed as the National Panchayati Raj Day for the first time in 2010. “But our prime minister is trying to take credit for this today,” Ramesh said.

He claimed that the BJP has not held PRI elections in time in party-ruled states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. The BJP also has not released grants to Panchayati Raj institutions in time and has reduced the grants given under MGNREGA, which has also been weakened, he alleged.

Maya Kodnani (PTI)

Naroda Gam was one of the nine major 2002 communal riots cases investigated by the SC-appointed SIT and heard by special courts. The SIT took over the probe from the Gujarat Police in 2008 and arrested more than 30 persons.

Apart from Kodnani (67) and Bajrangi, former VHP leader Jaydeep Patel was also acquitted in the case by the special court. There were a total of 86 accused in the case, of which 18 died during the pendency of the trial.

APR 24 (AGENCIES):

AHMEDABAD,

The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) will challenge before the Gujarat High Court the recent acquittal of all 67 accused in the 2002 Naroda Gam riot case by a special court, sources said.

Ahmedabadbased court of S K Baxi, special judge for Special Investigation Team cases, on April 20 acquitted all 67 accused, including former Gujarat minister Maya Kodnani and ex-Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, more than two decades after 11 Muslims were killed during post-Godhra riots in Ahmedabad’s Naroda Gam area.

“The SIT will definitely file an appeal in the Gujarat High Court against the lower court’s order in the Naroda Gam case. Since the copy of the SIT court’s judgement is awaited, a final call will be taken after studying the verdict,” a source in SIT said.

The massacre at

HC dismisses as infructuous plea pertaining to Amritpal Singh

been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to the Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam on April 23, the petition has been dismissed as infructuous.

5 held in Gurugram for betting on IPL

match

GURUGRAM, APR 24

(IANS): A team of the cybercrime branch (east) of the Gurugram Police has arrested five persons for allegedly betting on an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match, the police said on Monday.

The accused were arrested from the Sector-53 police station area. “Based on specific inputs, the police raided the spot and nabbed the accused when they were placing bets on an IPL match being played between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians,” said Subhash Boken, spokesperson of the Gurugram Police.

Women cross a road amid rainfall, in Kolkata, Monday, April 24, 2023. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, APR 24

(PTI): Heat wave conditions are unlikely to return to most parts of India until the thunderstorm month end and a fresh rain spell is expected in the northwest region from Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

While the maximum temperatures in northwest, central and east India oscillated between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius on Sunday, it hovered between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius in the rest of the country, barring the western Himalayan region where it settled between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, the MeT said.

“No heat wave conditions are likely in the country during the next seven days,” the weather office said. A fresh wet spell is predicted over the western Himalaya region from April 26 and over the northwestern plains from April 28, it added.

The IMD also predicted a fresh spell of thunderstorms or hailstorms over central Maharashtra, Telangana, and southern districts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh from April 25 to April 27. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are likely to continue witnessing thunderstorms or rain for the next 3-4 days.

NAGALAND UNIVERSITY

(A Central University Established by an Act of Parliament 1989) Campus: Medziphema School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development Medziphema-797106(Nagaland)

SAMN/ESTT/E-103/2014-114

WALK-IN-INTERVIEW

CHANDIGARH, APR 24 (PTI): The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday dismissed as infructuous a plea filed last month claiming that radical preacher Amritpal Singh was in the “illegal custody” of police, a day after his arrest in Punjab’s Moga district.Imaan Singh Khara, the legal advisor of Amritpal Singh and his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’, had moved the habeas corpus plea on March 19, seeking the production of the preacher from alleged police custody. In earlier court hearings, the state of Punjab had maintained that Amritpal Singh had neither been detained nor arrested. The court had even asked the petitioner to show evidence that the radical preacher was

Amritpal Singh

in illegal custody.

The Punjab Police arrested Amritpal Singh in Rode village in Moga district early Sunday, ending an over a month-long manhunt against the radical preacher who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Khara told reporters after the hearing that as Amritpal Singh has now

The preacher was taken into custody at 6.45 am as he came out of a gurdwara in Rode, Bhindranwale’s native village and also the place where he himself took over last year as the chief of ‘Waris Punjab De’.

The 29-year-old Khalistan sympathiser was detained under the stringent NSA and flown to Assam on a special flight to be lodged at the Dibrugarh Central Jail. Police had last month launched a major crackdown against the preacher and his outfit’s members.

NAGALAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

KOHIMA

NO.NPSC/EXAM-2/2023 Kohima Dated the 24th April,2023

NOTIFICATION

With reference to the Nagaland Public Service Commission’s Advertisement No. NPSC/ EXAM-2/CTSE (Medical & Allied) 2023 dated 31st March, 2023, Addendum dated 21st April, 2023 and as per letter received from the Department of Health & Family Welfare vide No.HDW(A)NUR/11/26/2021 dated 24th April, 2023 candidates having Staff Nurses Registration Number from other Nursing Councils are also accepted.

Note:

DB-513/23

Dated: 24.04.2023.

Interested Candidates are invited to attend the Walk-in-Interview for the post of Guest Faculty on contractual basis for the department of Soil and Water Conservation, SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema on 1st May 2023 at 11.00 AM in the School Conference Hall.

Sl. No. Department No. of Post Honorarium Eligibility Criteria

1 Soil and Water Conservation 1

N.B:

Rs. 1000/-Per Lecture, Not exceeding Rs. 25,000/- Per Month

M.Sc. (Ag) in Soil Conservation/ Soil & Water Conservation from UGC/ICAR recognised Institutions/ Universities with NET/Ph.D

1. The engagement is purely on contractual basis and does not confer any right to claim regular appointment in future.

2. Candidates should bring a brief resume along with passport size photograph.

3. TA/DA is not admissible for attending the Interview.

4. Interview shall be held on 1st May 2023 at SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus at 11.00 AM in the School Conference Hall. Sd/PVC

DB-512/23

1. The OTR has been extended to Noon of 29th April, 2023. Other terms & conditions of the advertisement remain the same.

(KHRIEO RUTSA)

Controller of Examinations, Nagaland Public Service Commission, Kohima

Nagaland Board of School Education Kohima

NOTIFICATION

Dated Kohima, the 24th April, 2023

NO.NBE-35/Ex-NSEE/2022-23 : : The following is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that:

1. The Nagaland Board of School Education shall conduct the Nagaland State Entrance Examination (NSEE) 2023 for Para-Medical/Agri and Allied degree Courses.

2. The Nagaland State Entrance Examination is fixed on 17th May 2023.

3. The duration of examination shall be 3 hours.

4. There will be 180 (one hundred and eighty) items/questions in the question paper.

5. All items/questions shall be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) only.

6. The items/questions shall be set from the existing NBSE’s syllabus of Classes XI & XII (Common Core syllabus) of Science stream.

Longkumer Mokokchung 28 Imlikala Mokokchung 29 Watisola Phek 30 Suneplong Mokokchung 31 Ivuto Zunheboto

32 Khelito X. Sumi Mokokchung 33 Khriengutuonuo Mere Kohima

34 Lemsemchila Lemtur Mokokchung

35 Imlimenla Mokokchung

36 Anne Yeptho Zunheboto

37 Saraholi Yeptho Nuiland

38 Beryl Zhimo Zunheboto

39 N Apokla Mokokchung

40 Hen E. Konyak Mon

41 Imkongtoshi jamir Mokokchung

42 Atobo Aye Zunheboto

43 Bendangsunep Longleng

44 Yashinenla Mokokchung

45 Lipoksongla Mokokchung

46 J Alemla Jamir Kohima

47 Nepmei Phom Longleng

48 Moakum Mokokchung

49 Bendangmenla Mokokchung

50 Kheniho Zunheboto

51 Ngaple Mon

52 Lanutola Mokokchung

53 Toshinaro Mokokchung

54 Tohoni Zunheboto

55 M Saziia Dimapur

56 Aleminla Mokokchung

57 Bendangnaro Mokokchung

58 Ahuto Zunheboto

59 Manloi Kohima

60 E Merry Phom Longleng

NB:-

1. The selected participants are directed to report to the exhibition at Urban Haat, Dimapur at 7 a.m

2. The participants are directed to keep their exhibits in their respective stall under lock & key. The office shall not be held responsible in case of any losses/theft.

3. Selected participants must display genuine products with full stock failure to do so will result in revoking the their participation from the Exhibition.

4. Selected participants are informed to strictly follow COVID SOP and reach at scheduled time. In case of failure, appropriate action will be taken.

Director

Narendra Modi

Progress grounded

Recentlya little over an hour of heavy downpour in Dimapur caused inundation of water with floating garbage on the road , since there was no roadside drain. In Dimapur, whatever roadside drains that existed have been filled up by encroachers and as a result, drain and floating garbage frequently spill over on the road. The poor drainage facility stems from non adherence to technical requirement including substandard materials and poor workmanship quality. Added to the problem of frequent inundation is also sight of heaps of garbage that are left uncollected for days at various places of the city. Lack of proper drainage results in premature deterioration of roads and compounded by lack of maintenance. Dimapur also suffers from the perennial curse of illegal collections by various organisations. These also include tax collected by both “authorised” and “unauthorised” groups or agencies at various inter-state check gates. Also the spate of illegal and multiple tax collections is a lost cause for the law that can never be enforced. Despite various notifications and even a high court directive against illegal collections especially at check gates and ACAUT raising hue and cry against such activities in 2012 nothing much has changed. Even the High Power Committee(HPC) constituted on August 5, 2014 which submitted its report to the government (chief minister) on June 10, 2015 remains in cold storage. The forces against peaceful development is not only about illegal tax collection by certain elements under whatever guise or pleas but also mushrooming of market syndicates in Dimapur. Even the civic body has not acted against artificial price hikes across all items when the body ignores the need to streamline the entire market system especially with regard to monitoring and controlling unstable prices. Unfortunately, these only translate offences into socially and even ethically acceptable practices.

Dimapur has unfortunately lost the momentum for progress and today, its commercial growth is being stunted by various ills. Prices are shooting up since there is no proper check on the market and even here, the tax collections abound on various items by various self appointed authorities etc. Another issue is the influx of suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants to Dimapur and neighbouring foothill districts for which various organisations, demanded implementation of the Inner Line Permit(ILP). A recent incident where hordes of suspected illegal immigrants forcibly grabbed the hose pipes of a fire truck despite pleas to not interfere with fire fighting, sparked a hue and cry. In response, the district administration and police decided to form a Joint Task Force(JTF) to being the process of checking of ILP in Dimapur. As per the notification, the cut off date for Dimapur with regard to ILP is November 21,1979, the year when then Dimapur subdivision was notified as a tribal state. However, apex tribal bodies of Nagaland continue to insist that the cut-off should be December 1,1963 when Nagaland attained statehood. To address this issue the government decided to create the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). The report of the commission on RIIN submitted at the end of 2019 remains in cold storage. So long as the HPC and then RIIN reports continue to remain in cold storage, the wheels of progress will remain stuck on the ground.

DailyDevotion

The Warning Against Desiring Spiritual Success

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you… —Luke 10:20

Worldliness is not the trap that most endangers us as Christian workers; nor is it sin. The trap we fall into is extravagantly desiring spiritual success; that is, success measured by, and patterned after, the form set by this religious age in which we now live. Never seek after anything other than the approval of God, and always be willing to go “outside the camp, bearing His reproach” (Hebrews 13:13). In Luke 10:20, Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice in successful service, and yet this seems to be the one thing in which most of us do rejoice. We have a commercialized view— we count how many souls have been saved and sanctified, we thank God, and then we think everything is all right. Yet our work only begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation. Our work is not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace, and our work as His disciples is to disciple others’ lives until they are totally yielded to God. One life totally devoted to God is of more value to Him than one hundred lives which have been simply awakened by His Spirit. As workers for God, we must reproduce our own kind spiritually, and those lives will be God’s testimony to us as His workers. God brings us up to a standard of life through His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that same standard in others.

Unless the worker lives a life that “is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), he is apt to become an irritating dictator to others, instead of an active, living disciple. Many of us are dictators, dictating our desires to individuals and to groups. But Jesus never dictates to us in that way. Whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He always prefaced His words with an “if,” never with the forceful or dogmatic statement— “You must.” Discipleship carries with it an option.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

One can acquire everything in solitude - except character.

~ Marie Henri Beyle

Amidst rich culture and heritage, Nagaland is recognised for its hospitality. Irrespective of boundaries, religion or region, Nagaland has always been welcoming but with the recent incident that took place on 9th April, 2023 at East Block, Burma Camp, Dimapur, the horror of being an irresponsible host is on display for everyone to ponder. The State of Nagaland stands at par with the rest of the States in India with the literacy rate of 79.55% but unfortunately the ratio of the educated is just contrary.

Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the State Government concerned to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. The State of Nagaland comes under the protected areas.

ILP was first introduced in the Naga Hills through the Bengal Eastern Frontiers Regulation by the British Empire on 1st November, 1873. The provision of ILP is also provided under SubSection (4) of Section 6B of the Citizenship (Amend-

‘Operation of Inner Line Permit’

ment) Act, 2019. The urgency to strictly implement the provisions of Inner Line Permit is the need of the hour. Taking into consideration the recent Burma Camp incident which was widely circulated through various social media platform, it is apparent that the group of people who forcibly confronted and obstructed the Fire Fighters on duty are not indigenous inhabitants of the State of Nagaland. It is also apparent that this group of offenders are either Migrants or Immigrants. Now, the pertinent question is whether they are legally or illegally residing in the State of Nagaland. A State is accountable for the security, stability and sustenance of its citizens. The recent unacceptable action of the few towards the State Officials sets a very bad precedent. With the alarming depreciating fertility rate amongst the Naga population, it has become very important for the State as well as the commoners not to underestimate the threat posed by influx of illegal migration and illegal immigration. Immigration

is the 21st Century weapon of mass destruction. The demographic threat in Europe and North America due to immigration, as being witnessed by the World, is pacing at an alarming rate and Nagaland as a State under the Union of India, with a mere total area of 16,579 sq.km. and population of 19,80,602 (2011 census of India), is not immune to the issues which have wrecked powerful Nations and shall succumb to same fate if the issue is not addressed with utmost sincerity. Conservative understanding that education, health, roads and employment etc are the basic problem should be done away with. The problem of illegal migration and illegal immigration has far-reaching effects than any other issues combined. An entire race or community can be wiped out if the influx of myriad illegal immigrants is left unchecked. Law has been enacted and put in place, inter alia, to protect and preserve the religious & social practices and customary law & procedures of the Nagas so it has to be implemented. Article

371(A) of the constitution of India along with the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 has to be adhered effectively for securing the interest of the Nagas and the indigenous inhabitant of the State of Nagaland.

The incident of 9.4.2023 at Burma Camp is just the tip of the ice berg of what lies ahead as the future of the State of Nagaland if the present illegal migrants and illegal immigrants’ issues are not put to rest. The obscurity and fear of the people of Nagaland being wiped out as a race from the face of the Earth is still imminent.

The present case scenario can truly be represented by the classic fable “The Man and the Camel”. On a cold sandy night, the man was taking shelter under the tent with his camel beside the tent. As the night became colder with intense dune, the Camel asked the permission of his master to allow its head in the tent for warmth and safety. The man happily welcomed and the Camel had its head inside the tent. After a while, the Camel again asked the Man

to allow its neck inside the tent and likewise, the man obliged again. During the course of night, the request of the Camel continued and subsequently, its front legs was also allowed inside the tent. The tent was standard for one person but under given circumstances, the man pitied on Camel and accommodated its needs. It is when all the need of the Camel was attended by the Man, the Camel further requested to stand for comfort. Considering the journey they share, the Man consents. But when the camel came forward and stood in its comfort, it became evident that the tent is too small for both of them. Thus, the camel stated “There’s no room for both of us here. In our best interest, since you are smaller, it will be better if you stand outside. Then, there will be room enough for me. And with that, the man was forced outside of his tent.”

From the instant classic fable, it would not be a struggle to understand the dire consequences of allowing an infiltration by our act

of negligence. Illegal migration and illegal immigration is real so does its aftermath. The only antidote is self awareness supplemented by Good Governance. Acknowledging us as “Dada, Aunty and Malik” by the illegal migrants and illegal immigrants has always worked like a charm and been able to camouflage the real threat that lies within. Our ignorance and negligence has helped developed an entire structure of dependence right under our nose. Simply put, enforcement of law and order should not be given a stepmotherly treatment. Law breakers should be strictly adjudicated in accordance with the law and upon being found guilty, the perpetuator should be dealt with iron hands. Thus, Nagaland is vulnerable under mountains of irregularities while reinforcement hangs. Therefore, every citizen of the State of Nagaland should become a conscientious citizen. It is only then the problem which is now invisible can be stopped from ever happening.

C. Talimoa

Translation of knowledge into regional languages important for overall growth

The North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, a premier university in the northeastern region is working on translating the literature, courses of studies, books and study materials into the regional languages of the state which is also one of the major goals and directive of the New Education Policy 2020. The NEP 2020 (NEP 2020) states that wherever possible, the medium of instruction must in the mother tongue or local languages. This must be done until at least class 5, but preferably till class 8. Speaking on the idea of translating the study materials and books for students into regional languages of Meghalaya, Prof. Shukla, the Vice- Chancellor of the University said that “Studying in the native language results in higher attendance, motivation and increased confidence for speaking up among students and improved parental involvement and support in studies due to familiarity with the mother tongue.” He further

added that “NEP 2020 clearly states that there is no imposition of any language. That is a great paradigm shift in language teaching. The other paradigm shift is mother tongue—primary and higher education should be through mother tongue, along with three options which are regional language or local language or home language. These choices are also given.”

In accordance with the directive of the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, the North-Eastern Hill University also aims at translating the existing knowledge into regional languages. The University is also planning to translate to the work of the people of the state of Meghalaya into national and international languages which will be achievement in way that the knowledge the people of Meghalaya possess will be spread to the rest of the world. Speaking about the knowledge of the people of state of Meghalaya, the Vice-Chancellor exhorted

on the point that it is high time that the knowledge and work of the local people be spread to the entire world. In the one and a half year I have worked as the Vice-Chancellor of NEHU, I have communicated and met many people whose knowledge astonishes me. Be it the people of War region who have built the living root bridges, the natural wells and dams for harvesting rainwater, the craftsmen and weavers who make intricate baskets, handicrafts and beautiful dresses from locally available materials to the farmers who have cultivate with the knowledge passed to them through generations and the traditional healers who heal and cure through traditional medicines using the medicinal plants available in the region. All these knowledge needs to be disseminated to the rest of the country and the world. This can be achieved only when their work is recorded. Hence, the translation of their work is very much needed.

The Vice-Chancellor also pressed on the point that Meghalaya is a state where hundreds of dialects are spoken and as such when a child enters the school, he has to directly start English which becomes a difficulty for the young kids resulting in many drop outs or lack of knowledge. To promote the proper and wider dissemination of knowledge, translation of the books and study materials is required, which will help the students to not drop out of studies and encourage them to go for higher studies. Prof. Shukla exhorted that language should not be a barrier in acquiring knowledge. Citing example of the Latin America and most of European nations, Prof. Shukla said that the medium of imparting education in those countries is not necessarily English.

To achieve the goal of translating the existing texts into local languages like Khasi and Garo and to record or translate the work of local people into national/international languages,

the Vice-Chancellor has requested the teachers of the University to take the responsibility as much as possible. Furthermore, the in order to expedite the process of translation, the Vice-Chancellor has also involved the faculties and research scholars in designing apps and technologies so as to help the translators to speed up the work. The Vice-Chancellor also invites retired academicians, historians, scientists, social scientists, technologists, and people from civil society to contribute in the translation work. He also mentioned that anyone who is interested in serving the state and its people by translating different works are always welcome to visit him in his office at any time so that both the University and the society can work together hand in hand in the development and growth of the state and the country as a whole.

Dr. Davidson Pyngrope, Public Relations Officer, NEHU

SC has to walk the tightrope between change & continuity

Marriage is a “keystone of our social order... No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family”, said Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who wrote for the majority in the historic decision of the US Supreme Court, which ruled by a 5-to-4 vote that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage in June 2015.

Recently, the Indian Supreme Court started hearing a number of petitions seeking to legal sanction for same-sex marriage.

With same sex couples and LGBTQ+ activists making a solid argument in their favour -- claiming they are not just devoid of the right to equality enlisted in Article 14 of the Constitution but also Article 21, a fundamental right guarantees the right to live a dignified life to every Indian citizen -- and the central government, vehemently opposing same-sex marriages, saying it is a “mere urban elitist views for the purpose of social acceptance” -- the debate is turning out to be a lively one.

Petitioners’ lawyers have argued that marriage was a union of two people -- not just a man and woman -- and change in laws should happen to reflect that same sex couples also desire the respectability of marriage.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing some petitioners, submitted last

week before a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, that in the Special Marriage Act (SMA), wherever ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ is used, make it gender neutral by using ‘spouse’, and ‘man’ and ‘woman’ should be substituted by ‘person’, while insisting that a large part of problem will be solved through this interpretation.

However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Jamiat-Ulema-i-Hind, had submitted: “Assuming your lordships were to say it’s a valid marriage, suppose the marriage breaks down and they’ve adopted a child. What’s going to happen?... Who will be the father? Who is the woman? Who will get maintenance? These are serious societal consequences of that declaration...”

Sibal stressed that if piecemeal arrangement is done then it will create more complications and in other countries where same-sex marriages were recognised, they overhauled the entire legal framework, “either you take it as a whole, or don’t take it at all”.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice observed that by decriminalising homosexuality in 2018, it had implicitly contemplated that “stable, marriage-like relationships” could exist between same-sex persons who do not treat bond as “chance-encounters”.

Though, the observations made by the apex court, in the hearing so far,

herald a sign of positivity for a possibility of same-sex marriages; however, these are early stages of a debate, as arguments yet to be made by Centre and others opposing it.

A question, which grips the mind is that -- how would disputes arising from samesex marriages be legally addressed?

For example, if petitioners’ arguments are accepted (tweaking the SMA) by the apex court -- ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ is replaced by ‘spouse’, and ‘man’ and ‘woman’ substituted by ‘person’ -- how would law deal with these marriages in matters of maintenance, adoption, registration of marriages by state governments etc., How would law recognise, who is a man and who is a woman?

According to the Centre, the framers of the Constitution have specifically provided for a separate entry in the Concurrent List which is a part of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution conferring a constitutional function of legislating with respect to institution of “marriage”.

“The requisite conditions for a valid marriage, regulations of such institutions like making provisions for divorce, alimony etc. Entry 5 of the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule reads as under: List III -- Concurrent List -- 5 Marriage and divorce; infants and minors; adoption; wills, intestacy and succession;

joint family and partition; all matters in respect of which parties in judicial proceedings were immediately before the commencement of this Constitution subject to their personal law,” said the Centre, in an application before the apex court.

The Centre said every component of Entry V above is intrinsically interrelated and any change in any one will necessarily have an inevitable cascading effect on others and it may also have unforeseen consequential impacts on other statutes. The government has vehemently argued that state government and union territories should be made a party in the case.

Also, a post same-sex marriage backlash is expected -- reaction by religious leaders, possibility of heightened daily risk of discrimination faced by many sex couples, discrimination at work places, access to insurance etc., therefore, the Supreme Court would have to walk on a tight rope address both -- present and future scenarios -- to ensure same-sex couples are not subjected to any discrimination and their social acceptance becomes a reality and they get equal dignity in the eyes of the law.

On Thursday, the Chief Justice, during the hearing, said: “What happens when there is a heterosexual couple and child sees domestic violence, will that child grow up in normal atmosphere, of a father becoming an

alcoholic and coming back home and thrashing the mother every night and asking for money for alcohol, so much for heterosexual couple, there no absolutes, as I said...”

Therefore, why term heterosexual couples as perfect, if they are not immune to socio-economic pressures, and also a disturbed married life could have a negative impact on the child. The top court observed that incidentally, even if a couple is in a gay relationship or a lesbian relationship, one of them can still adopt. It said so the argument that this will create a psychological impact on the child is belied by the fact that today as the law stands, it’s open. It’s just that the child loses the benefits of parenthood of both the parents.

Then, why not equate heterosexual couples and same sex couples as equals, and why make the latter a dark letter in a social context. Societal tones, ranging from resigned dismay to bitter scorn, which criticize same-sex marriages would eventually settle down and voices in favour of same-sex marriages claim that samesex couples would not be permanently barred from the privileges, rights, and social recognition that marriage brings with it.

The apex court noted that “from the Navtej Johar (decriminalisation of consensual gay sex) judgment till now there has been an acceptance of same sex re-

lationships in universities...”

However, it is still baffling how would state governments begin to mainstream same sex couples and begin treating them with parity with heterosexual couples, and would the states modify the laws to accommodate them or would the governments bring laws which may deny parity to same-sex couples with heterosexual couples ? Voices in favour of same-sex marriages claim that marriage is a policy matter and any social policy is liable to judicial interference if rights are violated. The Constitution prohibits the state from discriminating on the basis of sex and the Supreme Court in Navtej Singh Johar (2018) interpreted “sex” to include “sexual orientation”.

But, state governments are not a party to the case, how would the apex court issue direction to the government in the context of legally recognizing same-sex marriages. There are many unanswered questions so far, hopefully the picture will be clear when the apex court resumes hearing next week.

In the end, Justice Kennedy of the US Supreme Court acknowledged that people who strongly believe that marriage should be only between a man and a woman will continue to oppose same-sex marriage but he said that debate should continue, and the marriages must be allowed.

Sumit Saxena, IANS

SNIPPETS

4 cops suspended for dragging dead body on road

KALIAGANJ (WB), APR 24 (PTI): Four police officers, all in the rank of Assistant Police Sub Inspectors (ASIs), were on Monday suspended for allegedly dragging the body of a minor girl on road at Kaliaganj in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal last week, a senior officer said.

Of the four ASIs, three are from Kaliaganj Police Station and one is from Raiganj Police Station. “We have suspended four ASIs for dragging the body of the minor girl on April 21,” the officer said. On Friday, the dead body of the girl was found floating in a canal in Kaliaganj. Alleging that she was raped and killed, locals put up road blockades by burning tyres and set several shops on fire. While removing the body, the police were found to have dragged it on the road. A video purportedly showing the incident went viral.

4 killed in lightning strike in Gadchiroli

GADCHIROLI, APR 24

(PTI): A couple and their two children were killed in a lightning strike in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district on Monday, an official said.

The victims were travelling on a motorcycle when lightning struck them near Desaiganj area, the official from the district disaster management office said. Bharat Rajgade (32), his wife Ankita (30) and their two children were killed on the spot, he said, adding that the victims were residents of Amagaon in Desaiganj taluka.

Woman found living with daughter’s body for 5 days KOLKATA, APR 24 (IANS): In a heartwrenching incident, a septuagenarian woman in Kolkata was found staying with her daughter’s body at home for around five days, police said.

The dead woman has been identified as Doel Basu, 32. Her mother Dipali Basu, who had been staying with the daughter’s body at their residence at Ranikuthi in south Kolkata, has been taken by the police to Calcutta Medical College & Hospital for mental and physical checkup.

The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem examination and police have sealed the residence where the mother and daughter used to live.

Odisha police seizes leopard skin, arrests 2

BHUBANESWAR, APR 24 (IANS): The Odisha police have seized a leopard skin in Kandhamal district and arrested two persons involved in the wildlife trade, officials said on Monday.

The special task force (STF) of the state police conducted a raid at Khajuripada in Kandhamal district on Sunday evening and seized the leopard skin from the possession of two wildlife criminals.

According to the officials, the two accused persons have been identified as Sujit Rajaswadip and Dhananjay Behera, both from Kandhamal district, the EOW officials said.

The seized leopard skin will be sent to WildLife Institute of India, Dehradun, for biological examination, they said.

Rahul Gandhi hits out at Centre for privatisation

‘Unemployment highest in 4 decades’

HAVERI (KARNATAKA), APR 24 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the BJP-led government at the Centre, accusing it of promoting privatisation of state-owned companies and reducing the number of government jobs in the country.

Addressing a public meeting here in Haveri district, he attacked the government on the issues of corruption, price rise and unemployment.

Government companies were being privatised one by one, and government jobs were being reduced, alleged Gandhi, who was on a visit to the state to campaign for the party ahead of the May 10 Assembly polls.

“When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he said two crore youth would be given jobs ev -

Shah defends ‘scrap 4% Muslim quota’ in K’taka rally

GUNDLUPET (K’TAKA), APR 24 (PTI):

ery year. (But) unemployment is highest today in 40 years,” he said.

In the healthcare and education sectors, the government was supposed to build institutions but instead they were all being privatised, Gandhi said.

“We don’t want such a Hindustan, We don’t want an unemployed India, we don’t want a poor India, we want justice,” he said.

He appealed to the people to give the Congress at least 150 seats (out of a total of 224) in the elections. “Don’t give them (BJP) more than 40 seats,” Gandhi said,

Gandhi reiterated the “40 per cent sarkar” charge against the Basavaraj Bom-

mai government, adding that former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, who recently quit the BJP and joined the Congress, was not given a chance by the ruling party to contest in the elections as he did not indulge in corruption.

Earlier in his interaction with sugarcane farmers at Ramdurg in Belagavi district, he said India’s progress depended on the progress of its farmers, labourers and small businesses.

Gandhi said his conversations with farmers in Karnataka and across India had given him insight into the “ordeals brought upon them by the corrupt BJP regime, which is only focused on helping 2-3 of its ‘mitr’”.

Farmers and small business owners must be protected and empowered, not assaulted with “flawed policies like the BJP’s GST”, he said. “The Congress party is committed to scripting such a growth story, which brings prosperity for all,” he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka was all about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development politics versus Congress’ appeasement politics, and defended the state BJP government’s decision to scrap the four per cent reservation for Muslims. He asserted that BJP would form a government with full majority in Karnataka and once again strengthen the party’s entry in the south of India.

“Congress even today is indulging in appeasement politics. The four per cent Muslim reservation that was given by the Congress has been ended by the BJP, and it has increased the reservation for Lingayat, Vokkaliga, SC/STs,” Shah said.

Addressing a large gathering after holding a massive road show in Gundlupet in Chamarajanagar district, the former BJP chief pointed out that state Congress president D K Shivakumar had said that if their party came to power they would once again bring

Owaisi slams Amit Shah over promise to scrap Muslim quota

Amit Shah during a roadshow at Gundlupet, in Chamarajanagar district, Monday. (PTI) in Muslim reservation.

Asking people if they wanted Muslim reservation back, Shah said, “I want to ask Congress state President Shivakumar ji, you are speaking about bringing in Muslim reservation once again, but whose will you reduce? Answer the people of Karnataka, will you reduce Vokkaligas or Lingayats or SC/STs?”

“This election is all about Modi’s development politics versus Congress’ appeasement politics,” said Shah, one of the party’s key poll strategists and campaigners. Just ahead of the announcement of polls in Karnataka, the state cabinet led by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had decided to scrap the 4 per cent reservation for Muslims

Nitish Kumar meets Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav

Getsgo-ahead

KOLKATA/LUCKNOW,

APR 24 (PTI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday jetted across the country for a flurry of meetings – with his Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, as well as Samajwadi party chieftain Akhilesh Yadav in the capital of Uttar Pradesh - in a bid to rekindle JP’s “total revolution” by cobbling together a coalition of opposition parties.

The meetings come within 12 days of Kumar holding talks with Congress leaders - Rahul Gandhi

Mallikarjun Kharge - in New Delhi and signals emanating from Monday’ meet-

ings indicate that both the regional satraps are now willing to give up their apathy towards the grand old party and agree to a rainbow coalition ahead of the 2024 elections.

Banerjee who held a nearly hour-long meeting with Kumar accompanied by his deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, mooted the idea of an all-opposition party meet in Bihar to commemorate socialist leader Jayprakash Narayan (JP)’s “total revolution” movement launched some 49 years ago, which would give out a “message of opposition unity.”

“I have made just one request to Nitish Kumar. Jayaprakash ji’s movement started from Bihar. If we have an all-party meeting in Bihar, we can then decide where we have to go next,”

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1. Original Mark Sheet (Last Exam.)

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she said after emerging from the meeting at her state secretariat - Nabanna. The feisty TMC supremo added that the first meeting would be “gharoa” (informal) and issues like common manifesto etc., could come later.

“I want BJP to become zero. They have become a big hero with the media’s support, lies and fake videos,” she claimed. “We have to give the message that we are all together,” Banerjee said. Kumar described the

discussions with his Bengal counterpart as “positive”.

“It was a very positive discussion... Opposition parties need to sit together and strategise,” he said. After his afternoon meeting with Banerjee, Kumar and Tejashwi flew down to Lucknow to meet Akhilesh Yadav.

Asked there if any decision has been taken on who will lead the joint front, Kumar said, “No, once the unity takes place, the leader

will be decided. And whosoever becomes the leader will work in the interest of the country. “And, one thing I would like to tell you … I don’t want anything for myself. I will work in the interest of the country. There will be other people as well, and we will sit and decide,” Kumar, told reporters.

After the Kolkata meeting, when queried about the involvement of the Congress in the opposition unity plans, Banerjee said “All are together … the country’s people will fight against the BJP.” She added: “I do not have a personal ego (to work with any party). Nitish ji will be talking to other opposition parties as I am also talking to people”.

under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota and to distribute it equally among the dominant Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. Expressing confidence in the BJP forming a government with a full majority in Karnataka, once again strengthening the party’s entry in South India, Shah said, “Under Modi’s leadership a double-engine government will be formed. Modi and our CM Bommai have worked for Karnataka’s progress.” Shah also appealed to the people to ensure that sitting MLA Niranjan Kumar is victorious once again in Gundlupet with a large margin and that BJP comes to power with a huge majority by winning all four Assembly segments in Chamarajanagar district.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his promise that if the BJP is voted to power in Telangana, it will scrap reservation for Muslims in the state. Owaisi said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks of reaching out to backward Muslims, Shah is promising to remove their reservation.

“Modi allegedly says reach out to pasmanda Muslims, Amit Shah complies by promising to remove their reservation,” tweeted Owaisi. The Hyderabad MP also reminded Shah that reservations for backward Muslim groups are based on empirical data.

“Please read the Sudhir Commission report. If you cannot, please ask someone who can. Reservations for Muslims are continuing under a stay from SC,” Owaisi wrote. Addressing a public meeting at Chevella near Hyderabad on Sunday evening, Shah had promised to do away with reservations for Muslims.

ASSAM RIFLES PUBLIC SCHOOL, KOHIMA (NAGALAND) (A CBSE AFFILIATED SCHOOL) VACANCY

1. Applications are invited for following posts in Assam Rifles Public School, Kohima for the academic year 2023-24 .

(a) Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT). Salary Rs. 14,900/- per month (Fixed).

Name of Post No of Post Minimum Educational Qualification

TGT (Science) 02 (Including 01 x Tentative vacancy)

TGT (Maths) 02 (Including 01 x Tentative vacancy)

TGT (Hindi) 01

(a) B.Sc (PCB) with B.Ed from recognized university.

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(a) B.Sc (Maths) with B.Ed from recognized university.

(b) Experience in teaching Maths subject will be preferred.

(c) Knowledge of Computer application is desirable.

(a) Graduate (Hindi) with B.Ed/D.El.Ed at least 50% in aggregate.

(b) Experience in teaching Hindi subject will be preferred.

(b) Primary Teacher (PRT). Salary Rs. 14,500/- per month (Fixed).

Art & Craft Teacher 01 (Tentative)

Primary Teacher 01 (Tentative)

(a) Diploma in Art & Craft/ BFA (Painting skills is must) from recognized university.

(a) Intermediate passed with at least 50% marks and D.Eld/ B.Ed or equivalent from recognized university.

(b) Knowledge of Computer application is desirable.

(c) Adhoc Clerk. Salary Rs. 8500/- per month (Fixed).

Clerk 01

(a) Graduate or ten years service as a Clerk.

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(c) Knowledge of MS Office is essential.

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(e) Experience in office work will be preferred.

2. Interested candidates can apply application on or before 04 May 2023. Address of School for official correspondence is as under :-

3.

4.

K-877/23

Rahul Gandhi

Mamata Banerjee with Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav during a joint press conference in Howrah Monday. (PTI)

Tax dept cracks down on Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Prudential

NEW DELHI, APR 24

(REUTERS): India’s tax authority has sent Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance show-cause notices for evading taxes since 2017, as part of a probe spanning 16 insurers and about $610 million in unpaid dues, three sources said.

The probe, started in September last year, is a crackdown on the insurance industry’s practice of accounting for all sales commissions above the regulator-prescribed limit as advertising and marketing costs, and then claiming tax credit, two of the sources said. Tax authorities estimate that 16 insurance companies in all owe the government about 50 billion rupees ($610 million) in unpaid taxes, inter-

est and penalties since July 2017, when India implemented goods and services tax (GST), two sources said.

India’s Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) is in the process of sending show-cause notices to other insurance companies as well, said two sources, including a government official. Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Prudential and India’s finance ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment. All the sources asked not to be named as they are not authorised to speak to the media. However, the case could be without merit if the industry regulator-the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)-backdates

$68 billion withdrawn from Credit Suisse before collapse

LONDON, APR 24

Process to repatriate human...

(From p-1) She said that mixed reactions were received during their interaction with the Naga people. “Youths attended morung lectures in Kohima and Dimapur in large numbers. They were very curious. But some elderly people felt that the remains must not be brought back as those will bring back bad memories and the pain associated with it but most of the people wanted the remains to be repatriated,” she said. Jamir said more consciousness needs to be created on the issue. She said Arkatong Longkumer and Meren Imchen have brought out a graphic novel on the remains titled ‘A Path Home’ to engage with the people. “We feel it is an important work... the repatriation of our ancestors’ remains is an important initiative and Naga people must be made aware of the issue,” Jamir said.

Maruti Suzuki launches new compact SUV Fronx

NEW DELHI, APR 24 (AGENCIES): Maruti

a new rule around commissions. The IRDAI has, effective April 1, removed separate limits for commissions and has imposed an overall ceiling on operating expenses and commissions.

The insurance industry is asking the regulator to make this change retrospectively, two sources said. If that happens, the case will no longer hold ground, the sources added.

As part of its probe, the tax authorities have also questioned some banks that, as corporate agents, sell insurance policies to their customers, to establish the practices being followed by insurance companies. These include banks that have bancassurance partnership with ICICI Prudential and Bajaj Allianz, said the third source.

The museum also houses around 6,000 Naga artefacts but the forum is working on the repatriation of only the human remains, which include parts of skulls, fingers and limbs. Asked if the remains have been individually identified or the descendants are known, she said the museum has some names of regions and tribes they belong to but a lot of work remains to be done with the help of anthropologists and researchers. “It is going to be a huge task and will involve a lot of research work,” she said. Asked whether any specific time frame has been given by the museum, Jamir replied in negative but said that the museum is “very serious” about repatriation. Broekhoven had herself visited Nagaland during the Hornbill festival last year to learn more about Naga culture and engage with various tribes, she added.

Nagaland medical college gets...

(From p-1) Kikheto also thanked the Kohima Village Council for constant support and the contractors, whom he further urged to devote all their time and resources to complete the unfinished works within the stipulated period. Sema conveyed his best wishes to all MBBS aspirants of NEET (UG) and urge them to be a part of the unfolding history as the first batch of NIMSR. He also appealed to all to extend their valuable support and cooperation to make the institute grow from strength to strength.

Credit growth may moderate in FY24

lender to fail and triggered its state-backed rescue, the BBC reported.

came as the bank reported what are expected to be its last ever financial results.

Its forced sale to rival Swiss bank UBS is expected to be completed soon.

CM urges citizens to consider...

(From p-1)

He lauded PCRA for trying to raise awareness on energy conservation among the people.

Rio said he was pleased to note that PCRA, along with oil marketing companies, would be organising various events across Nagaland in order to reach out to various sections of society for bringing awareness about energy conservation for a better future for the posterity.

He conveyed his best wishes to PCRA and its officials for successful conduct of SAKSHAM-2023.

The theme for SAKSHAM-2023 is “Energy Conservation towards Net Zero”.

NEW DELHI, APR 24 (AGENCIES): India’s credit growth momentum is waning and the crucial non-food loans growth is likely to slip to 10 per cent in FY24 from more than 15 per cent in FY23, reported PTI, citing a Japanese brokerage on Monday.

Diminishing level of inflation, especially on the wholesale side which tends to lower working capital needs, and an expected mod-

eration in GDP growth to 5.3 per cent in FY24 were cited as the primary reasons for the lower bank credit growth expectation by Nomura.

“... we expect credit growth to moderate to 10 per cent in FY24 from 15 per cent in FY23,” reported PTI, citing analysts at the brokerage as saying in a report, adding that the base effect will also be partly responsible for driving the

number down. They also said the rate hikes of more than 2.50 per cent by RBI in the current tightening cycle will impact credit growth through a lagged impact on borrowings, and already, there are some signs of a dent on the home loan front. The credit growth momentum is already moderating, the brokerage said, pointing out that the number has come down to 15.4 per cent in March as compared to 16 per cent in February and 16.7 per cent in January.

“A further moderation is likely. Underlying credit momentum, as measured by the 3-month saar (seasonally adjusted annualised rate) has declined even more sharply to 9.3 per cent in March from over 20 per cent at end-2022,” the report stated.

Suzuki India on Monday launched its new compact SUV Fronx in the country priced between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The model comes with 1.2-litre petrol and 1-litre turbo boosterjet engine options. It had unveiled the car at Auto expo earlier this year.

According to ET report, the 1.2 litre trims, which come mated with manual and automated gear shift (AGS) transmissions, are priced between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 9.27 lakh. The manual and automatic variants powered by 1 litre turbo boosterjet engine are tagged between Rs 9.72 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

“The automaker takes pride in being at the forefront of understanding the diverse needs of customers and industry trends,” Maruti

Suzuki India Managing Director & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said in a statement.

“Our success with the Brezza, which created a new compact SUV landscape in the country, is a testament to this commitment. With the rapid shift in customer preferences towards SUVs, we identified the onset of a new sub-segment in the industry

“The launch of

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FRONX is a part of our new approach towards pioneering the growth of this segment,” he added.

Fronx is expected to add to the company’s portfolio along with Grand Vitara, Brezza. Suzuki is also expected to launch new models Jimmy and Takeuchi.

The 1.2-litre trims with five-speed manual transmission offers a fuel efficiency of 21.79 km per litre, while the five-speed AGS variants return a fuel efficiency of 22.89 km per litre, the company said.

Similarly, the fivespeed manual trims of 1 litre engine trims offer a fuel efficiency of 21.5 km per litre and the six-speed automatic variants return a fuel efficiency of 20.01 km per litre, it added.

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx compact SUV will be made available in 10 monotone and dual-tone paint schemes. The monotone shades include Arctic White, Splendid Silver,

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Lightning strikes kill 9 in Bangladesh

DHAKA, APR 24 (IANS): A series of lightning strikes in Bangladesh killed nine people in less than two hours amidst heavy rain, officials said on Monday.

The deaths were reported in different areas of Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Sylhet districts between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The majority of the fatalities occurred in rural areas where people were working on their farmlands.

Death due to lightning strikes is common in the densely populated country during this time of the year, as the weather changes from the dry to the rainy summer season.

Bodies of 10 missing

B’desh fishermen found DHAKA, APR 24 (IANS): The bodies of 10 missing fishermen, who went missing in the Bay of Bengal, have been found, police said on Monday.

Addressing the media, Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Police Station, said the bodies were found inside the cold storage of a fishing boat, reports Xinhua news agency.

All the victims had their hands and feet tied, said the police officer. Locals saw the fishing boat floating on the western side of Sonadia Island and pulled it ashore, according to officials.

Upon receipt of the information, policemen and firefighters reached the spot and recovered the semi-decomposed bodies which are yet to be identified.

It is assumed by investigators that a gang of robbers attacked and killed the fishermen at least 10 to 12 days ago

93 immigrants rescued off Tunisian coasts

TUNIS, APR 24 (IANS):

A total of 93 undocumented immigrants were rescued off Tunisian coasts while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, the National Guard said.

“As part of the fight against illegal immigration, three such attempts were foiled late Saturday night,” Tunisian National Guard spokesman Houcemeddine Jbabli said in a statement on Sunday.

The first was foiled off the southeastern province of Sfax, where 42 immigrants, of sub-Saharan African nationalities, were saved from a sinking boat, reports Xinhua news agency.

The other two attempts were foiled by the National Guard unit off the country’s central coast, where 51 sub-Saharans were rescued.

Magnitude 7.1 quake hits remote Pacific, no tsunami threat

WELLINGTON, APR

24 (AP): A magnitude

7.1 quake struck in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean on Monday but did not appear to generate a tsunami.

The quake struck near the Kermadec Islands about 900 kilometres (560 miles) northeast of New Zealand’s North Island at a depth of 49 kilometers (30 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said the quake posed no threat to Hawaii and the wider Pacific. A localised potential for a tsunami passed without any confirmed impact.

Sudanese seek refuge from fighting as foreigners are being airlifted out

KHARTOUM (SUDAN), APR 24 (AP): As foreign governments airlifted hundreds of their diplomats and other citizens to safety, Sudanese on Monday desperately sought ways to escape the chaos, fearing that the country’s two rival generals will escalate their all-out battle for power once evacuations were completed.

The evacuations were a dramatic operation. In convoys, foreign diplomats, workers and families made their way past combatants at tense front lines in the capital of Khartoum to reach extraction points — or even drove hundreds of miles to the country’s east coast.

A stream of European and Mideast military aircraft flew in all day Sunday, through the night and into Monday, to ferry them out. France and Germany said more flights were possible if security conditions permitted.

But for many Sudanese, the airlift was a terrifying sign that international powers, after failing repeatedly to broker cease-fires, only expect a worsening of the fighting that has pushed the population into disaster.

Jordanians evacuated from Sudan arrive at a military airport in Amman, Jordan, April 24. (AP)

During nine days of warfare in Khartoum and other cities, millions have been trapped in their homes by explosions, gunfire and armed fighters looting in the streets while food supplies run out and hospitals near collapse.

Many Sudanese, along with Egyptians and other foreigners who could not get on flights, risked the long and dangerous drive to the northern border into Egypt.

“We travelled 15 hours on land at our own risk,” Suliman al-Kouni, an Egyptian student, said at the Arqin border crossing with Egypt.

Mohammad Shahabuddin takes oath as Bangladesh’s new president

for Political and Strategic Studies.

Humanitarian aid can no longer reach Sudanese because of the clashes, and once evacuations are complete, “warring parties will not heed any calls for a truce or a cease-fire,” she said.

Buses lined up at the remote desert crossing carrying hundreds of people, he said. Al-Kouni was among dozens of Egyptian students making the trek. “But many of our friends are still trapped in Sudan,” he said.

Amani el-Taweel, an Egyptian expert on Africa, warned of “horrific suffering” for Sudanese unable to leave.

While Sudanese who can afford it make their way to Egypt or Chad, the poor “will suffer greatly as they will have no access to aid or food,” said el-Taweel, with Egypt’s Al-Ahram Centre

UK anti-monarchy group calls on India to take Commonwealth lead

LONDON, APR 24 (PTI): Britain’s largest anti-monarchist group which campaigns for an elected head of state in the country said on Monday that India could play a leading role within the Commonwealth to highlight that the organisation is not inextricably linked with the UK’s royal family.

Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, referenced the latest opinion polls to show declining support for the monarchy ever since it lost its “star player” in Queen Elizabeth II.

Ahead of the Coronation of her successor, King Charles III, on May 6, the group has been finalising plans to organise a series of #NotMyKing protests at Trafalgar Square and along the route of the 74-year-old monarch’s Coronation procession in central London.

“I think what India can do is remind us that the Commonwealth and the monarchy are not connected,” Smith told PTI in an interview.

“India made the right choice a long time ago to get rid of the monarchy, to

separate from the Crown and be a Republic, and that is a strong reminder that the Commonwealth is not linked to the Crown in that way,” he said.

At independence in August 1947, India made the decision to completely sever colonial ties as an elected Republic, unlike some former colonies who held on to the British monarch as their head of state.

Barbados is the most recent example of a former colony parting ways with the UK monarchy to become a Republic in November 2021.

“The Republic movement and the move to get rid of the monarchy is something which the other Commonwealth countries that still have the Crown are going to have to get on board with. I think they will

do, certainly around the Caribbean we’ll see a big move over the next few years to get rid of the monarchy,” said Smith.

Asked if the Commonwealth, a political association of 56 member states –the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire, could outsurvive the British monarch as its Head, he added: “The Commonwealth is quite separate from the monarchy, with most Commonwealth countries as Republics. So, there’s no reason why the Commonwealth can’t survive beyond the monarchy.

“Part of the problem with the monarchy is that it projects this idea that they are somehow integral to the Commonwealth. But they really aren’t. They play a very small part in that organisation’s life.”

The comments came as the BBC released a new YouGov survey on Monday for a ‘Panorama’ show to reflect the British public’s view of the monarchy in the lead-up to the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla next month.

Pak’s ruling coalition using negotiations to delay general elections: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD, APR 24

(PTI): Pakistan’s ruling coalition is using the pretence of dialogue with the opposition to delay general elections and the government has not yet formally reached out to his party for talks, former premier Imran Khan has said.

In an interview with the ARY news channel, Khan, chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is yet to approach his party for negotiations.

“No one from the PDM has formally approached us yet,” Khan said. “I fear they are using these negotiations to delay elections. They are just buying time so that elections can be delayed beyond October,” he said.

Last week, the Supreme Court asked all political parties to evolve a consensus on the date for holding simultaneous general elections to the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies expeditiously. The Pakistan Muslim

League-Nawaz (PML-N)led PDM coalition rejected the apex court order, saying that talks with the PTI party could not be held under the court’s watch.

“I fear they are using these negotiations to delay elections. They are just buying time so that elections can be delayed beyond October,” Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

The National Assembly will complete its fiveyear term in August this year. According to the Constitution, elections shall be held within 90 days after the dissolution of the lower house. This means that the election must be held by mid-October. The last general election was held in

Fighting raged in Khartoum and Omdurman, a city across the Nile River, residents said, despite a hoped-for cease-fire to coincide with the three-day Muslim holiday of Eid alFitr. Heavy gunfire and thundering explosions rocked the city.

Over 420 people, including 264 civilians, have been killed and over 3,700 wounded in the fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF.

For foreign nationals, the need to abandon Khartoum had become overbearing by the seventh day of the conflict. Khartoum’s wealthy neighbourhoods where most foreigners live saw some of the heaviest shelling and drone strikes, and several fell under RSF control.

DHAKA, APR 24 (PTI): Veteran politician Mohammed Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd president of Bangladesh on Monday at a state ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet colleagues.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury administered the oath to 73-year-old Shahabuddin at the historic Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. Besides premier Hasina and family members of the new president, politicians, Supreme Court judges, and senior civil and military officials attended the event. Shahabuddin succeeds Abdul Hamid whose tenure ended on Sunday. After the swearing-in ceremony, Shahabuddin signed the oath documents for the office of the president.

He was elected as president unopposed in February this year as a candidate of the ruling Awami League.

Despite being largely ornamental head of the state, the office of the president draws extra attention particularly during the general elections as he appoints the prime minister and becomes the constitutional guardian of the country.

Bangladesh is set for general elections in December or in January next year, amid growing di ferences between the ruling Awami League and its main opposition the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over the electoral system.

In a media interview last week, Shahabuddin, a lower court judge, said it was largely the responsibility of the Election Commission to

create the atmosphere to encourage voters to cast their votes and expected the independent constitutional body to play its due role.

He said, after assuming his office, he would review the political situation and assess if he needed to play any role in minimising disputes between the political parties.

Born in 1949 and hailing from the northwestern Pabna district, Shahabuddin is a retired district judge who later served as one of the commissioners of the independent Anti-Corruption Commission.

He later joined politics and became a member of the Awami League Advisory Council, which comprises senior party leaders and technocrats, but his election to the highest office would require him to relinquish the party post. In his early life, Shahabuddin was a leader of the Awami League’s student and youth wings and took part in the 1971 Liberation War. He was imprisoned following the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Prime Minister Hasina. In 1982, he was inducted into the country’s judicial service.

Drones attack Sevastopol, crashed drone found near Moscow

KYIV, APR 24 (AP): Russian-appointed authorities in Crimea said the military fended off a Ukrainian strike on the port of Sevastopol on Monday, while an exploding drone was also reportedly found in a forest near Moscow — attacks that come as Ukraine is believed to be preparing for a major counteroffensive.

The Moscow-appointed head of the port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said the military destroyed a Ukrainian sea drone that attempted to attack the harbour in the early hours and another one blew up.

He said the powerful explosions shattered windows in several apartment buildings but didn’t inflict any other damage.

The attack was the latest in a series of attempted strikes on Sevastopol, the main naval base in Crimea that Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Ukrainian authorities didn’t immediately comment on Monday’s strikes. After previous attacks on Sevastopol and other areas, Ukrainian officials stopped short of openly claiming responsibility but emphasised the country’s right to strike any target in response to the Russian aggression.

Ukrainian soldiers wave from atop a passing tank on the front line in Bakhmut in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

Russian news reports also claimed Monday that a Ukrainian exploding drone was found in a forest in a forest about 30 kilometres (about 19 miles) east of the Russian capital. While it didn’t explode, the incident again underscored Ukraine’s capability to reach deep inside Russia as the Ukrainian military is thought to be preparing for a spring counteroffensive to reclaim occupied areas.

Observers believe that the counteroffensive’s most likely target would be the Russian-held parts of the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. If the push is successful, it would allow Ukraine to cut the

land corridor between Russia and Crimea.

In what could be preparations for such a move, Ukrainian forces have recently established a foothold near the town of Oleshky on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.

Ukraine has recently received sophisticated weapons from its Western allies, and new troops freshly trained in the West, giving rise to growing anticipation of an offensive.

American-made Patriot missiles arrived in Ukraine last week and military spokesman Yuriy Ihnat

said Sunday on Ukrainian television that some have already gone into service. The Russian forces, meanwhile, have continued their nearly nine-month effort to capture the Ukrainian stronghold of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of defending Bakhmut in last month’s interview with The Associated Press saying that its fall could allow Russia to rally international support for a deal that might require Kyiv to make unacceptable compromises.

Ukraine and Russia both have described the fighting for Bakhmut, the war’s longest battle, as key to exhausting enemy forces and preventing them from pressing attacks elsewhere along the 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line.

On Monday, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the millionaire owner of the Wagner Group military contractor that has spearheaded the Russian offensive in Bakhmut, claimed that Ukrainian forces have been pushed into a twosquare-kilometre (less than one square mile) western section of the city. His claim couldn’t be independently verified.

Aus to ramp up ties with India, Japan amid China’s actions

July 2018.

Khan has been pushing for snap elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provinces where his PTI ruled till recently. The PTI dissolved the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies on January 14 and 18, respectively, in a bid to force the ruling PDM coalition in Islamabad to hold early general elections in the country.

Khan added that he gave the Central Vice Chairman of the PTI, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the mandate to hold talks with the PDM.

He also asserted that the PTI was adamant about holding elections in Punjab, referring to the Supreme Court’s April 4 order in which it directed the government to hold polls in the province on May 14, the report said.

The Supreme Court termed as “unconstitutional” Pakistan’s election commission’s decision to postpone polls in Punjab till October 8 and fixed May 14 as the date for polls in the province.

MELBOURNE, APR 24 (PTI): Australia on Monday said it will deepen its diplomatic and defence partnerships with key allies in the strategic Indo-Pacific, including India and Japan, in response to China’s growing assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea and its threat to the global rulesbased order. Unveiling the Defense Strategic Review in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government set out a blueprint for Australia’s strategic policy, defence planning and resources over the coming decades. The public version of the final report did not label China a direct military threat to Australia, but said Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty over the disputed South China Sea “threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia’s national interests”.

It labelled the competition between China and the United States “the defining feature of our region and our time” and noted that America is “no longer the unipolar leader of the Indo-Pacific”.

“Investing in our IndoPacific regional partnerships remains essential.

Australia’s focus must be to deepen its engagement and collaboration with partners across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The Defence Cooperation Program should continue to grow, particularly in the Indian Ocean region,” it said. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. Beijing is also involved in a maritime dispute with Japan over the East China Sea. Australia must continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including Japan and India, the report said.

“Australia also needs to continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including Japan and India, and invest in regional architecture... Deepening of our diplomatic and defence partnerships with key partners in the Indo-Pacific,” it said. The review spells out that the world has changed, with China amassing the greatest military build-up of any na-

tion since World War II, and that Australia is not equipped to face it alone.

In response to a growing focus on the Indo-Pacif-

ic, the government says it will “harden the north”, reprioritising defence spending on developing northern bases and ports.

OFFICE OF THE LIRMEN KAKETSHIR MUNGDANG

B.P.0. Longchem, Dist, Mokokchung

Theme :- “For The Nation” FELICITATION

Through this column, the Lirmen Students' Union (LKM) would like to acknowledge and extend our heartiest congratulations to:

(i) Shri. L. Mayang Aier for being promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police, Nagaland Lokayukta Police, Kohima, Nagaland.

(ii) Shri. Lanutoshi Aier for being appointed as the President, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM). Furthermore, the union also hopes and prays for greater success as you both endeavour to take on new responsibilities.

Temjenliba Aier Temjensangla Imchen President General Secretary

Graham Smith

Imran Khan

Mohammed Shahabuddin (R) takes oath as the new president of Bangladesh on Monday.

Atto Achumi releases new song ‘Lomi’

Atto Achumi, the finalist “Naga Orpheus Hunt 2015” erstwhile “The Naga Idol” released his new song “Lomi” on April 22 at Nagaland Olympic Association, Talimeren conference room, Kohima.

The song “Lomi” is a sumi love song featuring reigning Miss Sumi and Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi. The music video “Lomi” was released by MLA 13th A/C Pughoboto, Dr. Sukhato A Sema.

The programme was hosted by Kavito Sheqi, invocation by association pastor youth SABCK, Aghali Sheqi, greetings from Sumi Music Forum followed by a short speech by Hikali Achumi on her journey with “Lomi” and concluded with a mass prayer.

Ed Sheeran to appear in court for copyright lawsuit

The ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker Ed Sheeran is expected to take to the stand in a case which claims his ‘Thinking Out Loud’ tune violates a copyright.

The hit 2014 tune rocketed to number one in the UK charts - but there are claims it violates the copyright of the Marvin Gaye classic ‘Let’s Get It On’, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.

The opening statements and jury selection is now to begin in a case in which the heirs of Ed Townsend, Gaye’s cowriter on the 1973 soul classic, claim Ed’s song has “striking similarities” to the soul classic. The case was initially filed in 2017 and is now expected to last a week as the fight takes place in the Manhattan federal courtroom.

As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, ‘Let’s Get It On’ has been a sensation since its release 50 years ago, garnering hundreds of millions of streams, spins and radio plays over the decades.

Mithun’s son Namashi Chakraborty all set for ‘Bad Boy’ debut

Mithun Chakraborty’s son Namashi Chakraborty and Sajid Qureshi’s daughter Amrin Qureshi are all set to make their debut with the romantic comedy, ‘Bad Boy’.

Namashi and Amrin were in the national capital to promote their film, where they talked about their roles and how it was to share screen space with each other. “Its a story of a bad boy falling in love with a good girl,” Namashi said.

Amrin added: “I am playing Rituparna, who is like me or any other girl. She wants a normal life and has small dreams. She is an ideal girl who follows everything told by her parents. However, she is living under certain restrictions and she wants to explore more in the world. She falls in love with this guy though he is bad, but she feels no one understands him and thus she falls for him.”

Namashi is playing Raghu, a carefree youth, who gets attracted to every other girl.

“But when he falls in love with Rituparna, he crosses all obstacles for her. It is like opposite attracts,” Namashi said. (IANS)

Two-day music workshop held at SFS

Salman Khan-starrer “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan” earned Rs 68.17 crore in the first weekend, the makers said Monday. The Farhad Samji directorial, which hit the theatres ahead of Eid on April 21, is Salman’s first big screen release in a leading role in four years. According to Zee Studios, the family entertainer opened at Rs 15.81 crore in day one domestic collections, which stands at Rs 68.17 crore by the end of the opening weekend. “After booking a fantastic opening of Rs 15.81 crore, the film collection grew on its second day to Rs 25.75 crore and went up to earn Rs 26.61 crore on its third day, Sunday, which has made a total of three days, Rs 68.17 crore,” the makers said in a statement. (PTI)

The 8th edition music workshop on tonic solfa, staff notations, conducting, music and vocal techniques organised by Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA) was held at St Francis De Sales Church (SFS), Kohima on April 22 and 23.

Resource persons for the workshop included Celestina Meyase, Zhaviu Matthew Whuorie, Victoria Chasie and Keneisaho Joseph.

Church youths numbering over 30 participated in the workshop which was subdivided into 8 sessions

along with two combined practice sessions. Classes started with the invocation pronounced by Parish Priest, SFS, Fr Mhabemo Matthew Humtsoe. Participants were handed out certificates following the successful completion of the workshop. (Correspondent)

SEVENTEEN drop explosive ‘Super’ music video

K-pop boyband SEVENTEEN have made a comeback with their new mini-album ‘FML’ and the music video for one of its singles, ‘Super’. On April 24 at 6pm KST, the 13-member boyband released their tenth Korean-language mini-album ‘FML’, alongside a visual for one of its two singles, ‘Super’. SEVENTEEN are set to drop a music video for the record’s second single, ‘F*ck My Life’ on May 8 at Midnight KST.

Gong / Feels like I turned into Son O Gong / We’ll never rest, everyday, make it make it / Don’t break until we make it / Feels like I turned into Son O Gong,” they perform in the chorus.

In addition to ‘Super’ and ‘F**k My Life’, SEVENTEEN’s new mini-album comprises tracks by each of the boyband’s three units: ‘Fire’ by S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu and Vernon (hip-hop

F ELICITATION

Ed’s tune won a Grammy for song of the year, and is a much more marital take on love and sex than that in question.

Both of the tunes are expected to be played to the jury on numerous occasions but it’s thought the lyrics will be legally insignificant. (IANS)

The Korean title of ‘Super’, refers to the Monkey King (known in Korean as Son O Gong) from the 16th century Chinese novel Journey To The West. The new visual focuses on the track’s high-energy choreography, which is inspired in part by martial arts moves. “Feels like I turned into Son O

DC-511/23

O FFICE OF THE S ETTSÜ K AKETSHIR T ELONGJEM BPO.2ND. BN NAP. Alichen, P.O. Mokokchung – 798601 Nagaland NUKJIDONG : Yimtsüng asoshi” F ELICITATION

With immense joy and pride, the Settsu Students’ Union would like to congratulate Mr. Imlisanen Longkumer, S/o Rev. M. Repa Longkumer and Mrs. Yashinungla Jamir on being appointed as Manager (IT Officer) under Rural Bank, Nagaland in the recently declared Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Examination.

The Union further wishes him good health and success in his future endeavors.

Sd/- Sd/TEMJENSANGBA IMYAPANGLA President, SKT General Secretary, SKT

With immense pride and gratitude, we the Changki Longkumer Kidong, Chumoukedima would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to our esteemed member Pastor A. Temsu Longkumer on his recent promotion to the post of Reverend, Police Baptist Church, Chumoukedima. We further wish and pray for a very successful career with good health and wisdom.

Talinokcha Assemwati President Gen Secy

CONGRATULATORY NOTE

With immense pride and joy, we the family of Lt. Satuo D Sogotsu and Mrs. Purhimo-ü D Sogotsu of Chiechama Village would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Dr. KIKRUSENUO KIEWHUO, D/o Lt. Neibulie Kiewhuo and Mrs. Banuo Kiewhuo who completed her Ph.D degree from CSIR, North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) Jorhat, Assam under the supervision of Prof. G. Narahari Shastri on her Thesis, "Development of Natural product Data bases and exploring key proteinprotein Interaction in the prognosis of Breast Cancer". She is the first among the family who achieved the Doctorate Degree. We the family members wish her and pray to our Almighty God to bless her with good health and wisdom to achieve more in all her future endeavours.

K-872/23

Family Members Of Lt. SATUO D SOGOTSU & Mrs. PURHIMO-Ü D. SOGOTSU

FELICITATION

team), ‘I Don’t Understand but I Luv U’ by Hoshi, Jun, The8 and Dino (performance team) and ‘Dust’ by Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK and Seungkwan (vocal team). The record ends with the track ‘April Shower’, which is performed by all 13 members of the group. As with most of SEVENTEEN’s releases, all songs on ‘FML’ were co-produced by longtime collaborator Bumzu

and the group’s producer Woozi, though the latter was not involved in producing the hip-hop team’s ‘Fire’. ‘FML’ marks SEVENTEEN’s first comeback as a full group since their July 2022 repackaged album ‘Sector 17’, led by the single ‘_World’. That record had been a re-release of their fourth studio album ‘Face The Sun’, which was released earlier that year. (NME)

OF THE

OFFICE

ANYU, ANDEN, SHAMEANGH, LEYEANG SHU

Theme: Unity for Upliftment FELICITATION NOTE

The undersigned on behalf of ANYU, ANDEN, SHAMEANGH and LEYEANG SHU (AASL) family would like to proudly felicitate and congratulate Miss. Beley Esther Konyak for winning the title of Miss. Mon 2023 and Miss. Eastern Nagaland 2023 recently held at Mon.

The AASL family wishes her all the best of luck and success in her future endeavours.

MKC-144/23

Dr. Tialila Longchar Dr. Markangla Jamir With immense pride and honour, the LSM congratulates to:

1. Dr. Tialila Longchar, D/o Er. Mangyangemba Longchar and Mrs. Rongsensongla Imchen for achieving Doctor of Philosophy on the thesis “A study on the Problems faced by B.Ed. Colleges Cooperating School in Relation to Internship.” under the Department of Education, Nagaland University.

2. Dr. Markangla Jamir. D/o Mr. Imkumtemsu Jamir and Mrs. Rangneu Hrgui for achieving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on the thesis “A study on Vocational interest and parental influence on career choices of Adolescents in Nagaland.” under Nagaland University. The L.S.M further prays and wishes them success in all their future endeavours. Yashiramok Ao Watitoshi President, LSM G. Secretary, LSM

OFFICE O F THE Longmisa senso mungdang P.O. Mokokchung-798601, B.P.O. Longmisa Mokokchung : Nagaland.

(C.B. THUBA) (K.B. PANGPAT) President Gen. Secretary

Dr. Sukhato A Sema (C) releasing the song with Atto Achumi and Hikali Achumi.

Participants with resource persons and church catechist after the workshop. (NP)

‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ raises Rs 68.17cr in opening weekend

La Liga leaders Barca beat Atletico Madrid 1-0

MADRID, APR 24

(IANS): This season’s La Liga title is all but assured to end up in FC Barcelona’s trophy room after the leaders beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the table. There were doubts ahead of the game as Barca failed to score in their last three matches, and those doubts were only heightened when Antoine Griezmann chipped the ball against their crossbar in the first minute of the match, reports Xinhua.

However, with MarcAndre ter Stegen in excellent form and Frenkie de Jong and Pedri both available for coach Xavi Hernandez, Barca were able to hold off a rival that had won 10 of their last 12 matches.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game two minutes from halftime, with a powerful shot that Atletico keeper Jan Oblak will be disappointed not to have saved.

On Saturday, Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win over Celta Vigo thanks to Marco Asensio’s 42nd-minute strike from a Vinicius cross and Eder Militao’s powerful header in the 48th minute.

Real Sociedad

strengthened their position in fourth after fighting back to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1. Betis slipped to a 3-2 defeat away to Osasuna, and are in danger of slipping out of the top-six after Athletic Club Bilbao made it three wins and a draw from their

1st U-20 Revenant Football Running Trophy begins in Mkg

last four games with a comfortable 2-1 win away to struggling Almeria. Athletic’s win leaves them just a point behind sixth place Villarreal after the latter became Sevilla’s third victim in a week, slipping to a 2-1 defeat in the

Im-Mitchell settle for 6th place at Zurich Classic

NEW ORLEANS, APR

24 (IANS): Korean star Sungjae Im grabbed his sixth Top-10 finish of the ongoing season even as his dream of a fairy-tale finish with American partner Keith Mitchell failed to materialise. Im and Mitchell settled for solo sixth place at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, five shots behind winners Nick Hardy and Davis Riley.

Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Monchu’s 24th-minute goal helped Valladolid make it six points from two games to move them five points clear of the bottom three with a 1-0 win at home to Girona.

Valencia claimed a vital win, but remain in the bottom three after first-half goals from Samuel Lino and a penalty from Gonzalo Verdu saw them win 2-0 away to bottom side Elche, who remain with 13 points all season.

Mallorca fought back form a goal down to beat Getafe 3-1, with two second-half goals from Lee Kang-in and Antonio Raillo overturning Borja Mayoral’s first-half opener for the visitors, who are just one point above the bottom three.

Espanyol’s survival hopes suffered a big blow on Friday night when they were held 0-0 at home to Cadiz in a direct duel to avoid the drop.

Badminton Asia C’ships: Sindhu, Saina and Prannoy to lead India’s challenge

DUBAI, APR 24 (IANS): India will be virtually full strength in the women’s singles with their two best players, Olympic medallists P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal leading the campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2023 starting here on Tuesday.

Malvika Bansod and Aakarshi Kashyap are the other Indian players in the fray in the women’s singles category in the event that will be played at the Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Indoor Hall, Al Nasr Club in Dubai. The finals will be played on April 30. In the men’s singles category, the Indian campaign will be led by H.S Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth and Lakshya Sen. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be India’s main hope in the men’s doubles while the young pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly will be in focus in the women’s

doubles section of the 40th edition of Badminton Asia Championships which will be held for the first time in the Middle East. Two-time Olympic Games medallist Sindhu, who reached the women’s singles final of the Madrid Spain Masters 2023 earlier this month, is seeded eight in the singles category. As per the draw, world No. 11 Sindhu will face Chinese Taipei’s Wen Chi Hsu in the opening match. London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, ranked 29, will play a qualifier in the first round. HS Prannoy is seeded eighth in the men’s singles category. In the men’s

doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are seeded sixth. In the men’s singles, world No. 9 Prannoy will take on Myanmar’s Phone Pyae Naing in the first round. Lakshya Sen, world No. 24, will be up against 7th seed Loh Kean Yew of Singapore. World No. 23 Kidambi Srikanth will play his first-round match against Bahrain’s Adnan Ebrahim, said a report on Olympics. com. In the men’s doubles, Satwik-Chirag Shetty, who claimed the Swiss Open crown recently, will open their campaign against Malaysia’s Tan Kian Meng and Tan Wee Kiong.

15th ‘Evangelism Through Sports’ of PBCCKK held

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): The 15th

“Evangelism Through Sports” of Pesocha Baptist Church Council Khriesarűű Krotho (PBCCKK) was held at host church Seiyhama village ground on April 22, with more than 1000 youths from Northern Baptist Churches in Kohima.

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, APR

24 NPN): The 1st U-20 Revenant Football Running Trophy organised by Moanunsang Memorial Sporting Club, under the aegis of Revenant FC, Mokokchung, got underway, on Monday at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung with assistant director of Food & Civil Supply, Jamonger, as the guest of

honour.

Speaking at the programme, Jamonger lauded the organisers for trying the promote young talents and for keeping passion of football alive. He also encouraged the young talents to participate with a balanced discipline between sport and education. Jamonger further added that one should put his heart and soul into the passion one loves with a respect to others.

GT World c’ship: Arjun Maini and teammates claim podium in Monza

MONZA (ITALY), APR

24 (IANS): Indian racer

Arjun Maini along with his team Haupt Racing got their first podium in Monza in the Bronze category in the GT World championship - Europe. Maini and his teammates were driving their number 79 Red Liveried Mercedes AMG GT3. The bronze category stipulates that there is a requirement of one driver in the bronze, silver and gold ratings respectively.

In this case, Arjun Maini is the gold-rated driver for Mercedes AMG.

The team got off to an excellent start with Hubert Haupt in the car, and Hubert was able to make some places despite multiple yellow flags and safety cars. Sebastian Baud then took over and maintained the momentum going till the end of his stint which was just past the 2-hour mark out of the 3-hour endurance race.

Maini got into the car for the final hour and came out of the pits in P3 in the bronze class. It was an incredible fight throughout the one hour of extremely competitive racing involving five bronze class cars with all Professionals drivers driving Mercedes, McLaren,

Lamborghini and BMW and fighting for positions from P2 to P6. At one point they were all within 5 seconds of each other, changing positions frequently as the race progressed. Arjun Maini eventually kept P3 and brought in the first podium of the season in the first race of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Race in the bronze category.

Arjun Maini said, “It felt really good to be standing on the podium with my teammates in Monza on the opening round of the Championship. This is also the first race of the Championship and to get a podium means a lot to me. We had to really fight throughout the 3-hour race which was never going to be easy. We lacked a bit of pace and had to make up for it by driving hard and defending well. It was a really difficult one and am so happy that we pulled it off”.

Earlier, a short speech was delivered by Dr. Lanu Walling while the invocation was offered by Aongsen and the programme was chaired by Zulumanen, who also administered the oath to the 16 participating teams.

It may be mentioned that that the tournament is being conducted without any entry fee charges but the winners will be accorded due trophy, cash awards and certificates along with individual prizes.

The final day belonged to Hardy and Riley as they celebrated their maiden PGA TOUR victory together after combining brilliantly for a flawless 65 which included five birdies on the home stretch. Im and Mitchell, partnering for the first time in the only PGA TOUR tournament to feature a two-man team competition, started the final round at TPC Louisiana one off the lead and were very much in the title hunt until a back nine stumble as they signed for a closing 72.

Korean duo, Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim produced the best-ever result by an all-Asian team with a tie for seventh place since the tournament became a team event in 2017. They closed out with a 68 in the Foursomes (alternate shot) format.

In volleyball (men), Seiyhama emerged as the champion while Meriema and Tsiesema Basa BKK were the first and second runners-up respectively. In volleyball (women),

Seiyhama was the champion while Chiephobozou BKK was the first runners-up. Meriema BKK will

host the next edition in 2024.

The inaugural programme was chaired by advisor PBCCKK, Khrieneituo

Kense, scripture reading and invocation by pastor Seiyhama BC & VP PBCC, Khriezelhou Sopf ű nuo. Exhortation by president PBCCTK, Seyiengulie Angami, special song by Avinuo Metha and oath taking by Ruokuosalie Kengur ű se. The closing programme was chaired by president PBCCKK, Neikielie R ű preo, sharing by asso mission director ABCC, Neilavotuo Mere while youth director PBKK, vote of thanks by Mengusielie Kesiyie.

INTO 11TH YEAR ON 13TH MAY BRINGING THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL NPSC/UPSC ASPIRANTS TILL 13 TH MAY

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Northern Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (NSBAK) Women Ministry Aqakito, would like to express our deep grief and sorrow at the demise of our leader

Tokali T. Achumi (Women Evangelist, NSBAK) who passed away during the prolonged illness on

Your untimely demise has left a space where

Barcelona players celebrate after scoring against Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

P.V. Sindhu, H.S Prannoy and Saina Nehwal

Guest of honour, Jamonger with organizers and players of the first match Ao Temulong FC and White Wings FC.

Glimpse of ‘Evangelism Through Sports’.

Arjun Maini

IPL: Delhi Capitals pip hapless SRH by 7 runs

HYDERABAD, APR 24

(PTI): Washington Sundar’s allround effort went in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad made heavy weather of a below-par chase to go down to Delhi Capitals by seven runs, their third defeat in a row in the IPL, here on Monday.

The offspin allrounder Sundar (4-0-28-3) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-011-2) exposed the batting frailties of Delhi Capitals’ in the first half of the game to restrict them to 144/9 after David Warner opted to bat.

But an inexplicable batting approach in which SRH never looked to dominate led to their downfall as they were restricted to 137/6.

Having lost half of their side for 85 runs in 14.1 overs, SRH’s recovery was led by Heinrich Klaasen (31; 19b, 3x4, 1x6) and Sundar who came up with 15-ball 24 not out (3x4s).

But it proved not enough as Anrich Nortje (40-33-2) dismissed his South African temmate, before Mukesh Kumar bowled a terrific last over to defend 13 runs to hand Delhi a narrow yet thrilling second consecutive win of the season. Delhi, who began the season with a five-match

losing streak, however stayed at the bottom of the table with four points. Kolkata

Knight Riders and SRH, who too have four points, remained ahead on net runrate. Harry Brook’s largely disappointing IPL debut season extended further and Mayank Agarwal (49) failed to make the most of two lifelines.

Delhi Capitals

gradually strengthened their grip on the game by taking four wickets -- Agarwal, Rahul Tripathi (15), Abhishek Sharma (5) and Aiden Markam (3) in quick succession in the middle overs, and allowing a mere

three fours between overs 5 to 15 which highlighted SRH’s plight.

Axar Patel deceived the batter in flight, only to hit it straight to Aman Khan in the 12th over. Agarwal made 49 from 39 balls with seven fours, adding 31 and 38 runs with Brook and Tripathi, for the first and second wickets respectively, but never looked on top of the proceedings.

The dismissal of Agarwal had Delhi’s tails up in the 12th over, and their impact substitute Ishant dealt a severe blow getting SRH’s impact player Tripathi caught behind for

Wrestlers move SC for FIR against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

currently conducting an inquiry into all of them. We will register an FIR once concrete evidence is obtained. In the course of our inquiry, we have requested a report from the Sports Ministry’s probe committee that was established to investigate the accusations of sexual harassment made against the WFI chief,” said a senior police official.

NEW DELHI, APR 24

(IANS): Wrestler Vinesh

Phogat and other wrestlers have moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction for registration of an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

As senior advocate Narendra Hooda mentioned the plea before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday, the Chief Justice asked Hooda to mention the matter again on Tuesday as his petition was not on the list of mentioning matters.

According to the plea, Phogat and other wrestlers have cited an inordinate

delay in registration of an FIR by Delhi Police against the WFI chief and urged the apex court to issue a direction to police to lodge a case against him. Counsel familiar with the development said the matter will be mentioned again for early hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Amid the ongoing protests by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Delhi Police have reportedly sought a report from the probe committee that was established by the Sports Ministry in response to the complaints.

“We have received seven complaints and are

On Sunday, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Phogat and other top Indian grapplers, restarted their protest against the WFI chief in Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. An Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Phogat broke down while speaking to reporters.

She had earlier said she was subjected to mental harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, adding that she had even contemplated suicide.

On Sunday, one protesting wrestler told IANS that as many as seven women grapplers, including a minor, have tried to lodge a complaint at Parliament Street police station but “the police officers refused to file an FIR”.

a 21-ball 15. SRH’s slide continued with Abhishek (5) hitting one straight back to Kuldeep Yadav in the 14th over and in the next, Axar had Markram chopping one on to leave the home side reeling at 86/5. With 51 needed from last four overs, Klaasen and Sundar revived SRH with a 26-ball 41-run stand for the sixth wicket, but their effort came too late.

Earlier, Sundar ended his six-match wicketless run to take three wickets in five balls to break the back of Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup after they opted to bat. Then Bhuvneswhar came up with a parsimonious

spell of 4-0-11-2, which included the key wickets of Phil Salt (0) and Axar (34) to rattle Delhi further.

Delhi Capitals slipped from 57 for 2 to 62 for 5 after the powerplay, and had their backs firmly pressed against the wall. Patel (34) and Manish Pandey (34) saved some blushes for Delhi, who remained at the bottom of the points table.

Patel hit a run-a-ball 34 with four hits to the fence while Pandey was run out following a brilliant throw from deep midwicket by Sundar soon after, for a 27-ball 34 (2x4s). The Delhi captain, who broke the shackles to get a four and a six off Sundar in the fourth over, perished right after the powerplay with the spin bowling all-rounder running through the middle-order in the eighth over.

Warner, who perished for a 20-ball 21, was caught at deep square leg by Brook on the second ball while trying to sweep.

Brief Scores:

Delhi Capitals 144/9; 20 overs (Manish Pandey 34, Axar Patel 34; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/11, Washington Sundar 3/28) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 137/6; 20 overs (Axar Patel 2/21) by seven runs.

Alcaraz beats Tsitsipas to clinch back-to-back Barcelona titles

Modi asks sports ministers to provide quality infrastructures to athletes

IMPHAL, APR 24 (PTI):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asked the central and state sports ministers to work together “to provide quality infrastructures to every talented player in the country” and formulate short and long term goals to make India a leading sports nation.

Addressing a ‘Chintan Shivir’ (brainstorming session) of sports ministers of states and UTs being held at the Manipur capital, PM Modi underlined the need to have more competitions at the local level so that the players get the muchneeded experience. He also asked the ministers to ensure no sporting talent is overlooked.

“You have to focus on sports infrastructure, and sports training according to each tournament. You also have to decide short-term, medium-term and longterm goals”, the PM said in a virtual address. Drawing the analogy of man-toman marking in sports like football and hockey, the PM said while the players are preparing themselves, it’s now time for the ministries to work with a different

ATP Rankings: Djokovic maintains top spot

NEW DELHI, APR 24

(IANS): Novak Djokovic of Serbia maintained his top spot in the ATP rankings this week despite his early exit from the Banja Luka Open tennis tournament. The 35-year-old lost in the quarterfinals in Banja Luka and as a result, his total points dropped by 105.

approach regarding sports tournaments.

Touching upon Khelo India Scheme, the Prime Minister noted that it has definitely improved sports infrastructure at the district level and urged the ministers to take the improvements to the block level. Modi also stated that the participation of all the stakeholders, including the private sector, is important. The PM also suggested that the National Youth Festival be rethought to make it more effective and said that such programmes held in the states should not become just a formality.

“India will be able to establish itself as a leading sports country only when such efforts are made all-round,” the PM said, according to a release from Press Information Bureau. He expressed confidence

that the sports ministers from all over the country will have a learning experience at the end of the ‘Chintan Shivir’. “Any Chintan Shivir begins with contemplation, proceeds with rumination and ends with implementation,” the PM said, while underlining the need to discuss future goals and also review the previous conferences.

Recalling the previous meeting in Kevadiya in 2022, the Prime Minister pointed out that many important issues were discussed and an agreement was reached to make a road map for an ecosystem for the betterment of sports. He touched upon increasing the participation between the center and the states in the sports sector and highlighted the strides that have been made. He further added that this review should not be carried out at the level of policies and programmes but on infrastructure development and sports achievements of the previous year. The PM also noted that Northeast India and Manipur have significantly contributed to taking forward the sports tradition of the country.

Swiatek wins second straight WTA Stuttgart title

STUTTGART, GERMANY, APR 24 (IANS): Iga Swiatek of Poland retained her title with a straight-set victory over Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in a match between the world’s top two players at the WTA Stuttgart Grand Prix here.

BARCELONA, APR 23 (AGENCIES): World number two Carlos Alcaraz beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 to win the Barcelona Open on Sunday and clinch his third ATP Tour title of the year and the ninth overall for the 19-year-old.

Alcaraz, who had an injury-plagued start to the season and was beaten by Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of his last tournament, the Miami Open, won in Barcelona for the second consecutive year, taking the title without losing a set.

The Spanish teenager beat world number five and second seed Tsitsipas with the same ease that he dispatched every other opponent in Barcelona this week. Alcaraz, who in December became the youngest year-end world number one since the ATP

Carlos Alcaraz

rankings began, was close to perfection on Sunday and gave a masterclass as he won in less than 80 minutes.

It was Tsitsipas’s fourth consecutive loss to Alcaraz.

Tsitsipas managed to break Alcaraz in the third game, but the Spaniard hit right back and got another break before closing out the first-set in 38 minutes.

Alcaraz was even more aggressive in the second set as he attacked relentlessly and broke Tsitsipas’s serve in the fifth game. He did not give his opponent a chance to fight back and closed out the match with a powerful forehand before celebrating with the home fans.

The next step in the Spaniard’s buildup to the French Open will be the Madrid Masters which starts next Thursday.

Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara honoured at Sydney Cricket Ground

SYDNEY, APR 24 (IANS): On his 50th birthday Sachin Tendulkar was honoured at the Sydney Cricket Ground with a set of gates named after him and West Indies great Brian Lara.

The gates, used to access the field of play, were unveiled to mark Tendulkar’s 50th birthday and 30 years since Lara’s innings of 277 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The gates were unveiled by SCG and Venues NSW Chairman Rod McGeoch AO and CEO Kerrie Mather, as well as Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.

“All visiting cricket players will take to the field through the LaraTendulkar Gates, which are situated between the Members Pavilion’s away dressing room and the Noble Bradman Messenger Stand.

The Australian cricket team enters the field via the Don Bradman Gates

between the Members and Ladies Pavilions, while the Arthur Morris and Alan Davidson Gates front Driver Avenue,” the SCG statement read.

Tendulkar and Lara now have joined Sir Donald

Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris by having a set of gates named in their honour at the SCG.

Tendulkar averaged 157 in Tests in Sydney and scored three iconic centuries in Moore Park,

a love affair in a league of its own in the modern era rivalled only by Usman Khawaja’s average of 130.83 at the same ground.

“The Sydney Cricket Ground has been my favourite ground away from India,” Tendulkar said. “I have had some great memories at the SCG right from my first tour of Australia in 1991-92. It is a great honour to have the gates used by all visiting cricketers to access the field of play at the SCG named after me and my good friend Brian.

“I would like to thank the team at the SCG and Cricket Australia for this kind gesture. I look forward to visiting the SCG soon.”

On the other hand, Lara holds the distinction of the second highest Test score at the Ground in the modern era, a magnificent 277 widely regarded not only as one of the Prince of Trinidad’s finest as his maiden century, but as one of the finest innings of all

time.

“I’m deeply honoured to be recognised at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as I’m sure Sachin is. The ground holds many special memories for me and my family and I always enjoy visiting whenever I’m in Australia,” Lara said.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley called it a timely gesture that recognised two legends of the sport.

He said: “As the cricketing world celebrates Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, this is a fitting and timely gesture by the SCG to recognise Sachin and Brian Lara as two legends of the international game with exceptional records at the SCG.

“Their feats will no doubt be an inspiration to not only visiting international teams, but all players fortunate enough to walk onto the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground, for generations to come.”

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who lifted the trophy in Barcelona, remained at No. 2 after and is just 365 points behind the Serb, who has pulled out of this week’s Madrid Masters.

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, who has won more matches than any other player on the tour in 2023 with 31 victories, returned to the Top-3 for the first time since October 31 last year. The Russian swapped places with Norway’s Casper Ruud, who suffered an early exit in Barcelona.

There is no change in the rest of the top 10 with Stefanos Tsitsipas at No. 5, Banja Luka finalist Andrey Rublev at No. 6, Munich champion Holger Rune at No. 7, Italy’s Jannik Sinner at No. 8, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime at No. 9 and American Taylor Fritz at No. 10.

Top seed Swiatek defeated world No. 2 Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4 after one hour and 50 minutes, in a rematch of last year’s final on the indoor clay, capturing her 13th career singles title, reports Xinhua.

Swiatek maintained her undefeated career record at the Stuttgart GP (8-0 in her two appearances) and now holds a 5-2 win-loss record against Sabalenka in their rivalry. It was also Swiatek’s 20th win this year.

It was the first claycourt final between the world’s top two-ranked players in a decade, with the last one occurring at the 2013 Roland Garros, where No. 1 Serena Williams defeated No. 2 Maria Sharapova for the title.

Reigning Australian Open champion Sabalenka left Stuttgart with 23 matchwins this year. Despite reaching the final in each of the past three years, Sabalenka was denied by

Iga Swiatek

Ashleigh Barty in 2021 before her two losses to Swiatek.

In the doubles final, No. 2 seeds and last year’s champions Desirae Krawczyk of the United States and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands beat third seeds Nicole MelicharMartinez of the United States and Giuliana Olmos of Mexico 6-4, 6-1. Krawczyk and Schuurs triumphed at the Stuttgart GP last year for their first title as a pair, and they claimed their second title by dispatching MelicharMartinez and Olmos in 64 minutes. It was Krawczyk’s ninth doubles title and the 16th for Schuurs.

Man Utd beat Brighton; reach FA Cup final

LONDON, APR 23

(AGENCIES): Manchester United beat Brighton & Hove Albion in a thrilling penalty shootout after their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday finished 0-0 after extra time to set up the first allManchester clash in the final.

Solly March, Brighton’s seventh player to step up to the spot in the shootout, launched the ball over the bar, before Victor Lindelof found the net to secure a 7-6 shootout victory for United.

The nail-biting finale was a fitting ending after 120 goalless minutes of wild swings in a game that careened from end to end all night.

The quality of the penalties in a torrential downpour was superb with United finding the net with all seven of their spotkicks.

Brighton’s first six efforts were equally impressive until March fired wildly off target.

Erik ten Hag’s United,

12-times FA Cup winners, are chasing a cup double after winning the League Cup in February.

Treble-chasing

Manchester City await in the final after they beat Sheffield United 3-0 in their semi on Saturday.

Sunday’s semi was a rematch of the 1983 final, when Brighton lost to United in the south coast side’s only appearance in the showcase game.

It had fans on the edge

of their seats at Wembley with numerous chances for both sides to break the deadlock, including several in extra time.

Marcus Rashford’s deflected shot in the extra period was pushed wide by Brighton’s diving keeper Robert Sanchez, and then he fired a long shot that sailed just wide.

Kaoru Mitoma nearly won it for Brighton late in extra time, but collided with De Gea in the box.

Delhi Capitals bowler Anrich Nortje celebrates with teammates after the wicket of SRH batter Harry Brook during the IPL match in Hyderabad, Monday. (PTI)

Narendra Modi (PTI)

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik (R) and Vinesh Phogat at a press conference during their protest, Monday. (PTI)

Julio Enciso (R) vies with Christian Eriksen during the English FA Cup semi-final match. (AFP)

Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara