6 April 2023

IPL: Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 5-run SPORTS,

Rio promotes Nagaland at B20 investors meet

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister

Neiphiu Rio said agriculture and allied sectors offer great potential for investment and urged G20 delegates to consider exploring investments in the sectors in the State.

Addressing the inaugural session on “Opportunities for Multilateral Business Partnership in Agriculture and Food Processing Tourism & IT” on the fourth and last day of the 2-day G20 Business Meet in North East at State Banquet Hall here Wednesday, Rio mentioned that Nagaland has naturally occurring Naga chilli, varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables, cash crops like coffee and tea and other organically-grown processed foods and traditional items.

He also said ‘Naga chilli’, considered the world’s hottest naturally-occurring pepper, and varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables,

especially pineapple, papaya and passion fruit, garnered good attention wherever they have marketed with their unique taste and quality.

He also said Nagaland’s economy was mainly centred around agriculture and allied activities, with about 70% of the populace being dependent on these sectors. He also said the tropical and sub-tropical climate was suitable for growth and cultivation of agricultural products.

He also said that Nagaland has a pristine and natural environment that offered a huge potential for tourism, especially for those desiring a unique “out-of-the box” experience. He also said with 119 persons per square km, making Nagaland has lower population density than rest of the country, thereby enjoying a favourable land-man ratio. He said cash crops like coffee and tea also witnessed high quality yield and under

High time to open international

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN):

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh said it was high time to open international borders and claimed that the focus of the Central government was to deliver development to the last mile villages.

Addressing the media after the inaugural session of B20 meet here on Wednesday, he said he wished there were collaborations among educational institutions and construction of all-weather roads in all villages located in close proximity to international borders.

With more than 250 ethnic tribes domiciled, he observed that diversity was the strength of the Northeastern States. He said the region had now become the centre for investment and partnering with other global business communities and a platform for various collaborations.

He said the G20 event

the brand “Naturally Nagaland” marketing platform had also been created for the various organically-grown processed foods and other traditional items.

Rio also informed that the state was fully geared up to put in place all the requisite systems and enabling policy frameworks for providing business opportunities and facilitating investments, in order to ensure a rapid and sustained development. Rio pointed out that the theme of India’s G20 Presidency –“One Earth, One Family, One Future”– brought delegates coming from every culture and nationality to the shared oneness among in every aspect.

Rio mentioned that Nagaland also had a relatively young work force and a higher literacy rate than the national average and, with the right guidance and given an opportunity, Nagaland could excel in the IT sector. He assured that the state will

create investor-friendly environment and infrastructure, provide institutional support and attractive incentive packages and ensure optimum utilisation of existing resources in order to gainfully utilise/tap emerging opportunities in the national and international markets. He exuded confidence to build strong business ties with the investors.

In his keynote address, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh remarked that the summit was an opportune time as Kohima and entire the North-eastern region were central to New Delhi’s reach-out policy with immediate neighbours to the east like ASEAN countries. Singh also said that as Northeast being India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, the Central government was focusing on seamless land connectivity of the region with neighbouring countries.

borders for development: Rajkumar

was a good platform to showcase to the world the region’s potential and described it as the new engine of growth for India. He assured that the Ministry of External Affairs was ready to assist the States in exploring the potential areas of the region for investment and promotion of partnership in the business. On his

India sees highest one-day rise in Covid cases since Sep 2022

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): India on Wednesday reported 4,435 new Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day jump since September 2022, the Union Health ministry stated.

DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN):

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Shri Award, 2023 to Moa Subong in the field of Art, at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. Moa, a folk fusion artist, leads the popular Naga band ‘Abiogenesis’ along with his wife Arenla. He invented the bamboo wind musical instrument called ‘Bamhum’, and also created a new music genre called ‘Howey.

SC stays Nagaland govt notification of cancelling local body elections

The number of active cases stands at 23,091. With the surge in the past 24 hours, the tally has climbed to 4,47,33,719. Also, 15 deaths reported during the same time span has pushed the toll to 5,30,916.

While one death each was reported from Delhi, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Puducherry and Rajasthan,

four each were reconciled by Maharashtra and Kerala.

Though no severity has been witnessed in Covid-19 cases reported in the past few days, the spike nevertheless calls for precautions. Officials have asked people to mask up particularly in public places and avoid crowded places. As per the ministry data, the national Covid recovery rate was pegged at 98.76%. India has been witnessing an uptick in cases lately, prompting several states and UTs to ramp up anti-Covid measures to keep cut the chain of transmission.

part, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said Kohima was witnessing the convergence of 60 overseas delegates from 27 countries including delegates from Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy. Jamaica, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, United Kingdom and the United States. He disclosed that the diplomatic delegations included five ambassadors from Cuba, Iceland, Jamaica, Paraguay and Panama,

one deputy head of missions from Estonia and two consul generals from Costa Rica and Germany. He said there were trade delegations from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Iceland, Japan and UAE, while Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was facilitating Business to Business and Business to Government meetings. He revealed that overseas business delegates got the opportunity to interact with the local industry during the B2B and with the government in the B2G session for potential investment, collaboration and tieups.

DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN):

As decided during a coordination meeting with the Nagaland Private Practitioners’ Association (NPPA) under the chairmanship of commissioner and secretary Y Kikheto Sema on Tuesday, all private hospitals in the State have been declared as tobacco-free zones with effect from April 11. Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department had already declared all government hospitals, healthcare centres and health offices in the State as tobacco-free zones since February 1 this year. Recollecting the relentless contribution of private hospitals in the fight against

DELHI, APR 5 (PTI):

NEW

Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the March 30 notification cancelling till further orders the elections to the urban local bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland which were scheduled for May 16 after almost two decades. Following pressure from tribal organisations and civil society groups, the Nagaland assembly had passed a resolution to repeal the municipal act, resolving not to hold the elections.

On March 30, the State Election Commission (SEC) had issued a notification which cancelled the election programme notified earlier “till further orders” in view of the repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001. The apex court, which was hearing a petition seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in the elections to the local bodies in the state, had noted in its March

14 order that the SEC counsel had submitted the elections will be held on May 16.

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

The matter was mentioned on Wednesday before a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and A Amanullah. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, said the elections have been cancelled.

“The order of this court dated March 14, 2023 despite making it clear that any endeavour to tinker with the local elections now would be in breach of the orders of the court either by the Election Commission or the State Government. Notice both to the Election Commission and to the State Election Commission,” the bench said in its order.

NBA on ULB issue,NLTPAct

NPN Adds: Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the seminar held at Dimapur on the occasion of celebration of the platinum jubilee of Gauhati High Court, Nagaland Bar Association president A Zhimomi maintained that the chapter on municipality in the Constitution of India, was still alive and that Nagaland has no authority to erase it (on the attempt to re-write the Act).

He noted that the chapter required the municipal Acts to make reservations for women.

“The state of Nagaland amending or repealing the Municipal Act does not take away that chapter of the constitution,” he pointed out.

(Cont’d on p-7) (Cont’d on p-7)

Politicians don’t have higher immunity: SC on Oppn’s plea on CBI, ED misuse

NEW DELHI, APR 5

(IANS): Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a petition jointly filed by 14 political parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, the AAP, the NCP, the Shiv Sena-UBT, alleging misuse of investigative agencies in arresting opposition leaders, and sought guidelines on arrest.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala observed that political leaders do not enjoy an immunity higher than a common citizen and they are absolutely on the same foot-

Private hospitals declared tobacco-free zones

Covid-19 during the pandemic, Kikheto conveyed appreciation of the State government to the private hospitals for their collaboration with the government in various healthcare services.

He also appealed to the private hospitals to continue to work together even in the days to come, besides participating in the health information collection system of the department, so that health information from both public and private sectors was captured on real time.

With the aim to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses, Kikheto mentioned that the Central government had

launched Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana campaign under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. He urged the private hospitals to come on-board the scheme and use generic medicines that were available through special outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra, so as to reduce the healthcare expenditure of every citizen, particularly of the poor patients.

Responding to the appeal by the commissioner and secretary on private practice by government doctors, nurses or other employees, NPPA assured not to engage

Nagaland celebrates Gauhati HC platinum jubilee

NBA stresses on having separate HC

Staff Reporter: The Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) and the District Judiciary organised a seminar commemorating the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court here at the District Court Complex, Dimapur on Wednesday.

ing as common citizens, as it questioned how can there can be no arrest unless the triple test is satisfied? The political parties sought a fresh set of guidelines governing the arrest and remand.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the political parties, tried very hard to convince the court to change its mind and lay down guidelines of arrest of the leaders of opposition parties. However, the bench stressed that politicians are citizens and cannot enjoy any higher protection and the aggrieved individual politicians can approach the

court concerned for appropriate remedy.

The bench told Singhvi that when political parties argue that there is a chilling effect on the Opposition due to the CBI and ED cases against the leaders of the political parties, then the answer lies in the political space and not in courts.

Chief Justice Chandrachud said general principles of law can’t be laid down in absence of specific facts and added, “we can’t lay down guidelines merely on the basis of some statistics relating to politicians”.

Nagaland has potential to attract investments, say B20 delegates

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN): Delegates of the B20 meeting here at the State capital Kohima were optimistic that Nagaland has the potential to attract investors especially because of the warm and hospitable nature of the people.

Talking to Nagaland Post, Simona Mihai, representing Romanian Embassy, said her visit to Nagaland was a very lovely surprise and that she had been using the words ‘amazing’ and ‘fantastic’ very often after landing here in Nagaland.

She acknowledged that Naga culture was very rich and deeply rooted within the people and that most of the visitors were only seeing the surface of that connection.

Mihai said she found the place very natural, green, yet very colourful and although people had their own rich culture, they were willing to share it with any visiting guest.

support the entrepreneurs, NGOs and companies that were involved in the production. She said the companies dealing in coffee, handicraft, handlooms or silk, were well established however, they were looking for people to help them expand since it was not just government initiative but a local initiative as well.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN): Platinum Jubilee of the Gauhati High Court was celebrated at Gauhati High Court (GHC) Kohima Bench as well as at Dimapur at separate programmes

Wednesday.

At Kohima, GHC bench judge justice Kakheto Sema addressed the programme as special guest where he

highlighted about the history on how GHC had emerged from the High Court of Assam on September 9, 1947, after Assam Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution to establish a High Court for the Province of Assam. He said that the GHC was a unique one whereby a single institution exercises jurisdiction throughout the North Eastern region.

Speaking on the theme “Professional Ethics”, president Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) Akito Zhimomi mentioned that professional ethics were laws and principles that governed a person’s conduct in a professional workplace or work life.

He also highlighted that even after more than 60 years of Statehood, Nagaland was yet to have its own high court, and termed it as “a matter of shame”. He noted that the pursuit to have a high court seemed to have hit a road block.

Akito also reiterated the stand of the NBA that the state government appoint someone from the legal

Sharing her experience of how she was visiting Nagaland for the first time even though she had been in India for the past seven years, Mihai said after coming to Nagaland she found out that there were many avenues which could attract investment.

She observed that Nagaland had very good coffee and apart from investing in it, there was also a need to

Mihai, a geologist by profession, said the investment avenue for her was that she plans to bring geologist from all over the world to study the rocks, trees, mines, flora and soil which would expose the people to a variety of outcrops in India and Asia. She said in terms of modern technological overview, Nagaland still has a long way to go, however, she pointed out that even with limited resources and all the political conflict that took place over the years, the people had managed to set up State that was really thriving and was headed towards more prosperity for its citizens.

“The goal here is not to Westernise Nagaland, imitate another State or country but maintain its culture while technologizing it. I think that is the root of this conference and people from all over the world wants to invest in Nagaland to make it more Nagaland, a more modern one and a united one,” Simona said.

Neiphiu Rio and Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh at the press meet. (DIPR)

Neiphiu Rio addressing the inaugural session of the G20 business meet at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima on Wednesday. (PIB)

Akito Zhimomi and Inalo Zhimomi (NP)

(6th from R) Justice K Sema with other officials during the platinum jubilee celebration. (NP)

Moa Subong receiving the award from President Murmu.

Highlights of the plenary session of B20 Business Meet

DIMAPUR: The plenary session of the B20 Conference on opportunities for Multilateral Business Partnership in Agriculture, Food Processing, Tourism and Information Technology was held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima on April 5, with the participation of representatives from different countries, business communities and stakeholders.

A DIRP report stated that, financial adviser, North Eastern Council, Gaigongdin Panmei in his address said that Inter-Ministerial Team was formed to improve foreign trade with North Eastern Region, and highlighted new industrial policy for North East Region. On the energy sector, he stressed on the potentials of 5G technology, 3D printing, Bamboo-Ethanol, Tissue Culture Nurseries, Natural Rubber, etc. Agriculture Production Commissioner, R. Binchilo Thong spoke on Agriculture Business Potential in Nagaland, specifically mentioning turmeric,

papaya, naga king chilli, packaging materials, planting materials, small and customised machinery.

Addressing on Agriculture & Food Processing, executive director, Godrej Agrovet Limited, Burjis Godrej highlighted on the booming sustainable oil palm cultivation in the North East Region and also the Government’s interest in investment for cultivation of oil palm.

Chairman, Echahaba Tea Growers Cooperative Society Limited, Dr. Aotoshi spoke on introducing prospective investors taking advantage of the G20 Summit. Head Certification Business TQ Cert Service Private Limited, Krishna Datta briefed on TQ Cert &TQ Services and its initiatives in organic certification and Indgap certification.

Expressing his perspectives, CEO and Managing Director, CubeTen Technologies Private Limited, Haobam Joyremba highlighted on the IT sector which can be applied in the field of agriculture, finance,

education, tourism etc. He also spoke on the ‘Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.’ Founder and CEO, Resham Sutra Private Limited, Kunal Vaid spoke about the prospects in core sectors in industry perspective session textiles, and said that his company was working on improving life and livelihoods of rural textile, producers across the country and building

NDPP lauds Govt on hosting G20 & B20 Summits

DIMAPUR: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has congratulated Government of Nagaland led by the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio for successfully hosting and organizing the G20 & B20 Summits in the State capital on April 4 and 5. NDPP Media & Communication Committee said that hosting such a global event has taken Nagaland into the global arena which will have far reaching benefits towards the future growth and de-

velopment of the State.

Terming the summits as the biggest events that have been held in Nagaland till date; the NDPP said that the historic and path defining milestone will go down the annals of history as one of Nagaland’s biggest achievements. It stated that hosting the summit has also helped in pushing brand Nagaland into the global forum and that NDPP was confident that it will give a huge impetus in promoting Naga soft power globally.

NDPP also thanked the Prime Minister and the Government of India for reposing their confidence on the State by allowing to host a mega global event.

Further, the NDPP assured the people of the State, that it will continue to ensure that the government delivers on all the commitments made to the people by standing firm on the motto “Facta Non Verba” (deeds not words), under the slogan “Nagaland – Towards a State of Excellence”!

India’s largest farm.

Chapter chairman, NE Association of Domestic Tour, Operations of India, Arijit Purkayastha spoke on the tourism and hospitality sectors, which were vital part of the global economy contributing substantially to job creations.

Commissioner and Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, spoke on the

AR holds ‘we care campaign’

DIMAPUR: On the occasion of Aoleang Festival, HQ 7 Sect Assam Rifles coordinated “We Care Campaign” on April 4 at Village Yangkhao, Mon district. The campaign aimed to assist the villagers with the medical supplies and other necessary items.

In separate events, Mon battalion of Assam Rifles distributed solar street lights at Lapa, Tela and Lunglem Villages under Tizit area Mon district.

MCTEorganizesworkshopon‘softskill’

DIMAPUR: Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu- Mokokchung organsied a one day workshop on soft skills on April 5 under the theme “The Etiquette Edge: Developing a Winning Personality and Professional Demeanor”. Resource person of the

IN BRIEF

DVC general meeting: Darogajan Village Council (DVC) Dimapur has convened its annual general meeting on April 8, 9:30 a.m. at the Council Hall. All residents of the village have been informed to attend the meeting.

Health Camp at IMDH: Special health camp for OST clients was held on April 5 at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung.

The camp organized by DAPCU, OST and IEF Sungkomen Unit in collaboration with UPHC Yimyu Mokokchung was benefitted by 67 clients.

DTU celebrates Aoleang: Dimapur Tizit Union (DTU) celebrated Aoleang (Ozea) on April 3 at the residence of DTU treasurer, B. Tingnon Konyak, Kuda Village, Nagarajan. Highlights included cultural performance by female cultural troupe from Tizit.

NPGN/NNC(N/A)

terminates: NPGN/ NNC(N/A) has informed that it has terminated Vito Sumi, Dimapur chaplee in-charge, from the “national service” for indulging in “anti-government activities and misuse of government fund”.

NPGN/NNC(N/A) has informed all business establishment, HoDs, and general public not to entertain him for any matters relating to NPGN/ NNC(N/A).

Workshop

event was Imsurenla Longkumer who has diploma in Hotel Management, Cathering Technology and Applied Nutrition, M.Sc Hotel

Management and Cathering Technology, Bachelor in Tourism Studies. The programme commenced with a welcome

Acknowledgement

address by Imtimenla Jamir, Assistant Professor, MCTE followed by a formal expression of goodwill by MCTE principal Dr.T.Alemla Longkumer. The first session of the workshop started off with an interactive sessio n where the resource person emphasized on the importance of cultivating a positive attitude and fostering a respectful personality. In the second session, topics on personal hygiene and grooming were covered and in the third session the importance of etiquette and how to deal with people concerning different situations were deliberated. The event was attended by both the 2nd and 4th semester studentteachers and the teaching faculty and non – teaching staff of the college.

Investment Opportunities and Support Ecosystem for doing Business in Nagaland, pointing out that Nagaland has many cottage industries based on handloom and handicraft. Expressing his pleasure on attending the B20 Business Meet, Ambassador, Cuba, Alejandro Simancas said that he has discovered the culture and traditions and witnessed the beauty of

the landscape of Nagaland and also appreciated the hospitality of the State Government and its people. Ambassador, Iceland, Gudni Bragason shed light on the areas where Iceland and Nagaland can partner in, such as clean energy, tourism, health sector and research and development.

High Commissioner, Jamaica, Jason Keats Mathew Hall while ad -

dressing the delegates of the G20 Business Meet, highlighted the successful business models of Jamaica and the investor friendly environment in his country. He emphasised on the tremendous potential of the coffee industry in Nagaland as well as the tourism industry, and said that Jamaica was open to collaborate with Nagaland in developing the tourism sector. Ambassador and Consul General, Panama, Yasiel Burillo mentioned about the similarities between Panama and Nagaland, and briefly spoke on how her country was devoted to sustainable development. Congratulating the host, Nagaland for organising such a beautiful conclave, Ambassador, Paraguay, Fleming Raul Duarte said that there was a lot of similarities between the people of Paraguay and Nagaland when it came to the cultural practices and traditions. He also said that Paraguay was dedicated to promote eco-tourism and extended a warm welcome

to the people of Nagaland to visit Paraguay for a cultural exchange programme. Consul General, Germany, Manfred Auster acknowledged the ongoing political issue in Nagaland and said that the rule of law must prevail at the end in order to ensure a long lasting solution to any conflict. President, India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Matlub Ahmad suggested the State to set up a Task Force for ensuring fast development of trade, investment and connectivity for trade between Nagaland and Bangladesh. Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense delivering the concluding remarks, said that much more needs to be done to fully utilize Nagaland’s potential in various sectors. She summarised the areas where Nagaland can offer the business community to invest in the State such as agri & allied sector, tourism, handicrafts and handlooms, human resources, IT, sports and music, etc.

YBPD celebrates Phom Monyiü festival

DIMAPUR: Yachem Bühü Pangthai Dimapur (YBPD) celebrated Phom Monyiü festival at its Morung, Eralibill, Wednesday, with Phom Baptist Attoi Dimapur, Sr. Pastor C. Hamba and additional secretary to government of Nagaland, M. Shayung Phom as speakers. Highlighting the gathering on the importance of celebrating Phom Monyiü festival, the speakers said such celebrations promote unity, peace and love within the community. They also encouraged the gathering to carry forward the spirit of oneness and belongingness

to uplift the Phom Society and Nagas in general.

The speakers also encouraged organising such programmes so that the chil-

dren and youth are educated about the community’s cu ethical values, customs and traditions. The celebration began with invocation by

Osangtemjen, members of Dimapur Yachem Student’s Union presented folk dance while H. Heni said the benediction.

2nd Death anniversary of Late Mr. Rikhunga Kent

6th April 2021

On this day, you left us. But even to this day, you live on in our memories. Someday we shall meet again. Loving Wife, Children, Grand-Children, In-laws

07.10.1945 – 29.03.2023

We the family members of Late Vikai Chophy , Akükau, Züheshe village, would like to express our profound gratitude to all the individuals and entity, who stood by us during the prolonged illness and unfortunate demise of our beloved. Your constant prayer, love, physical and financial support has truly strengthened us in the face of illness and in the moment of grief.

We would like to specially acknowledge the following individuals and entities for their outstanding support.

1. Jacob Zhimomi, Honourable Minister, PHED & Cooperation; Government of Nagaland.

2. Western Sümi Kükami Hoho

3. Niuland Area GBs Union

4. Sümi Totimi Loka, Niuland Area

5. Tokishe Zhimomi, President; Niuland Area GBs Union

5. Shikavi Zhimomi, Western Sümi Kükami Hoho

6. Shikaho Achumi, Akükau, Henito Village

7. Kihoto Aye, Chairman, Züheshe Village Council

8. Rev. Atoshe Aye, Pastor ZGBA

9. Mrs Tolivi Swu, Women Pastor ZGBA

10. Mr Loketo Awomi, Youth Pastor, ZGBA

11. Züheshe Ghami Baptist Akukuhou

12. Council members, Züheshe Village Council

Though we are unable to thank each one of you individually we earnestly pray to the Almighty God to bless you all abundantly from His bountiful treasure in Heaven.

Members of YBPD at the celebration of Monyiü festival.

Ambassadors/Country representatives and speakers of the Plenary Session of the B20 Conference at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on April 5. (DIPR)

Q.: Will the G20/B20 summit in Nagaland result in accelerating development?

Dimapur gets water quality testing lab

NEXT POLL

Q: Will theB20 conference of G20 nations at Kohima result in bringing investments from outside ?

APRIL 6

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): A district water quality testing laboratory

accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) was inaugurated here at Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Complex, Landmark Colony, Dimapur, Wednesday.

Speaking at the inaugural programme as special guest, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, who is also the chairman of District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM), underscored the importance of quality water in day to day life.

He said the laboratory

Orientation programme for heads of Govt. schools

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): One day orientation programme for heads of government schools under Dimapur was organized by District Education Mission Office – Samagra Shiksha, Dimapur (DEMO-SSD) at Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) Lhomithi Hall, Chekiye Village Wednesday.

can detect harmful contaminants and ensure that the water was safe to drink and that regular drinking water testing could help in ensuring that supply water meet relevant health and safety standards, protecting consumers from potential harm.

Jaiswal also encouraged judicious use of the laboratory so as to maintain reliable and safe water sources and eliminate potential health risks related to water contamination.

Delivering an introduction to laboratory and technical report, district laboratory, Dimapur quality manager (Chemist), Tsutipokla Longkumer mentioned that district water quality testing labora-

tory Dimapur is a NABL accredited laboratory, established in the year 2020 and accredited in 2022. She said the laboratory was equipped with all necessary chemicals and equipment required for testing 14 basic parameters of drinking water.

A short speech was also delivered by executive engineer (WSSO) O/o the chief engineer, Nagaland, Er Ichirangbe Zeliang. The programme was chaired by PHED, state water quality testing laboratory state chemist, A Rolland Kikon, invocation by PHED, JE Kutoshe Chisho and vote of thanks by PHED Dimapur rural division lab head and executive engineer, Er Nirie-e Nisa.

SAMETI organises training on PDMC

increase the productivity of crops and income of farmers through precision water management.

Yanthan explained in detail the objectives of the scheme and encouraged the potential use of water in agriculture activities by applying the method of PDMC.

Later, a practical demonstration was executed wherein all the extension officials were prompted to disseminate the information to the farmers at block/district levels of Nagaland.

The valedictory program was chaired by deputy project director, SAMETI, Yezaho Swu while feedback on the training was given by the participants.

DIMAPUR: A two-day training programme on “Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)” was organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) for Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) func -

tionaries on April 3-4 at SAMETI, Medziphema.

A press release by SAMETI, Medziphema stated that at the course of the training, resource person, additional director, department of agriculture, Jacob Yanthan highlighted about the scheme of Pradhan

Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) now changed to Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), which was launched by the President of India and was undertaken as a mission across the country. He emphasised on the importance and judicious use o f water in order to

Certificates were distributed to the trainees by Jacob Yanthan, and director SAMETI and principal IETC, Dr. Watimongla Jamir while DPD SAMETI, Janet Chishi delivered the vote of thanks.

Delivering a keynote address, senior principal of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Dimapur and District education Officer (DEO, charge) Dimapur, A Mughali Sema reminded the gathering of their responsibilities and duties as heads of the schools.

Admitting that running an educational institution was not an easy task, Sema said as government employees and by virtue of holding the head post, it was their duty to ensure wholistic development of students, and overall progress of respective school.

“We have to be a role model, practice what one preaches, and follow the rules and regulations that has to be followed, instead of having a causal attitude towards one own responsibility,” said Sema.

She also reminded the gathering that many components and activities that was yet to be carried out in a school on regular basis, pointing out that the activities were important as it was in line with Ministry of Education and National

Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

During the programme, presentations on “Emerging role and function of school heads in light of NEP 2020”, Child With Special Needs (CWSN), “Vidya Pravesh”, NIPUN Bharat”, “UBISE+”, “Students enrolment drive, identification of OoSC” and Maintenance of records and accounts, PFMS” were presented by SCERT Nagaland, SLA faculty Izeule Ramlia,

IE coordinator Imsuinla, EBRC Medziphema, ToT Tonika, SS project assistant Vitiho Chophy, SS-project assistant, SS-project assistant Dihilo Dukha and “SS project assistant cum accountant Itwadu Thou respectively.

The programme was chaired by SS, assistant district coordinator, Freda Angami and vote of thanks was delivered by SS-project assistant, Solomon Ennio. An interactive session was held after the programme.

Dimapur Zone Ao officers’ forum to be launched

DIMAPUR: Launching programme of the newly formed “Dimapur Zone Ao Officers’ Forum” will be held on April 8 at 11 am at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.

According to organising committee convenor I.Anungba Sanglir and the member secretary Lanuzülu,

Advocacy on gender based violence at Satakha

DIMAPUR: One day advocacy on gender based violence was organised by Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU) Satakha on April 4 at CMTC Hall, Satakha.

A press release by BBMU Satakha informed that during the programme, resource person, retainer lawyer, Zunheboto District Legal Service Authority (ZDLSA) Zunheboto, Esther Yeptho Kavito highlighted the gathering on different type of violence including domestic abuse.

She deliberated on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and enlightened the participants on the importance of Sakhi One Stop.

Esther also encouraged the participants to stand against any form of domestic violence and briefed them on different incidents that was happening in and around Zuheboto district.

The programme was chaired by Area Coordinator Livelihoods, Elokali Zhimomi, keynote addressed was delivered by BPM, Tolika and vote of thanks by area coordinator SISD, Rebika Achumi.

DC Mokokchung directives to pharmacies, institutions

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh has directed all pharmacies/medical stores within Mokokchung district to strictly comply to Rule 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The DC has also asked all pharmacies/medical stores and educational institutions (government and private) to install CCTVs.

According to a DIPR report, the DC has informed all pharmacies/medical stores that the Drugs mentioned under Schedule ‘X’ ‘H’ and ‘HI’, which are restrictive in nature, shall be sold only on

the prescription of a registered medical practitioner and only the amount specified in the prescription, and record the sale of the medicine in a separate register, mentioning the name and address of the prescriber, patient and the drug, the quantity sold. The DC said such record shall be maintained for three years and shall be open for inspection.

The DC further informed that as part of the Joint Action Plan adopted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for the Protection of Child Rights and combating substance abuse

among children, all the pharmacies/medical stores selling Schedule ‘X’ ‘H’ and ‘HI’ have been directed to install CCTV cameras along with the proper recording and storage of minimum two months data within a period of two months from the date of issue of the directive.

DC informed that the footage of the CCTV cameras shall be regularly checked by the district drug controller authority/district enforcement force, Mokokchung. The DC warned that non-compliance to the directive shall invite Legal Action under Section 133 of the CrPC.

Further, the DC has informed to all concerned, especially the heads of institutions/ administrators/proprietors of government and private schools/colleges operating under Mokokchung District to install CCTV cameras in the school premises/classrooms to ensure that the use of substance (tobacco/alcohol/ drugs) by the children in the school premises was strictly prevented.

DC said the district child protection unit, Mokokchung shall conduct random checking of the footages of the installed CCTVs.

‘Tenyimi Chitebu’ released

DIMAPUR: A traditional waistcoat named “Tenyimi Chitebu” was released and dedicated on April 3 at Tenyimi Complex, Dimapur by Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) president, Vekhosayi Nyekha, who paid homage to the pioneer, Tenyimi Women Union Dimapur (TWUD) president, late Khremoü Legise and incumbent president, Neivi Khusoh, for their immense contributions towards the creation of the Tenyimi waistcoat.

all the officers working under various governmental departments, institutions and organizations in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland and Peren districts were eligible to become a member of the forum. The forum aimed to provide collective leadership for healthy and productive community

life in Naga society. It would also be a forum to create and share ideas to promote young talents and cultural values amongst younger generation. In this connection, forum have requested all the government officers in Dimapur to attend the launching program.

Awareness & farmer-scientist interaction in Wokha

DIMAPUR: An awareness and farmer-scientist interaction programme was organised by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Wokha on April 4 at Fishery Hall, DFO Wokha.

A press release by ATMA Wokha stated that during the programme, ACTO Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dr. Mhalo Tungoe briefed the participants on the importance of Kisan Gosthi; agri inspector, Zuthunglo Erui

spoke on “importance and benefits of coarse grain”, and CVO Wokha, Dr. Mhonchan Shitiri, deliberated on “awareness on Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and African swine flu”. The main focus and objective of the programme was to spread the knowledge among villages regarding the diseases. The programme was followed by an interaction session where various discussion was made related

to crops production, disease and pests, livestock and orchard management. Pamphlets related to African Swine Flu, Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndromes (PRRS) and smell free house technology for pigs were distributed to the farmers.

Altogether 52 progressive farmers from different villages of three blocks i.e. Wokha, Chukitong and Wozhuro participated in the programme.

Chang graces CWS general conference

DIMAPUR: Minister, housing and mechanical engineering, P. Beshangmongba Chang graced the 60th Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS) general conference as the chief guest at Town Hall, Tuensang, Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, speaking on the occasion, the minister appreciated CWS for their valuable contribution to the Chang community in education sector.

He mentioned setting up of “Dolen weasen” by Chang Wedoshi Setshang as financial aid for the poor students and organising Loyem Memorial

Trophy, to encourage the youth of district in field of sports.

Chang also urged the gathering to do away with all kinds of “isms” and it would disunite a society.

The programme was chaired by Chang Wedoshi Setshang general secretary, Ebou Naset; welcome note was delivered by Chang Wedoshi Setshang president, C. Pongsu and short speeches were delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Tuensang, Thungchanbemo Tungoe and CKS president, Nusanglemba Chang.

Sachin Jaiswal and others at the inauguration of water quality testing laboratory.

Nagaland governor La Ganesan visited Shree Hindu Mandir, PWD junction, Kohima, and offered

(PRO Raj Bhavan)

Heads of government schools at the orientation programme on Wednesday. (NP)

Resource person, Jacob Yanthan and others at the training programme.

Programme on farmer-scientist interaction in Wokha.

Beshangmongba Chang speaking at the CWS general conference.

GUWAHATI, APR 5

(PTI): Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora on Wednesday said the longstanding border dispute with Arunachal Pradesh is expected to be resolved by the end of this year.

He said notable progress is also being made in finding solutions to the boundary rows with other neighbouring states, while blaming the previous Congress governments in the state as well as the Centre for “not demarking the border” at the time of formation of the states.

Replying to a question by BJP legislator Hitendra Nath Goswami in the state assembly, Bora said, “We are hopeful of the resolution of our border dispute with Arunachal Pradesh by the end of this year.” He said 12 regional committees have been formed by both the states to visit the disputed areas and prepare reports.

Hitendra

The two states will sign an agreement to settle the disputes based on the recommendations of these regional committees, the minister said.

Regarding the progress on resolution of the border dispute with Meghalaya, Bora said an MoU for settling differences in six out of 12 identified areas has already been signed between the two states.

Regional committees for the remaining six areas are pursuing the matter, which was delayed due to the Meghalaya assembly elections, he said. As far as Mizoram is concerned, the neighbouring state has

submitted its documents regarding the land claimed by it and the Assam government is examining those, he said. The dispute with Nagaland is being heard by the Supreme Court and the witness testimonials from Assam are in the final stage, after which the process for Nagaland will commence, Bora said.

“There have been oneon-one discussions between the chief ministers of the two states, but not too deeply as the matter is subjudice,” he added. Blaming the Congress for the border rows, Bora said the boundaries between the states should have been marked properly when these were being carved out of Assam. “These states were formed out of Assam. The Congress was in power in the Centre and in Assam then. Had they solved it once-and-for-all, this situation wouldn’t have arisen,” he claimed.

Non-violence, restraint, penance is religion: Mnp Gov

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, APR 5 (PTI):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday lauded the development in the border areas of Mukto in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh bordering China. Modi tweeted that the development will empower those living in the border villages of the area. “A welcome development in the border areas, which will empower those living in border villages,” the prime minister said. The state government has launched the ‘Golden Jubilee Border Village Illumination Programme’ with a mission to construct 50 micro-hydel projects in remote border villages to provide continuous electricity to the villagers as also the Armed Forces.

Chief Minister Khandu tweeted “(The) Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme is in sync with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that border villages are not the last but first to be transformed.

IMPHAL, APR 5: Non-violence, restraint and penance is religion, said Manipur Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey, in a speech here on Wednesday. She said, “The idea of non-violence, restraint and penance is worth practicing and those who are practicing it are religious.”

The Governor was addressing Vishwa Kalyan Varta, organized on the occasion of the 2550th “Nirvan-Year” of Lord Mahavir, held at the Darbar Hall of Imphal Raj Bhavan today.

‘Live and let live’ was the only message of Lord Mahavir and it was the best gift for humanity, she asserted, adding that by keeping it in mind, a person can feel free from evil thoughts.

“We may belong to any religion, creed or sect, but this message is meant for every living being,” she said.

Lord Mahavir in his discourses laid maximum emphasis on dharma, satya, ahimsa, brahmacharya and

NGO slams hosting of G20 dinner at Durbar Hall of Ujjayanta Palace

AGARTALA, APRIL 5

(IANS): An NGO condemned the Tripura government for using the Durbar Hall of Ujjayanta Palace, home and headquarters of the erstwhile Manikya dynasty of previous princely-ruled northeast state, for hosting dinner for the delegates of the Science-20 conference under India’s G20 presidency in Agartala.

Royal scion and Convenor of Tripura chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), M.K. Pragya

Deb Burman, condemning the hosting of dinner on April 3 at the Durbar Hall of Ujjayanta Palace, said that as the name indicates, the Durbar Hall was not merely a room but a historical and sacred place.

“Durbar Hall has been held dearly and has been respected for over 122 years

in our state, by one and all.

It was used for the Coronation of the Rulers of Tripura which were religious in nature and for important, official purposes and never entertainment or dining!,” she said.

With the participation of 150 delegates including delegates from 12 G-20 members, including China, the US, UK, Australia, and Brazil, the two-day Science-20 conference, under

AGARTALA, APR 5

(PTI): Tripura has been given the best state award in the northeastern region by the Centre for successful implementation of e-procurement, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said here on Wednesday. To maintain transparency, the state has made it mandatory to go for e-procurement if the value of any government purchase or contract goes beyond Rs 25,000, he said.

“Impressed by the success in the e-procurement system, the Finance Ministry in association with the Ministry of Electronics and IT gave the best award among the northeastern states at a programme in Delhi, ” Singha Roy said at a press conference. The total value of payments made through e-procurement and Government eMarketplace (GeM) portals increased from Rs 4,451 crore in 2020-21 to

GUWAHATI, APR 5 (PTI):

The opposition parties staged a walk-out in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday, alleging that the government was attempting to centralise the recruitment process of colleges, curtail their autonomy and decrease transparency during new appointments.

The opposition members also claimed that the government was trying to frame rules for appointing college faculty members which were not in line with the nationally practised norms.

The issues were raised during a discussion on ‘The Assam College Employees (Provincialisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2023’, moved by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu. The House passed the

Rs 7441 crore in 2021-22, he said adding that the figure is Rs 7,373 crore till December in 2022-23 fiscal. Singha Roy said digital payment is being promoted in the government sector to maintain transparency. “As of now, 80 per cent of payments are made through digital platforms (in Tripura). The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has praised the state for embracing digital payment”, he said.

Except the pension to 82,000 pensioners, all the employees including Anganwadi workers are receiving salary through digital payment, he said.

Asserting that the northeastern state has been making all-out efforts to increase its revenue, Singha Roy said Tripura’s own tax collection has crossed Rs 3,000 crore during 2022-23 which is 15 per cent more than that of the last financial year.

Bill later in absence of opposition members.

During the discussion, Pegu said that the amended law will ensure better monitoring of the recruitment process and also help candidates in getting placement by applying through a single channel.

The Bill proposes to appoint teaching and nonteaching staff in colleges through the proposed Assam College Services Recruitment Board (ACSRB), doing away with the current provision of the recruitments being made on the basis of selection and recommendation of the governing body of the respective institutes.

The state Director of Higher Education will remain

India’s G20 presidency, was held in Agartala on Monday and Tuesday.

Deb Burman said that even when the Ujjayanta Palace was used as the state Assembly building in the past, prior to becoming the state multicultural museum in 2013, it was used for official purposes by the Speaker of the assembly.

“Unfortunately, the identity of the Durbar Hall is being tarnished now by

the state government and this has shocked us. On the one hand, they speak of respecting our centuries old Indian culture, the visionary Maharajas and our rich historic past but on the other hand, parties are held, such hypocrisy must be known and be condemned by the people,” the INTACH Convenor said.

She said that the dinner can be hosted in a hotel but the authorities suddenly decided that the Durbar Hall should be used for the entertainment of the delegates.

“The horribly placed statue where the throne used to be and gaudy dining arrangement in the hall is insulting and shows disrespect to our heritage. I sincerely hope that this sacred space would not be converted in the future into a party or dining room.

There were plans by

the Museum authorities to recreate the Durbar Hall for the purpose of educating of our fellow citizens but with this attitude, we fear the worst and ask the state government of Tripura to honour our historic spaces and give it the dignity it deserves,” Deb Burman said in a statement.

The INTACH was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. Historian and writer Salil Debbarma told IANS that at the end of the 1355-year-rule by 184 kings, on October 15, 1949, the erstwhile princely state of Tripura came under the control of the Indian government after a merger agreement was signed between regent Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi and the Indian Governor General.

forgiveness. Sacrifice and restraint, love and compassion, modesty and virtue were the essence of his discourses.

“We are blessed in a country where incarnations like Gods and Goddesses and Tirthankar Lord Mahavir Swami took birth and purified this land. Let the messages of Lord Mahavir help to spread peace, sacrifice and overall prosperity to the state of Manipur,” the Governor wished. The Governor continued that

in the country, there were a number of sages and saints who have been spreading messages, principles and teachings to the people.

Devendra Brahmachari has also given his contribution towards the society and the country. Following the religion of Sanyas, he was working for the benefit of different sections of the society by teaching harmony and unity, she said. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh who also attended the occasion asserted that the

people of Jain community in Manipur were peace loving, hardworking and patient. He said, “The message of Lord Mahavir teaches us the idea of peaceful co-existence and togetherness. All communities are living together in the state peacefully.”

Many people have dedicated their lives for the cause of mankind with a message of peace, love and harmony. It was because of their dedication, the people of Manipur were able to live together, Singh added.

Tripura bans import of pigs amid swine flu scare

AGARTALA, APRIL 5 (IANS): Tripura has imposed ban on the import of pigs and piglets amid sporadic incidents of swine flu in different parts of the country last week.

Tripura’s Animal Resource Development (ARD) Minister Sudangshu

Das on Wednesday said that keeping in view the sporadic incidents of African Swine Flu (ASF) in different parts of the country during the past one week, as precautionary measures, the state government has totally banned the import of pig and piglet from outside the state.

“If anyone is found violating the government’s decision they would be penalised,” the minister told the media.

“An act would also be enacted on the ban so that if anyone found illegally

Ziro Valley has huge potential in tourism sector: Khandu

ITANAGAR, APR 5 (PTI):

Terming tourism industry as the growth engine for the economic development of the Northeastern state, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu Wednesday said that Ziro Valley in Lower Subansiri district has huge potential if natural charm of the area is maintained.

Khandu, who was on his way to Daporijo in the Upper Subansiri district, had stopped over at Ziro to inaugurate Tana Agyang View Point at Habung village.

The view point was developed on a self-help basis through a convergence model and executed by job card holders under MGNREGA of Habung Gram Panchayat, district officials said.

Stating that a road map for Ziro Valley was the need of the hour for

holistic growth of the tourism industry , the chief minister urged the people to maintain the pristine beauty of the valley, well-known for paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation.

“Wet rice paddy field along with fish cultivation is the main charm of Ziro Valley. Tourists come to

the appointing authority. The ACSRB will be constituted by the government for a two-year term, consisting of a chairman and six members.

Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi maintained that the earlier recruitment process was a decentralised one but the new Bill will give the power to the state government. CPI(M)’s Manoranjan Talukdar also claimed that the Bill contradicts the national policy on decentralisation of higher education.

“This Bill will curtail autonomy of colleges, decrease transparency in recruitment and make the entire process lengthy,” he said.

AIUDF legislator

Rafiqul Islam claimed that the process for recruitment

see this unique feature and hence people of Ziro should refrain from constructing dwelling houses and other commercial structures on the paddy fields”, he said. Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Bamin Nime had urged people to halt the increasing trend of filling up wet rice paddy

fields to construct dwelling units. If this trend is not corrected timely and if the wet rice paddy fields of Ziro Valley vanish in course of time, the much-hyped tourism potential of the valley would be lost forever and it will be just like any other town, the chief minister said.

importing pig into Tripura, the department can take severe action,” Das said.

The minister said that doctors of the ARD Department are working and monitoring the situations and time to time samples are being sent to the disease investigation labs for examination for ASF so that if anything is found wrong then immediate action can be taken up.

The outbreak of ASF is reported in few northeastern, southern and northern states of the country and from these diseases hit re-

gions, pig and piglets are being imported often. The highly-contagious ASF created havoc in Mizoram during 2021 and 2022, killing over 33,400 pigs, affecting over 10,000 families besides causing financial loss of Rs 61 crore. Around 12,000 pigs were culled in Mizoram in 2021 and 2022. According to experts, the outbreak of ASF may have been caused by pigs or pork imported from neighbouring Myanmar, Bangladesh and the adjoining states of northeast.

2nd EWG meeting develops consensus on priority areas

GUWAHATI, APR 5

(PTI): The second Employment Working Group (EWG) under G20 Presidency developed consensus on the priority areas of addressing global skill gaps, gig and platform economy, social protection and sustainable financing of social security during its three-day meeting which concluded here on Wednesday.

The meeting concluded on a positive note with G20 members moving towards consensus on the priority areas, Labour and Employment Ministry Joint Secretary Rupesh Kumar Thakur said at a press conference here. The EWG has a mandate of addressing priority labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all.

The first day of the

meeting comprised knowledge-sharing sessions by other working groups which had intersecting priority areas with the EWG, Thakur said. “Presentations were made by the Sustainable Finance Working Group, digital economy working group, education Working Group, G20 Entrepreneurship Research Centre and the Labour 20 and Business 20 chairs,” Thakur said. The Draft Ministerial Declaration was discussed on the second day with member countries deliberating on the outcomes on the key priority areas of EWG by bringing in all perspectives, he said.

On the concluding day, discussions were held on the Draft Ministerial Communique as comments and suggestions of the G20 countries were considered.

of teaching staff was not clear in the Bill, leading to apprehensions that candidates may have to appear for written exams under the ACSRB in contrast with the current system of assessment of their performance at various levels, including NET.

Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia of the Congress asked for clarity on the issues raised by the opposition members, particularly on whether college teaching staff will be recruited in a manner different from the one in practice across the country.

The minister claimed that the ACSRB will ensure that the recruitment for all college vacancies is done together, which will reduce the hassle for candidates to

appear for interviews for individual colleges, thus saving time and money.

It will also ensure that there is no ‘overlapping’ of selected candidates as it happens currently when the same person gets selected in more than one college, and the institutes not chosen by the person have to carry out the recruitment process once again, he added.

Pegu rejected the opposition’s suggestion for a system of waitlisting of candidates to enable the persons ranked lower to get the job in case those above them fail to join.

He also maintained that monitoring the process will be easier through the ACSRB as the recruitment will be done through only one source.

AIZAWL, APR 5 (PTI): Mizoram’s Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation department (UD & PA) ranked first among nine states and bagged the SPARK award under DAY-National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), an official said on Wednesday.

The Systematic Progressive Analytical Real Time Ranking (SPARK) award carries a cash prize of Rs 10 crore, the official said.

Mizoram falls under the ‘North East and Himalayan Range’ comprising nine states.

After consideration of different yardsticks under DAY-NULM for 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscals, Mizoram was awarded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on March 31, the official said. The SPARK award is given based on the performance of states, which completed the targeted schemes under the DAY-NULM on annual basis. The northeastern state secured the second rank in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021financial years and had received Rs 6 crore as a performance incentive award.

Manipur Governor Uikey along with CM N Biren Singh at Vishwa Kalyan Varta organised on the occasion of 2550th “Nirvan-Year” of Lord Mahavir in Imphal.

Science -20 delegates at the Durbar Hall of Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala.

Pema Khandu

‘Solution to border row with Arunachal expected by year-end’

Nath Goswami

PM lauds border dev initiatives in Arunachal

SNIPPETS

BSF nabs Pak national

AHMEDABAD, APR

5 (PTI): The Border Security Force has apprehended a Pakistani national trying to enter India through the border along Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, the BSF said on Wednesday. BSF troopers observed a Pakistani national crossing the international border on Tuesday.

They nabbed him as soon as he climbed down the gate near the Border Out Post (BOP) Nadeshwari in Banaskantha district, the BSF said. The man, identified as Daya Ram, a resident of Nagarparkar in Pakistan, was seen negotiating a fence gate by climbing over it to enter the Indian side of the fence, the BSF Gujarat Frontier said in a release.

“He was immediately apprehended as soon as he climbed down the gate near BOP Nadeshwari in Banaskantha District,” it said.

Engineer held while accepting bribe

JAIPUR, APR 5 (PTI):

An Anti-Corruption Bureau team arrested a sub-divisional engineer at the BSNL office here on Wednesday for he was caught allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh, officials said. The accused, Manish Chandna, had demanded Rs 1.27 lakh bribe in lieu of paying the outstanding bills for the works done by his firm, the ACB spokesperson said. He said after verification of the complaint, the team arrested Chandna while taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant.

Mamata appeals for peace on Hanuman Jayanti

DIGHA (WB), APR 5 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged people to celebrate the Hanuman Jayanti festival peacefully so that there is “no problem anywhere”. Her comment came on the eve of the festival and in the backdrop of the state witnessing back-toback clashes and vandalism in different districts during Ram Navami processions.

New evidence against Sisodia: ED

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (PTI): The ED Wednesday told a Delhi court the investigation in the money laundering probe against AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the alleged excise scam is at a “crucial” stage and it has found fresh evidence of his complicity.

The agency made the submissions while seeking time to argue on the bail application of the former Delhi deputy chief minister.

Special Judge M K Nagpal adjourned for April 12 the arguments on the application.

The judge also extended till April 17 the judicial custody of Sisodia after he was produced before the court and the agency sought an extension of custody.

During the arguments, the Enforcement Directorate counsel said the agency was “in process of gathering fresh evidence that has come to light.”

“We need time...requesting court to grant time to advance arguments,” the counsel said after a brief argument.

The counsel appearing for Sisodia, meanwhile, claimed before the court the

ED does not have evidence to prove the charge that he had indulged in money laundering.

“There’s no basis (for the charge). They’ve probed and examined everything, raided my residence etc. but found nothing. The (excise) policy was approved by various authorities concerned, including the LG. Now you’re blaming Sisodia solely. Also, this (the probe) is not under the preview of the ED,” the counsel said. He asserted the central anti-money laundering agency cannot make the

vague allegation that he will tamper with evidence if enlarged on bail.

“You never claimed any effort by me to influence, contact, threaten witnesses when I was out and holding (excise) portfolio. Now I’m not even holding any portfolio,” he said.

The counsel claimed “not a single penny” came to the bank accounts of Sisodia or his family members.

“There is nothing connecting me (Sisodia) to the proceeds of crime. Neither there are any allegations nor any material to show that

I received the money, hid it or spent it,” the counsel asserted. He said Sisodia was not the only person responsible for formulating the excise policy which was approved at different levels.

“A committee was formed, certain recommendations were given. Cabinet decided to constitute a GoM (group of ministers). This GoM has a duty to recommend the changes. It is then the duty of the excise department to draft the policy. GoM does not draft the policy... The policy went to several departments. Everyone accepted it. It also went to the LG,” he said. He claimed after the policy was implemented the government received the highest revenue from the excise department in the last 10 years. “The revenues are historic and there is no loss to the exchequer,” he added. The counsel claimed there was no material to show co-accused Vijay Nair was Sisodia’s representative for committing the crime of money laundering, as has been alleged by the probe agency.

Farmers protest against Centre’s policies at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan

NEW DELHI, APRIL

5 (IANS): Farmers and labourers from all over the country staged a protest at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Wednesday against the Centre’s policies.

The Mazdoor-Kisan Sangharsh Rally was jointly organised by All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and All India Agriculture Workers Union (AIAWU). Farmers and labourers along with Asha, Anganwadi and MGNREGA workers from different states had reached the national capital to join the protest.

AIKS said: “Our question is to the Central government that two crore people were promised jobs, but we want to ask the government where those jobs have gone. And how many people have been given jobs. Today there is also a big issue of daily wage labourers in the country.”

The protesters are demanding relief from inflation, a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP), a minimum wage for all workers at Rs 26,000 per

month and pension of Rs 10,000 per month.

Taking to Twitter, the CPI(M) said: “Ensure a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month and a pension of Rs 10,000 for all workers. Contracts will not work. Withdraw the Agneepath Scheme.”

CITU also tweeted: “The forest and land rights of Adivasis are being taken away and are being given to corporates. Farmers are not getting remunerative prices. While the demand for work under MGNREGA was continuously increasing, the government has further

drastically reduced allocations for it to the tune of Rs 38,000 crore in the last two years.”

The employees who came from West Bengal said in their demands that the dictatorial attacks on the government employees should be stopped.

The ASHA workers from Assam and Punjab discussed the problems of their respective states. The streets of Central Delhi in and around Ramlila Maidan were full of protesters carrying flags, banners and posters in their hands.

Telangana BJP chief arrested in SSC question paper leak case

HYDERABAD, APRIL 5

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aspires to a Congress-free India, today received praise and respect from unexpected quarters. Former Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azad, who formed his own party Democratic Progressive Azad Party, told NDTV today that he received little generosity from the Congress for his years of dedicated service.

PM Modi, in contrast, was more generous to him, he said, and predicted that the Congress “won’t come to power for decades”.

“I haven’t attended any of his (PM Modi’s) dinner parties, which was unbecoming on my part but he ignored it. In seven years as the Leader of the Opposition I have given 70 years’ worth of speech against them. But he has ignored it and behaved as a

Suspect who set passengers ablaze on Kerala train nabbed

THIRUVANANTHA -

PURAM, APRIL 5

(IANS): Three days after a man set ablaze passengers on a moving train, a special team of the Kerala Police with the help of Maharashtra Police is reported to have taken him into custody, sources said on Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as Shahrukh Saif from Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, was nabbed on Tuesday night from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, according to Kerala Police.

Saif was taken into custody from Ratnagiri after he was getting treatment from a hospital for his burn injuries, which he is believed to have suffered while setting ablaze fellow passengers. He is also said to have suffered injuries while jumping out of the moving train.

While the details of the arrest have not been given so far, the police have unofficially confirmed the arrest of Saif.

Meanwhile the arrest was made by the Anti-Terror Squad of Maharashtra and a team of Kerala Police has also reached Ratnagiri.

Speaking to the media, Latheesh, a passenger on the train on Sunday who managed to escape the petrol attack, said seeing the picture of Saif now being flashed on the TV channels and seeing the physique of Saif at close quarters on the train, it appears this person itself is the

statesman... There are occasions in life when one has to behave like a statesman,” he added. He also recounted fond memories of Atal Bihari Vajpayee -- former Prime Minister and one of the tallest leaders of the BJP. Vajpayee, Azad said, “remembered the positive and there’s a statesman”, recalling an anecdote when he had praised Sanjay Gandhi for his last speech.

“When he (Sanjay Gandhi) was to speak in the budget speech he spoke for 15 mins and all against Vajpayee. But Vajpayee said I am not going to say a single word against Sanjay Gandhi. He (Vajpayee) told Mrs Gandhi, ‘You are the PM because of Sanjay Gandhi and your colleagues. Sanjay Gandhi got her power, which is why she is the leader. So, I am not going to say anything against him,” Mr Azad said.

(PTI): Telangana BJP president and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar was arrested by police on Wednesday and was named the prime accused by Warangal police in a case of malpractice after a question paper of Standard 10 (SSC) board exam surfaced on various groups of an instant messaging app, police said.

Sanjay Kumar, a Lok Sabha MP from Karimnagar constituency, was picked up by a team of police past midnight on Tuesday from his residence in Karimnagar city, triggering protests by his party workers.

The paper of Standard 10 (SSC) board exam in Telangana found its way into an instant messaging platform for the second day on Tuesday after a 16-year old boy took a photo of the paper from a student who appeared for the exam and shared it with that student’s brother while the exam was going on, police said.

The paper was then posted in a group of the instant messaging app and

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one who did the crime.

According to sources, when the train was about to cross the Korapuzha bridge between Kozhikode and Kannur stretch around 9.30 p.m. on Sunday night, a middle-aged man sprayed petrol on passengers and set them ablaze.

Nine passengers, who suffered burn injuries, are undergoing treatment at a Kozhikode hospital.

On Monday afternoon the Kerala Police released the picture of Saif.

The police got the vital information by probing the social media accounts through a mobile phone, which was recovered from the side of the railway track, though the Sim Card tray was empty and the phone was last used on March 30. Saif is said to be working as a labourer in Kozhikode.

examination, as the blame for the question paper leak would fall on the Telangana administration, the police alleged.

After images of an SSC Hindi question paper surfaced on the social media platform, police took up the investigation and apprehended the 16-year-old boy and arrested two others on Tuesday, who include a former journalist of a TV channel and a lab assistant who had allegedly circulated the question paper on the app. Subsequently, Sanjay Kumar was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday.

and the chats of the accused on the app proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused persons were involved in a conspiracy with regard to the “leaking” and copying of the question papers on April 4.

“This is a pre-planned and criminal conspiracy. Malpractices (have been committed) in SSC public examination with an intention to create rumours and provoke breach of peace of the ongoing public examination in Telangana state wherein Bandi Sanjay Kumar hatched a plan with the help of two other accused to leak out the ongoing SSC papers by taking a photo of a question paper in the cell phone,” police alleged. subsequently shared in other groups by one of the accused, who had also sent a copy to Sanjay Kumar, police added. Sanjay Kumar had sought to defame the government by conspiring to create fear among the students and their parents during the ongoing SSC public

Police claimed that the technical evidence gained by analysing call details of the phones of all the accused

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Manish Sisodia escorted by police. ( File).

Telangana BJP President and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar being detained by the police from his residence. (PTI)

Activists with farmers and labourers shout slogans as they participate in the Mazdoor-Kisan Sangharsh Rally. (PTI)

Shahrukh Saif (PTI)

PM Modi was more generous to me than Congress”: Azad

Ghulam Nabi Azad

SNIPPETS

BSF nabs Pak national

AHMEDABAD, APR

5 (PTI): The Border Security Force has apprehended a Pakistani national trying to enter India through the border along Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, the BSF said on Wednesday. BSF troopers observed a Pakistani national crossing the international border on Tuesday.

They nabbed him as soon as he climbed down the gate near the Border Out Post (BOP) Nadeshwari in Banaskantha district, the BSF said. The man, identified as Daya Ram, a resident of Nagarparkar in Pakistan, was seen negotiating a fence gate by climbing over it to enter the Indian side of the fence, the BSF Gujarat Frontier said in a release.

“He was immediately apprehended as soon as he climbed down the gate near BOP Nadeshwari in Banaskantha District,” it said.

Engineer held while accepting bribe

JAIPUR, APR 5 (PTI):

An Anti-Corruption Bureau team arrested a sub-divisional engineer at the BSNL office here on Wednesday for he was caught allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh, officials said. The accused, Manish Chandna, had demanded Rs 1.27 lakh bribe in lieu of paying the outstanding bills for the works done by his firm, the ACB spokesperson said. He said after verification of the complaint, the team arrested Chandna while taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant.

Mamata appeals for peace on Hanuman Jayanti

DIGHA (WB), APR 5 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged people to celebrate the Hanuman Jayanti festival peacefully so that there is “no problem anywhere”. Her comment came on the eve of the festival and in the backdrop of the state witnessing back-toback clashes and vandalism in different districts during Ram Navami processions.

New evidence against Sisodia: ED

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (PTI): The ED Wednesday told a Delhi court the investigation in the money laundering probe against AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the alleged excise scam is at a “crucial” stage and it has found fresh evidence of his complicity.

The agency made the submissions while seeking time to argue on the bail application of the former Delhi deputy chief minister.

Special Judge M K Nagpal adjourned for April 12 the arguments on the application.

The judge also extended till April 17 the judicial custody of Sisodia after he was produced before the court and the agency sought an extension of custody.

During the arguments, the Enforcement Directorate counsel said the agency was “in process of gathering fresh evidence that has come to light.”

“We need time...requesting court to grant time to advance arguments,” the counsel said after a brief argument.

The counsel appearing for Sisodia, meanwhile, claimed before the court the

ED does not have evidence to prove the charge that he had indulged in money laundering.

“There’s no basis (for the charge). They’ve probed and examined everything, raided my residence etc. but found nothing. The (excise) policy was approved by various authorities concerned, including the LG. Now you’re blaming Sisodia solely. Also, this (the probe) is not under the preview of the ED,” the counsel said. He asserted the central anti-money laundering agency cannot make the

vague allegation that he will tamper with evidence if enlarged on bail.

“You never claimed any effort by me to influence, contact, threaten witnesses when I was out and holding (excise) portfolio. Now I’m not even holding any portfolio,” he said.

The counsel claimed “not a single penny” came to the bank accounts of Sisodia or his family members.

“There is nothing connecting me (Sisodia) to the proceeds of crime. Neither there are any allegations nor any material to show that

I received the money, hid it or spent it,” the counsel asserted. He said Sisodia was not the only person responsible for formulating the excise policy which was approved at different levels.

“A committee was formed, certain recommendations were given. Cabinet decided to constitute a GoM (group of ministers). This GoM has a duty to recommend the changes. It is then the duty of the excise department to draft the policy. GoM does not draft the policy... The policy went to several departments. Everyone accepted it. It also went to the LG,” he said. He claimed after the policy was implemented the government received the highest revenue from the excise department in the last 10 years. “The revenues are historic and there is no loss to the exchequer,” he added. The counsel claimed there was no material to show co-accused Vijay Nair was Sisodia’s representative for committing the crime of money laundering, as has been alleged by the probe agency.

Farmers protest against Centre’s policies at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan

NEW DELHI, APRIL 5 (IANS): Farmers and labourers from all over the country staged a protest at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Wednesday against the Centre’s policies.

The Mazdoor-Kisan Sangharsh Rally was jointly organised by All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and All India Agriculture Workers Union (AIAWU). Farmers and labourers along with Asha, Anganwadi and MGNREGA workers from different states had reached the national capital to join the protest.

AIKS said: “Our question is to the Central government that two crore people were promised jobs, but we want to ask the government where those jobs have gone. And how many people have been given jobs. Today there is also a big issue of daily wage labourers in the country.”

The protesters are demanding relief from inflation, a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP), a minimum wage for all workers at Rs 26,000 per

month and pension of Rs 10,000 per month.

Taking to Twitter, the CPI(M) said: “Ensure a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month and a pension of Rs 10,000 for all workers. Contracts will not work. Withdraw the Agneepath Scheme.”

CITU also tweeted: “The forest and land rights of Adivasis are being taken away and are being given to corporates. Farmers are not getting remunerative prices. While the demand for work under MGNREGA was continuously increasing, the government has further

drastically reduced allocations for it to the tune of Rs 38,000 crore in the last two years.”

The employees who came from West Bengal said in their demands that the dictatorial attacks on the government employees should be stopped.

The ASHA workers from Assam and Punjab discussed the problems of their respective states. The streets of Central Delhi in and around Ramlila Maidan were full of protesters carrying flags, banners and posters in their hands.

Telangana BJP chief arrested in SSC question paper leak case

HYDERABAD, APRIL 5

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aspires to a Congress-free India, today received praise and respect from unexpected quarters. Former Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azad, who formed his own party Democratic Progressive Azad Party, told NDTV today that he received little generosity from the Congress for his years of dedicated service.

PM Modi, in contrast, was more generous to him, he said, and predicted that the Congress “won’t come to power for decades”.

“I haven’t attended any of his (PM Modi’s) dinner parties, which was unbecoming on my part but he ignored it. In seven years as the Leader of the Opposition I have given 70 years’ worth of speech against them. But he has ignored it and behaved as a

Politicians don’t have higher immunity...

(From p-1)

After detailed hearing in the matter, Singhvi withdrew the petition, which was allowed by the bench. The political parties sought guidelines to fulfil and realise the guarantee of personal liberty entrenched in Article 21 of the Constitution, for all citizens, including those targeted for exercising their right to political dissent and for performing their duties as the political opposition.

The political parties forming the petitioners are: Congress, DMK, RJD, BRS, Trinamool Congress, AAP, NCP, Shiv Sena-UBT, JMM, JD-U, CPI-M, CPI, Samajwadi Party, J&K National Conference, together representing 45.19 per cent of the votes cast in the last State/UT Assembly Elections, and 42.5 per cent of the votes cast in the 2019 General Elections, and holding power in 11 states/UTs.

The plea said that 14 opposition political parties have filed a petition, in light of the alarming rise in the use of coercive criminal processes against the Opposition political leaders

and other citizens exercising their fundamental right to dissent and disagree with the central government.

The plea submitted that investigating agencies such as the CBI and the ED are being increasingly deployed in a selective and targeted manner with a view to completely crush political dissent and upend the fundamental premises of a representative democracy. The petition has been drawn and filed by advocate Shadan Farasat.

“As for arrest and remand, the petitioners seek that the triple test (whether a person is a flight risk, or whether there is a reasonable apprehension of the tampering of evidence, or of the influencing/intimidation of witnesses) be used by police officers/ED officials and courts alike for arrest of persons in any cognizable offences except those involving serious bodily violence. Where these conditions are not satisfied, alternatives like interrogation at fixed hours or at most house arrest be used to meet the demands of investigation,” added the plea.

Raj govt official held for graft

JAIPUR, APR 5 (PTI): A Rajasthan government official was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 95,000 in Ajmer on Wednesday, police said. The complainant, a government official facing departmental action, alleged that Assistant Administrative Officer-cum-Reader in the Divisional Commissioner’s Office Yakub Baksh demanded the money in lieu of getting a decision in his favour, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said. Baksh had already taken Rs 5,000 from the complainant, ACB’s Additional Director General Hemant Priyadarshi said in a statement.

statesman... There are occasions in life when one has to behave like a statesman,” he added. He also recounted fond memories of Atal Bihari Vajpayee -- former Prime Minister and one of the tallest leaders of the BJP. Vajpayee, Azad said, “remembered the positive and there’s a statesman”, recalling an anecdote when he had praised Sanjay Gandhi for his last speech.

“When he (Sanjay Gandhi) was to speak in the budget speech he spoke for 15 mins and all against Vajpayee. But Vajpayee said I am not going to say a single word against Sanjay Gandhi. He (Vajpayee) told Mrs Gandhi, ‘You are the PM because of Sanjay Gandhi and your colleagues. Sanjay Gandhi got her power, which is why she is the leader. So, I am not going to say anything against him,” Mr Azad said.

(PTI): Telangana BJP president and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar was arrested by police on Wednesday and was named the prime accused by Warangal police in a case of malpractice after a question paper of Standard 10 (SSC) board exam surfaced on various groups of an instant messaging app, police said.

Sanjay Kumar, a Lok Sabha MP from Karimnagar constituency, was picked up by a team of police past midnight on Tuesday from his residence in Karimnagar city, triggering protests by his party workers.

The paper of Standard 10 (SSC) board exam in Telangana found its way into an instant messaging platform for the second day on Tuesday after a 16-year old boy took a photo of the paper from a student who appeared for the exam and shared it with that student’s brother while the exam was going on, police said.

The paper was then posted in a group of the instant messaging app and

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examination, as the blame for the question paper leak would fall on the Telangana administration, the police alleged.

After images of an SSC Hindi question paper surfaced on the social media platform, police took up the investigation and apprehended the 16-year-old boy and arrested two others on Tuesday, who include a former journalist of a TV channel and a lab assistant who had allegedly circulated the question paper on the app. Subsequently, Sanjay Kumar was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday.

and the chats of the accused on the app proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused persons were involved in a conspiracy with regard to the “leaking” and copying of the question papers on April 4.

“This is a pre-planned and criminal conspiracy. Malpractices (have been committed) in SSC public examination with an intention to create rumours and provoke breach of peace of the ongoing public examination in Telangana state wherein Bandi Sanjay Kumar hatched a plan with the help of two other accused to leak out the ongoing SSC papers by taking a photo of a question paper in the cell phone,” police alleged. subsequently shared in other groups by one of the accused, who had also sent a copy to Sanjay Kumar, police added. Sanjay Kumar had sought to defame the government by conspiring to create fear among the students and their parents during the ongoing SSC public

Police claimed that the technical evidence gained by analysing call details of the phones of all the accused

dC-437/23

Manish Sisodia escorted by police. ( File).

Telangana BJP President and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar being detained by the police from his residence. (PTI)

Activists with farmers and labourers shout slogans as they participate in the Mazdoor-Kisan Sangharsh Rally. (PTI)

PM Modi was more generous to me than Congress”: Azad

Ghulam Nabi Azad

To put plans in motion

AsNagaland seeks to highlight its positive potentials at the Business 20 summit to delegates from G 20 nations, in an effort to woo investors both from India and abroad, it would be necessary to note that critical assessment of socio-economic environment in the state forms an important ingredient for development. Some years back, visiting economists have also suggested, during visits to Nagaland, that there was need to bridge the development deficit evident in almost all parts of Nagaland. The suggestions clearly indicate that prioritising of various plans and projects were necessary to bridge the development deficit. Another important point underlined was on inclusive growth, meaning, undertaking projects that would impact and involve the larger segment of the population and not limited within a privileged minority. There is also an imperative need to involve public-privatepartnership in development aspects particularly in the north eastern region. This is a call to prepare a blueprint for broad-based economic development. In the light of the G20 thrust for propelling economic development and the identification of specific potential target areas, it would be beneficial if these are linked with skill development. politics may have evolved to its current development but economics is still distant. This may be due to a narrative on development making more political than economic sense. Such a situation bears no relevance at evolving a sustainable economic foundation. However, the challenge has to be met and this needs preparation through evolution of political concepts with economic vision in order to build a foundation that includes- available power, empowerment of youth, excellent communication networks and of course, ensuring that inefficiency in administering services is not an option. When potential investors from outside find that practically doing business in the state is another story, it is a big setback and which needs to be addressed in order to reassure investors. No one would like to invest in an environment that does not guarantee free and fair trade and commerce. Also, a re-look at the objectives and achievements of the state through the decades could provide useful inputs but to appreciate such, there is need to think “out of the box” and which could mean, out of the official bureaucratic thinking. In the end, private entrepreneurship is the only option, not merely for self-sustenance or employment but for economic progress not solely restricted to profits but nurturing a culture of genuine entrepreneurship. It is time the government seek advice from acknowledged experts and to think out of the box. planners tinkering with socio-economic through populist rhetoric need to realise that the propensity for copy past knowledge makes less economic or social sense and more nonsense. Among the pressing problems of a small state which boasts of a high literacy ratio and rapid “growth in education” are too many unemployable youth and dwindling opportunities in all spheres. despite whatever has been achieved, today youth need opportunities and space to exploit their potential. Enlightenment among society’s reputed and influential organisations such as- church leaders, social and voluntary organisations- is needed to put into action the so many visions so as to create a conducive atmosphere for sowing the seeds of long term economic development in Nagaland if any meaningful progress is to be achieved.

DailyDevotion

His Agony and Our Access

Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples….”Stay here and watch with Me.” —Matthew 26:36, 38

We can never fully comprehend Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, but at least we don’t have to misunderstand it. It is the agony of God and man in one Person, coming face to face with sin. We cannot learn about Gethsemane through personal experience. Gethsemane and Calvary represent something totally unique— they are the gateway into life for us.

It was not death on the cross that Jesus agonized over in Gethsemane. In fact, He stated very emphatically that He came with the purpose of dying. His concern here was that He might not get through this struggle as the Son of Man. He was confident of getting through it as the Son of God— Satan could not touch Him there. But Satan’s assault was that our Lord would come through for us on His own solely as the Son of Man. If Jesus had done that, He could not have been our Savior (see Hebrews 9:11-15). Read the record of His agony in Gethsemane in light of His earlier wilderness temptation— “…the devil… departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). In Gethsemane, Satan came back and was overthrown again. Satan’s final assault against our Lord as the Son of Man was in Gethsemane.

The agony in Gethsemane was the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Savior of the world. The veil is pulled back here to reveal all that it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. His agony was the basis for the simplicity of our salvation. The Cross of Christ was a triumph for the Son of Man. It was not only a sign that our Lord had triumphed, but that He had triumphed to save the human race. Because of what the Son of Man went through, every human being has been provided with a way of access into the very presence of God.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Ploughing Ahead- exploring Nagaland’s agriculture potential

Nestled in the heart of the northeast region, with breath-taking landscapes, flourishing forests, undulating peaks, enchanting valleys, and rapidly flowing rivers, Nagaland is a place of tremendous mystique, and beneath its picturesque beauty lies a thriving agriculture sector that forms the backbone of the state’s economy. Thanks to the diverse agro-climatic conditions, the state has immense potential for cultivating a wide variety of crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, plantation crops, spices, tuber crops, and mushrooms. Furthermore, its proximity to southeast Asian states and emergence as a popular tourist destination within the North East region makes it an ideal hub for export and meeting the domestic demand for exotic fruits and vegetables like dragon fruit, broccoli, kale, zucchini, asparagus, and more. The state has great potential for growth and development in its agriculture sector besides contributing to the nutritional security of the people and is poised to make a significant contribution to India’s agricultural landscape in the years to come.

Horticultural crops are eco-friendly, and comparatively less fertile soils and wastelands can also be brought under production with proper management. In addition, they offer more scope for value addition, especially as finished products such as squash, juices, jams, jellies, pickles, dried fruits, etc.

To promote and facilitate the development of this sector, the government has initiated various schemes such as The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) which is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented from 201415 for the holistic devel-

T o: G20 Summit Delegation

opment of horticulture in the country.

Under this scheme, the government aims to expand the area under cultivation, establish new orchards and gardens, and promote protected cultivation such as poly-house and green-house. The scheme also encourages organic farming and certification, the creation of water resource structures and watershed management, and beekeeping for pollination.

Various other schemes such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER), and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) have been working to the same effect.

With a large portion of the state covered with hills, there are transportation and connectivity issues, particularly during monsoons. To overcome these challenges the government has undertaken various steps including infrastructure development, to improve air, rail, road, waterway, power, and telecom connectivity.

One such initiative is the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme, announced as a new Central Sector Scheme in the Union Budget 2022-23.

The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 6,600 crores for the four-year period from 2022-23 to 202526. The scheme aims to fund infrastructure convergently in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti, which is the national master plan for multi-modal Connectivity that will bring 16 Ministries including Railways and Roadways together-for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects, and support social development projects

based on the felt needs of the North Eastern Region (NER), enable livelihood activities for youth and women, and fill the development gaps in various sectors.

Recognizing the importance of capacity building and helping the farmers get the correct price for their goods, the government has been working to develop optimum information channels like apps or radio services. In addition, there has also been a focus on training and educating the farmers on new and advanced ways of production, by conducting training sessions and taking them on farm visits highlighting success stories.

The challenging terrain and low purchasing power of the farmers have hindered mechanization in the state with people still resorting to traditional ways of cultivation such as the terrace/ wet terrace rice cultivation along with settled jhum farming, in which farms are created on slopes of 30-60 degrees without proper paths for agricultural machinery like Power Tillers to move from one field to another. This makes mechanization difficult and discourages farmers from pursuing it. To address this issue, it is necessary to promote the construction of Power Tiller routes connecting all terraces, with a minimum span of 4 to 6 feet, to allow for the smooth transfer of power tillers between fields and lift the produce from fields to villages.

In line with the prime minister’s mission of doubling farmers’ income, the state has tremendous potential for diversifying the agricultural income of its people, leveraging its diverse climate conditions, and fully utilizing its abundant resources through various sectors. These sectors include apiculture, sericulture, livestock farming, dairy

Re: Peaceful Resolution of the 75-year old Indo-Naga Political Problem & Sustainable Economic Growth of the Naga Homeland and the Region

Honorable Members of the G20 Summit: We, the Global Naga Forum, heartily welcome each of you to the Naga homeland, which comprises not only the state of Nagaland but parts of Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh in India and in northwest Myanmar. We are very glad that you are here. We wish you a pleasant and memorable visit.

We are making a fervent two-part appeal to you with hopeful expectations: a) your diplomatic intervention with the Government of India to resume and complete the negotiation for a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political problem, including the repeal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958); b) your assistance with investments and expertise to help us grow our economy and develop our homeland into an ecologically rich and thriving democracy. We are making these two related appeals together because Naga people know -- from our experience of the last seven decades of political imposition and military oppression by India and Myanmar -- that without political self-determination and stability based on the rule of law, there can be no dependable and sustainable economic growth. We long for peace in our homeland and for mutually beneficial collaborations with our neighbors in the region, which happens to be situated in

farming, fisheries, aquaculture, bamboo, coconut, and organic farming.

Apiculture has significant potential in Nagaland due to its diverse vegetation and climatic conditions with high rainfall, which allows for the continuous blooming of flowers throughout the year, providing a steady source of nectar for bees.

The state has the potential to produce 10,000 Mt of honey and 10 Mt of wax. And since there is a huge market for honey and honey-related products domestically and internationally, with more than 50% of the honey produced in India being exported to 83 countries, with much emphasis on it being a healthy alternative to refined sugar, it will significantly add to the farmers’ income.

Silk farming is another traditional activity in the state, with the government promoting the sericulture sector through various initiatives such as the North Eastern Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), Under which, more than 1000 women stakeholders have been trained in the art of silk reeling and weaving and 38 Sericulture projects are being implemented in the north east region with a total project cost of Rs.1,107.90 crore, which will help the people expand beyond agriculture and help capture new high-value markets. Being a labour-intensive industry, providing livelihood to more than 9.76 million people and the textile sector expected to see huge growth, it has the potential for much greater employment generation.

Livestock farming, dairy farming and fisheries, and aquaculture are also potential areas for diversification in Nagaland, given the numerous water bodies in the state.

We know that bamboo holds the potential to solve the problems of

safe, economical, and ecofriendly infrastructure, and has a multitude of uses, from agricultural tools and implements to shelter food, energy, and medicinal treatments, besides providing integrated development for millions below the poverty line.

The government is also focusing on bamboo cultivation through the National Bamboo Mission, with 208 product development and processing units established under the mission in the northeast region, including 25 in Nagaland.

Coconut plantations are also suitable in the sub-tropical foot-hill belts of Nagaland, with the government forming the Coconut Development Board to focus on increasing productivity and product diversification. The board has identified around 15000 hectares of land in seven districts of the state suitable for coconut plantations.

Finally, the government is also taking various steps to promote the organic farming sector in the state for capitalizing on the high market prices and export potential of organic goods. Since a majority of the farmers follow traditional agriculture practices, Nagaland’s land is largely organic by default due to the minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides.

To further promote this sector, the government has launched a Central Sector Scheme named “Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region” (MOVCDNER) that aims at the development of certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification, and creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing, and brand building initiatives.

For the majorit y of

Public appeal by Global Naga Forum

an important geopolitical junction in Asia, and is therefore important also for the rest of the world.

Sustainable Development: You must have noticed that our roads and towns are badly in need of repairs and improvements. Our living conditions are poor except for the privileged few. We lack basic daily needs like water, and many of our children go to government schools in buildings that pose health risks and are lacking in basic working facilities. Our young college graduates have extremely limited public sector jobs to compete for and few private sector employers to speak of. Rampant corruption in government and in public life is a major roadblock to a hopeful future for our young people. And Nagas living on the Myanmar side of the international border face even greater challenges. They live in dire economic conditions. Chronic neglect of the Naga areas by the government has resulted in extreme poverty, lack of development, inadequate infrastructure, and a severe lack of basic amenities such as hospitals, schools, public transport, and communication facilities.

We are therefore very hopeful that your visit will lead to investments and grant-driven projects for wholesome improvements in these and other areas not only for the people of Nagaland but for all our people living in India and in the Sagaing and Kachin areas in Myanmar.

India’s Look East/Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen ties between India and Southeast Asia, is bound to be lopsided and stay mostly at the level

of political rhetoric unless it includes the development of Naga areas in Myanmar. We believe the same hurdles will accompany any similar efforts including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We therefore urge the global community to support the development of Naga areas not only for the sake of our people but for the good of all concerned, and to pressure the Myanmar government to take urgent developmental action.

The Naga people dream of a time when our homeland and our neighbors in this culturally diverse and naturally rich region can play our parts in promoting ecologically sustainable economic growth and peaceful co-existence for all. We trust you can help us work toward our goal.

Resumption and Conclusion of Negotiation for Peaceful Resolution of Indo-Naga Political Problem & Repeal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958)

We are deeply disappointed by the Indian Government’s wilful neglect and delay in resolving the long-pending Indo-Naga peace settlement. There have been multiple rounds of talks and negotiations between the Indian Government and the Nagas. But the government has repeatedly gone back on its commitments, including the Framework Agreement of August 2015. India’s failure to deliver on its promises for so long has caused divisions and immense frustration among the Naga people, thus proving the success of India’s divide-andrule power play. On the military

the people in the state, agriculture is their main source of income. It is a way of life that is deeply ingrained in the culture and traditions of the populace. It also acts as the state’s economic engine and contributes significantly to the GDP of the state each year. So, for any intended socio-economic development of the State, agriculture must be the main driver of developmental operations.

With India’s current G20 presidency and the government’s continued efforts to drive growth and create prosperity in the state, the upcoming conference on Opportunities for Multilateral Business Partnerships in Agriculture, Food Processing, IT, and Tourism, in Kohima, Nagaland is a significant step by the government.

India has a wealth of natural resources, including its terrain, biodiversity, forest cover, and fertile soil, which presents a perfect chance for the country to become a global centre for Agro processing.

Full capitalization and development of the agriculture sector are key to achieving this goal which will require the need to fire on all fronts and involve all participants of the supply chain, from farmers to industry players and the government has been working as a facilitator to this exact effect, with events such as the upcoming B20 conference providing the perfect stage for all players to come together and collaborate to boost private sector investments and raise farmers and consumers understanding. By continuing to promote and invest in this sector we’ll see tremendous growth and prosperity in the northeast region in the years to come.

By- Rupa Dutta (Senior Adviser, DPIIT) and Hemendra Chauhan (Consultant, DPIIT)

side, the Indian Government has continued to extend the Disturbed Areas Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA, 1958) in the Naga inhabited areas. These draconian laws have resulted in gross human rights abuses and killings of innocent civilians. The most recent incident being of December 2021, in which Indian army commandos killed 14 innocent civilians and wounded several others in Oting, Mon district, Nagaland. The victims were returning home from work in a coal mine. Despite a Special Investigation Team (SIT) naming 30 army personnel involved in the killings, till today, there has been no prosecution process started by the Central government. And on the Myanmar side, Nagas face exploitation and forced labor as well as violence and gross human rights violations from the Tatmadaw.

The chief reason military crimes against Nagas on the Indian side keep happening -- repeatedly and predictably -- is AFSPA, which has been in force for 65 years, even during ceasefire periods between the Indian armed forces and armed Naga Political Groups, including even now while the government of India is supposedly in negotiation with the Nagas for a peaceful resolution of the 75year old political problem.

The cost of India’s continuing militarization of the Naga homeland has been incalculable to the Naga people. It impacts our politics and security, our lands and economy, our cultures and relationships with one another; it affects our personal health and group psychology,

our mental conditioning and sense of ourselves vis-a-vis India and the world; it deeply affects us both as individuals and as a people.

We often wonder about the global community’s silence for so long on the treatment of the Nagas by India and Myanmar. We feel strongly that speaking out against grievous wrongs committed on any people, including the weak and marginalized, and righting the wrongs, is the shared responsibility of the global community. If human rights perpetrator-States cannot be held accountable by the international community, of what use is civilization to the indigenous peoples of the world?

We, therefore, request you, the Honorable Members of the G20 Summit, to use your individual and collective influences in ways that help us start a new era of peace, justice, and all-round prosperity in the Naga homeland and the region, specifically the following:

1. Creating diplomatic spaces wherein India and Myanmar and the Nagas can explore and find mutually beneficial substitutes for the endless conflicts. The process might start with a persuasive push for the Indian government and the Naga negotiators to meet their mutual responsibilities to human rights and humanitarian law, leading to a just and peaceful resolution.

2. Help with the repeal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act).

3. Assistance for Sustainable Economic Growth of the Naga Homeland and the Region.

Media Cell of the Global Naga Forum (GNF)

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

~ Albert Einstein

Sealed cover reports violate principles of natural justice: SC

NEW DELHI, APR 5

(PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the practice of filing sealed cover reports in courts and said it violates both principles of natural justice and open justice.

The top court suggested that public interest immunity proceedings should be adopted in cases where the government is hesitant to disclose the contents of its intelligence reports.

It said public interest immunity proceeding is a less restrictive means to deal with non-disclosure on the grounds of public interest and confidentiality as the documents are completely removed from the proceedings. The remarks came while the court was hearing a plea by Malayalam news channel MediaOne against the Kerala High Court’s order which had upheld the Centre’s decision to ban its telecast on security grounds.

The high court had relied on material which was disclosed solely to the court in a sealed cover by the Union Ministry of Home

Affairs and said the MHA decision to deny security clearance was based on intelligence inputs received from various agencies.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima

Kohli said the reports by investigative agencies impact decisions on the life, liberty, and profession of individuals and entities, and to give such reports absolute immunity from disclosure is antithetical to a transparent and accountable system. The top court said it is imperative for the State to prove through the submission of cogent material that non-disclosure is in the interest of national security.

“It is the Court’s duty

to assess if there is sufficient material for forming such an opinion. A claim cannot be made out of thin air without material backing for such a conclusion. The Court must determine if the State makes the claim in a bona fide manner,” the bench said.

The apex court said sealed cover procedures followed by the high court have rendered the channel’s right to writ remedies a dry parchment.

“The nondisclosure of reasons for the denial of security clearance which is the sole ground for denying the permission to renew the license and the disclosure of relevant material only to the court in a sealed cover has rendered the appellant’s procedural guarantees under the Constitution otiose. The appellants’ right to writ remedies has been denied through a formalistic order by the High Court.

“The procedure that was followed by the High Court has left the appellants in a maze where they are attempting strenuously to fight in the dark. The

Nagaland has potential to...

non-disclosure of reasons for denial of security clearance to the appellants and the disclosure solely to the Court in a sealed cover has restricted the core of the principles of natural justice - the right to a fair and reasonable proceeding,” the bench said.

The top court said to safeguard the claimant against a potential injury to procedural guarantees in public interest immunity proceedings it has a power to appoint an amicus curiae.

“The appointment of an amicus curiae will balance concerns of confidentiality with the need to preserve public confidence in the objectivity of the justice delivery process. The amicus curiae appointed by the Court shall be given access to the materials sought to be withheld by the State.

“The amicus curiae shall be allowed to interact with the applicant and their counsel before the proceedings to ascertain their case to enable them to make effective submissions on the necessity of disclosure,” it said.

Nagaland celebrates Gauhati HC platinum jubilee

From p-1)

According to Justice Kakheto, GHC occupied a unique position of being the common high court of the seven states of the North East India till March 3, 2013. He also pointed out that GHC administers justice in an area of enormous variations and geographically, covers an assortment of hills and values, ethnically it is an extraordinary mosaic. He said that the legal and judicial scenario was more varied while divergent laws govern the people of the region. He also noted that the indigenous inhabit-

ants of the hills area were primarily adapted to the conciliatory process rather than the advisory system. Justice Kakheto also said that most of the customary practises for settlement of dispute, practised in this region were not only expeditious and lasting but far more efficacious than the system followed in supposedly advanced areas. He said when the constitution of India came into force, district council courts were established in the tribal areas under the provisions of the 6th Schedule of the constitution. As a result,

jurisdiction of Assam High Court was extended to the tribal areas by Assam High Court jurisdiction over district council courts order 1954. Justice Kakheto pointed out that the Kohima bench of GHC was inaugurated on December 1, 1972. Short speeches were also delivered by guest of honor, commissioner & secretary Law and Justice, Taliremba and president High Court Bar Association, CT Jamir. The celebratory programme was compered by advocate, Kezhosano Kikhi while welcome address was delivered by registrar, GHC

Kohima Bench, Neiko Akami. A special number was presented by officers and staff of Kohima Bench.

During the occasion special guest and guest of honour released 75 balloons to commemorate the platinum Jubilee and also planted a tree each to mark the occasion. It may be mentioned that the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court will be graced by President Droupadi Murmu on April 7 during her two-day visit to Assam. Chief Justice of India Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud will also attend the function.

NBA stresses on having separate HC

(From p-1) fraternity in the State to the said constitutional office. He said such issues have not been addressed due to lack of political will by those power. He also reiterated the statement of values of judicial life adopted by the Supreme Court of India on May 7, 1997 and reminded about the set of dos and don’ts for members of the higher judiciary. Akito asserted that judicial officers must aspire and adhere to a higher standard of honesty, integrity and propriety and also noted that the behaviour of judge has to be of an exacting standard, both inside and outside the court. Speaking on the topic “The Bar and the Bench”, principal district and session judge Dimapur

Inalo Zhimomi said the Bar and Bench enjoyed the cordial relationship between the

lawyers and judges.

He reminded that the Bar and the Bench played an important role in the administration of justice, and that the judges administered the law with assistance from lawyers, who were called the officers of court. “Mutual relationship is necessary for the maintenance of cordial relations between Bench and Bar,” he emphasised. Inalo said the Bar and

the Bench were two wheels that must move in coordination and cooperation, and cautioned that without this, the justice delivery system would be interrupted and dented. Earlier, the programme was chaired by civil judge (junior division)/ JMFC, Dimapur, Holika Sukhalu and welcome address was delivered by Phek Bar Association president Povotso Lohe. Invocation

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(From p-1) Chinese Political Counsellor, Zhou Yongsheng, said Nagaland was a place with beautiful sceneries and hospitable people. He said as visiting guests, they were overwhelmed by the hospitality the state government had rendered to them. He observed that the traditional agricultural practices, organic farming and handicrafts in Nagaland share similarities with some places in China, especially the rearing of silk.

Yongsheng said he would use this opportunity to learn more about the State, the people, culture at the same time explore more cooperation opportunities between Nagaland and various places in China.

On the viability of investing in Nagaland, Yongsheng said the climatic condition of Nagaland which was tropical and sub-tropical, the deep rooted nature in organic farming, fluency in English, high literacy rate were some of the key aspects which could attract investors especially foreign companies.

He pointed out that he would convey the importance of the event hosted by Nagaland government and since it was their first visit, they (Chinese embassy) was

in exploratory mode. Yongsheng exuded confidence that there would definitely be cooperation opportunities either in trade or in investment.

Badri Tiwari, from the Embassy of Nepal, said the vibrancy of Nagaland was very appealing.

He said some of the areas where Nepal and Nagaland could work together were tourism, cultural exchanges and human resources, which he added, were the first impressions for him when he came to Nagaland.

A representative of the Nepal government, Tiwari said he found out that there were many Nepalese here who had contributed towards the development of the state.

He pointed out that Nepal shares commonalities with North Eastern states like Sikkim, Mizoram and especially Nagaland in terms of geography and since Nepal was booming in tourism industry such steps could be replicated even in Nagaland through collaborative works.

He suggested that other areas like agriculture was also a viable sector where Nepal and Nagaland could put their heads together and come up with some ways to work together.

PM Modi was more generous to me than Congress: Azad

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aspires to a Congressfree India, today received praise and respect from unexpected quarters. Former Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azad, who formed his own party Democratic Progressive Azad Party, told NDTV today that he received little generosity from the Congress for his years of dedicated service. PM Modi, in contrast, was more generous to him,

Coaching

SC stays Nagaland govt notification of cancelling local body elections

(From p-1)

“In the meantime, the order dated March 30, 2023 cancelling the election programme is stayed,” it said.

The petitioners have moved an application before the top court through advocate Satya Mitra against the cancellation of the elections and urged it to take contempt action for “disobeying” the March 14 order. Besides seeking quashing of the March 30 notification issued by the SEC cancelling the election programme, the application has also sought setting aside of the Nagaland Municipal (Repeal) Act, 2023. It has sought a direction to the Centre to ensure adequate central forces are sent to Nagaland prior to the elections in order to ensure the process is conducted peacefully. In its order the bench said, “Notice also be issued qua the other prayers as also to the Central Government in view of the prayer made in para D for adequate central force.”

The apex court directed that reply be filed in the matter within a week and posted it for hearing on April 17.

NBA on ULB issue, NLTP Act

(From p-1) He also affirmed on the possibility of the Supreme Court reprimanding the State government for repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act. He reminded that the apex court had already directed the State to hold municipal elections with reservations for women as provided by the constitution, thereby questioning the authority of the State government to try and change the provision of the constitution.

With regard to the term “Omission” used in the municipal Act in view of property and land tax, he noted that the terms “omit” and “delete” were the same in terms of law. He also lamented that the State government did not hold consultation with the Bar in this regard.

Asked about lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act for a certain period of time, Akito opined that the Act should be repealed completely as it had become a “farce” and there was “total failure” in its implementation. He pointed out that prohibition had been tried around the world, but it had never worked. He mentioned that NLTP had been a total failure since day-one.

he said, and predicted that the Congress “won’t come to power for decades”. “I haven’t attended any of his (PM Modi’s) dinner parties, which was unbecoming on my part but he ignored it. In seven years as the Leader of the Opposition I have given 70 years’ worth of speech against them. But he has ignored it and behaved as a statesman... There are occasions in life when one has to behave like a statesman,” he added.

was offered by associate pastor and Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) mission director Imnatoshi Longkumer and vote of thanks delivered by civil judge (senior division)/CJM Dimapur, Seyielenuo Mezhii.

For further details and appointments, kindly call the Reception at 8794289192. dp -1496/23

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Govt to implement relief plan for MSMEs next month

NEW DELHI, APR 5

(AGENCIES): The central government is working to implement two major “relief packages” announced for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as commercial disputes

As per the Union Budget 2023-24, the government will return 95 per cent of the forfeited amount related to the bid or performance security in case of a failure by a MSME to execute contracts during the COVID-19 period, Business Today reported.

“The department of expenditure has notified the scheme, and the website will be ready under the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal in a few weeks, most likely before June. We will invite applications, and money will be returned accordingly by the concerned ministries,” a senior government official told Business Today television.

In the second version of the ‘Vivad se Vishwas’ scheme, which is meant to settle contractual disputes, a voluntary settlement scheme with standardized terms is

(From p-1)

envisaged. This will be done by grading settlement terms depending on litigation pendency to reduce litigation.

“We sought and received many comments on the discussion paper that was floated last month. The participating stakeholders are from government bodies like NHAI, and others include private contractors. We have a meeting next week to review these comments before the final settlement scheme is ready. The aim is to offer resolution and reduce litigation,” added the official.

The center expects to solve close to 90 per cent of these cases. Sources also said that, because of the nature of disputes, there

Thousands appeared in All India Vision IAS Abhyaas

DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN):

Test -1

could be some complexities in solving part two of the scheme related to contractors. The claims raised by private contractors in disputes over highway projects undertaken by NHAI were estimated to be close to Rs 88,100 crore in arbitration in the last five years, according to a Parliamentary standing committee report from last year, March 2022. The Vivad Se Vishwas scheme provides for settlement of disputed tax, disputed interests, disputed penalty or disputed fees in relation to an assessment or reassessment order on payment of 100 per cent of the disputed tax and 25 per cent of the disputed penalty or interest or fee.

More than 26000 students across the country converged in over 170 cities including Kohima to participate in the annual VisionIAS’ Abhyaas Prelims Test Series on April 2. The students put their knowledge, abilities, and efforts to evaluate their preparedness for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination scheduled on May 28. VisionIAS has demonstrated its institutional capabilities in delivering complex and challenging exercises such as Abhyaas Prelims with ease.

The smooth and efficient completion of Abhyaas Prelims Test-1 at the pan-India level is a natural outcome of VisionIAS’ con-

Private hospitals...

tinued adherence to these core organizational values, and their integration and reflection in its initiatives and ecosystem. Within a short span of time, VisionIAS’ Abhyaas Prelims Test Series has established itself as a benchmark of excellence in prelims preparedness assessment and exam readiness by providing them with a comprehensive and rigorous testing platform at their doorsteps. The result of the Abhyaas Prelims Test 1 will be declared on April 6 on the Vision IAS website. Following this, a series of test discussions for both Papers I & II has been scheduled from April 7 to 10 for English and Hindi medium students separately.

Gold jumps Rs 1,025; silver jumps

NEW DELHI, APR 5

(PTI): Gold price rallied Rs 1,025 to touch a life-time high of Rs 61,080 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday amid strong global trends, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the precious metal had settled at Rs 60,055 per 10 grams. Silver also zoomed Rs 1,810 to

Rs 73,950 per kilogramme.

“Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at Rs 61,080 per 10 grams, up Rs 1,025 per 10 grams. “In domestic market gold prices crossed the Rs 61,000 level per 10 grams to a fresh lifetime high,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

(From p-1) employees of the government in private hospitals in compliance with the provisions of Nagaland Health Care Establishment Act 1997. The department assured the association to fast-track the process of approval and renewal of licences under the Act and, as a measure to promote the policy on ‘Ease of Doing Business’, would develop a portal to enable online submission of applications and also discuss with respective authorities on various statutory requirements for registration of hospitals for speedy approvals.

In connection with Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), the department said it was working on revision of health benefit package rates so that it was rational and attractive to private hospitals within and outside the State, thereby enabling the beneficiaries access to wide range of hospitals. The association assured to extend services to the beneficiaries of both the schemes. The coordination meeting was attended by H&FW principal director Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachu and senior officials and senior members of NPPA led by its president Dr Victo Wotsa. This was stated in a DIPR release.

Rio promotes Nagaland at B20 investors meet

He said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of hosting G20 events in every corner of the country during India’s presidency of the group and that the B20 event at Kohima as an outcome of that vision.

He mentioned that Modi’s unique initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PMDevINE) showcased the importance being attached to the development of the Northeast by the Centre, adding that these initiatives were over and above the fact that over the last eight years the number of airports in the region had jumped from 9 to 16 and the number of flights connecting the region had increased from

about 900 prior to 2014 to around 1,900 today. Further, he pointed out that many North-eastern States had now become part of the Indian Railways map for the first time and efforts were made to expand the waterways too.

He hoped that the B20 event in Nagaland would provide a unique opportunity to know the Northeast and explore opportunities from close quarters. One District, One Product: In her address, principal economic adviser in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, Rupa Dutta said the B20 events in the Northeast had been held so far in Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim. She mentioned

that DPIIT was looking at promotion of industries and internal trade by having two engagement groups - the B20 and Start-Up 20.

Pointing out that GI tags, under DPIIT initiative, had been given to three farm products (Naga Mirchi, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber), she mentioned that efforts were also on to promote organic farming in the State.

Dutta disclosed that another key initiative of DPIIT was “One District, One Product”, under which 11 districts of Nagaland had been selected. She said the Centre had launched Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the Northeast that aimed at development of certified organic production in a value chain

mode, which could promote social entrepreneurship and start-ups. She observed that Nagaland not only had immense agricultural resources, but also had huge potential in skill development, an area where the start-ups could do a lot of good work.

Pradeep Bagla, chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry of Northeastern circle, delivered the welcome address, while agriculture adviser Mhathung Yanthan proposed the vote of thanks. Nagaland chief secretary Jane Alam maintained that Nagaland was making all efforts to tap funding sources, including national financial institutions, to accelerate the pace of development in key sectors. Several ex-

ternally-aided projects and CSR projects were currently under implementation in the State with encouraging results, he added. He said the B-20 meet was an opportunity for Nagaland to show to the world its vast potential in agriculture and food processing, tourism and infrastructure sector and hoped that the outcomes would foster a stronger people-topeople global relations and strengthen local-to-global economy by connecting Made in Nagaland goods and services into the international market and global value chain.

Alam welcomed prospective investors to partner with Nagaland in the journey of development and growth and exuded confidence that

High time to open international borders for development: Rajkumar

(From p-1)

Rio mentioned that over 100 B2B and B2G requests had been generated, including requests for interaction with departments like Tourism, Commerce and Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Healthcare and Food Processing. He claimed that taking advantage of the presence of a large contingent of international delegates, the State government had made elaborate arrangements not only to lure investment and show partnership opportunities, but also provided an exposure to Nagaland’s rich art, culture, cuisines, etc.

The delegations were taken to the State’s landmarks, including the Kisama Heritage Village for a mini-Hornbill festival, on Wednesday and would be taken to Kohima War Cemetery on Thursday.

He hoped that Nagaland would derive a number of benefits from the B20 meet as the State was strategically located and could act as a base for forging links with ASEAN countries.

Rio commented that Nagaland was all set to benefit from the close cooperation between the Northeast and Bangladesh and expressed joy that a huge del-

egation of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) led by Abdul Matlub Ahmad was attending the B20 event.

He said this would provide a window for interaction with local entrepreneurs to strengthen business ties and make a strong case for greater commercial activities across the borders. He stated that Nagaland was ready for a potential tie-up in the areas of tourism, IT, agriculture and infrastructure development and the participation of leading nations in these areas like Japan, Indonesia, the European Union, South American countries and the UAE in the B20 meet would help the State and local industry to push the economy to greater heights. The chief minister exuded the confidence that the event, which had served as a platform for collaborations and partnerships, would usher in new opportunities for the people of Nagaland.

To a query, Rio disclosed that since Hindustan Paper Corporation Ltd has liquidated the Nagaland Paper Mill, this would not be privatised. He said the sugar mill would be made open for private investors but away from urban areas.

the business delegations representing global industry leaders and policy planners of G20 countries and their associates would give a serious thought to exploring mutually beneficial partnerships in diverse sectors. He expressed the hope that it will go a long way in strengthening the bonds of cooperation and friendship in the months and years to come.

Rupee climbs 30 paise to 82.02 against US dollar

MUMBAI, APR 5 (PTI): The rupee gained 30 paise to close at 82.02 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday, as heavy buying in domestic equities bolstered investor sentiment. Besides, foreign capital inflows and a rising risk appetite also supported the domestic unit, forex dealers said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened strong at 82.08 and touched an intra-day high of 81.92 and a low of 82.20 against the greenback.

Land For SaLe

SNIPPETS

Man in Brazil kills

4 children, injures 3 at daycare centre

RIO DE JANEIRO, APR

5 (AP): A man who invaded a daycare centre with a hatchet killed four children and injured at least three others Wednesday in southern Brazil, authorities said. Santa Catarina state’s Gov. Jorginho Mello confirmed the killings in the city of Blumenau on his Twitter account, and wrote that the killer has been arrested. The state’s firefighters corps confirmed the man attacked with a hatchet and that three children were taken to the hospital.

Images broadcast on television showed weeping parents outside the private daycare centre, named Cantinho do Bom Pastor.

Local media reported the attacker scaled a wall to enter the daycare centre wielding a hatchet.

Missouri tornado death toll up to 5 as crews search rubble

ST. LOUIS, APR 5 (AP):

At least five people were killed an unknown number of others were hurt when a large tornado tore through an area of southeastern Missouri before dawn on Wednesday, authorities said. The twister caused significant destruction in and around the small rural communities of Glen Allen and Grassy, Bollinger County Sheriff Casey A. Graham said in a post on his office’s Facebook account. At least five people were killed, Graham wrote, noting that he was withholding the names of the dead to make sure their families could be notified first. Crews from several agencies are searching through the rubble of destroyed and damaged homes, authorities said.

Justin Gibbs, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Paducah, Kentucky, said the tornado remained on the ground for roughly 15 minutes, traveling an estimated 15-20 miles (24-32 kilometers).

US recognises Arunachal as India’s integral part: WH

WASHINGTON, APR 5 (PTI): The US has recognised Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India and strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by renaming localities, the White House has said.

The US reaction came in response to Beijing announcing Chinese names for 11 more places in Arunachal Pradesh which the neighbouring country claims as the southern part of Tibet. The official names of the 11 places were released on Sunday by China’s ministry of civil affairs.

“The United States has recognised that territory (Arunachal Pradesh) for a long time (as an integral part of India). And we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by renaming localities,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tues-

day. “And so, again, this is something that we have long stood by,” Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference. India on Tuesday outrightly rejected China renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of India and assigning “invented” names does not alter this reality.

“We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright,” Ministry of Ex-

World can face nuclear World War III under Biden administration: Trump

Pradesh was released in 2017 and the second batch of 15 places was issued in 2021.

China’s renaming of the places in Arunachal Pradesh came in the midst of the lingering eastern Ladakh border standoff that began in May 2020.

WASHINGTON, APR 5 (PTI): The world is likely to face an all-out nuclear World War III under the Biden administration, former president Donald Trump has said and accused the current US government of destroying the country.

a “menacing and destructive coalition” and could have never happened under his leadership.

ternal Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

“Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality,” he said.

It was the third batch of standardised geographical names for Arunachal Pradesh issued by China’s civil affairs ministry.

The first batch of the standardised names of six places in Arunachal

Pak EC announces Punjab poll schedule; election on May 14 as directed by SC

ISLAMABAD, APR 5 (PTI): Pakistan’s election watchdog on Wednesday announced that it will hold the polls in the politically crucial Punjab province on May 14 as directed by the Supreme Court a day earlier.

A three-member bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Tuesday fixed May 14 as the new date for elections to the Punjab Assembly, as it quashed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to extend the polls date from April 10 to October 8.

As per the schedule announced by the election commission on Wednesday, polling for elections in Punjab will be held on May 14. The last date for filing an appeal against the decision of the Returning Offi-

Camilla makes debut as Queen in King Charles III’s Coronation

cer regarding the nomination papers will be April 10.

“The ECP hereby recalls its notification of even number dated March 22, 2023 and in partial modification to this commission’s notification of March 8, 2023 hereby revises the following stages of the election programme for the conduct of general elections to the provincial assembly of Punjab,” the Express Tribune newspa-

per reported, citing the revised notification. According to the revised schedule, the election tribunal will decide on the appeals by April 17, and the last date for publishing the new list of candidates will be April 18. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers will be April 19 and election symbols will be allotted to the candidates on April 20.

OFFICE OF THE TIKHIR STUDENTS’ UNION

KOHIMA: NAGALAND FELICITATION

With immense excitement and elation, the Tikhir Students’ Union, Kohima would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Kiusumong Tikhir on being appointed as OSD (Backward) to Chief Minister, Nagaland.

The union further wishes him good health, wisdom and greater success in his future endeavours.

The Union also expresses profound gratitude to the present State Government under the leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for having faith in him and appointing him to a prominent position.

Joseph T Tsutanshi K President, TSUK Gen/Secy. TSUK k -743/23

Following the standoff, India bolstered its overall military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Arunachal Pradesh sector as well. The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a nearly three-year-long confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement of troops from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The comments by 76-year-old Trump came during his first public address since being arraigned on Tuesday.

Trump, the first former US President to be criminally charged, has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records at his arraignment in a Manhattan court on charges relating to hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The former president said that there are open threats by various countries of the use of nuclear weapons, something which was never mentioned or discussed by other nations during his administration.

“This could very well lead under the Biden admin-

istration’s leadership to an all-out nuclear World War III can happen. We’re not very far away from it, believe it or not,” Trump said during the address at his Mar-aLago resort in Florida, soon after he flew back from New York. Trump, a Republican, said the US is now in a mess under President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

“Our economy is crashing. Inflation is out of control. Russia has joined with China. Can you believe that? Saudi Arabia has joined with Iran,” he said.

Trump said China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have formed together as

“If I were your president it would never have happened. Nor would Russia attack Ukraine. All of those lives will be saved. All of those beautiful cities would be standing,” he said, referring to the destruction caused in Ukraine.

“Our currency is crashing and will soon no longer be the world standard, which will be our greatest defeat frankly, in 200 years. There will be no defeat like that will take us away from being even a great power,” Trump said. He also accused his successor Biden of destroying the country.

“If you took the five worst presidents in the history of the United States and added them up they would not have done near the destruction to our country as Joe Biden and the Biden administration have done,” Trump said.

MAO, NN, T KHEL MARKET RELIEF COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of generous help and support towards relief and rehabilitation in connection with the recent fire incident on 27th February 2023. We are delighted to convey our gratitude to all, that the generous help that came in various forms and from various quarters had immensely helped in providing much needed relief to those affected by the devastating fire. In continuation of the acknowledgement as published on the 4th of March 2023, we once again would like to convey our profound gratitude to;

SL. NO. NAMES/ORGANISATIONS AMOUNT (Rs)

1. SHRI. NEIPHIU RIO, HON’BLE CHIEF MINISTER, CHIEF MINISTER’S RELIEF FUND, GOVT. OF NAGALAND 20,00,000/-

2. SHRI. N. BIREN SINGH, HON’BLE CHIEF MINISTER, GOVT. OF MANIPUR 5,00,000/-

3. SHRI. L. DIKHO, HON’BLE MLA, GOVT. OF MANIPUR 2,00,000/-

4. Dr. TSEILHOUTUO RHÜTSO, HON’BLE MLA 9 KOHIMA TOWN AC 1,00,000/-

5. SHRI. N. KAYISÜ,HON’BLEMLA, GOVT. OF MANIPUR 1,00,000/-

6 SHRI. KENEIZHAKHO NAKHRO, EX. MLA, 8 WESTERN ANGAMI AC 1,00,000/-

7. DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY KOHIMA, GOVT. OF NAGALAND 30,00,000/-

8. KOHIMA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES (KCCI) KOHIMA 2,50,000/-

9. NAGALAND CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CHURCH P.R. HILL KOHIMA 1,00,150/-

10. TSÜTUONUOMIA KHEL COUNCIL, KOHIMA VILLAGE 1,00,000/-

11. LHISEMIA KHEL COUNCIL, KOHIMA VILLAGE 1,00,000/-

12. MUSLIM COMMUNITY KOHIMA 1,00,000/-

13. MAO BAPTIST CHURCHES ASSOCIATION (MBCA) 60,000/-

14. UPPER CHANDMARI PANCHAYAT, KOHIMA 58,745/-

15. MAO BAPTIST CHURCH KOHIMA

16. ER. MESHENLO KATH AND TEAM

17. Mr. KELENGOTO WILSON SOLEHO 50,000/-

18. KOHIMA AO BAPTIST CHURCH 50,000/-

19. MAO WOMEN BUSINESS UNION IMPHAL AND MAO TRADE UNION KOHIMA. 50,000/-

20. MRS. & Mr. ATUO MEZHUR SEKHOSE

FAMILY 20,000/-

27. PERACIEZIE BAPTIST CHURCH KOHIMA 20,000/-

28. MAO CATHOLIC UNION, KOHIMA 20,000/-

29. Mrs. & Mr. S. P. FRANCIS 20,000/-

30. MERAMA KHEL COUNCIL, PHESAMA 20,000/-

King Charles III and Camilla

LONDON, APR 5 (AGENCIES):

guest list for the Coronation.

King

Charles III’s wife Camilla, so far known as Queen Consort, has made her debut as Queen Camilla as Buckingham Palace unveiled the royal invitations for their Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on May 6, featuring a floral and leafy pattern to be printed on recycled paper.

The invitations mark the first time that 75-yearold Camilla has been referenced as the Queen, indicating that her title of Queen Consort will eventually give way to the shorter prefix.

Royal insiders indicated that this was in line with tradition for the partner of a monarch to be referred to as Queen and that Queen Consort had been used in the aftermath of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II to smooth that transition. Charles and Camilla will be formally crowned King and Queen next month, with an invitation to the grand ceremony likely to also be extended to President Droupadi Murmu, as one of the Commonwealth Heads of State speculated to be on the

OFFICE O F THE DIMAPUR L O NGPA

SEN SO T E LO NGJEM

The White House has already confirmed that First Lady Jill Biden would be representing President Joe Biden at the ceremony.

“The original artwork for the invitation was handpainted in watercolour and gouache, and the design, which recalls the Coronation Emblem, will be reproduced and printed on recycled card, with gold foil detailing,” Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday.

“Central to the design is the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign. The shape of the Green Man crowned in natural foliage is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom,” the palace statement said. The invitation for the ceremony next month to formally crown the 74-yearold Charles as monarch has been designed by heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator Andrew Jamieson. He is a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild, of which King Charles is an Honorary Member.

DIMAPUR -797112 : N AGA L AN D

F E L ICITATI O N

The Dimapur Longpa Senso Telongjem with immense pride and honour conveys our heartiest congratulations to Shri. M oatoshi Longkumer for being elected in the recently concluded 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 2 Dimapur II AC and inducted as Advisor for Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Excise, Government of Nagaland.

The DLST also extends our gratitude and sincere appreciation to all the electorates of the constituency for realizing the true worth and qualities in ensuring the victory of Shri. Moatoshi Longkumer.

The DLST prays and wishes that our Almighty God continue to bless him with good health and wisdom in his endeavours to serve the people with commitment and development.

Sd/- Sd/Martoshi

31. CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CHURCH, NAGA HOSPITAL COLONY, KOHIMA 20,000/-

32. CHAKHESANG MISSION CENTRE CHURCH, T.CHIKRI, PFÜTSERO, 20,000/-

33. T.KHEL MARKET, NEW BUILDING SHOP OWNERS 16,000/-

34. P0UMAI BAPTIST CHURCH, MIDLAND, KOHIMA 15,000/-

35.

SUPPORTERS OF DR. ATO (NPP) LOWER CHANDMARI POLLING STATION (13 ) YANGER, VIHOLI, SEHMEIN, SHEKHO, KRIENO, YARI, VETO, MHASI, MASEVI LTU, MALOVI, LIMA, KENNEI, KHOMNIU, LOLI, ALETO, AKHO, ASHÜDI, PAOKOANG, ROKOHOL 15,000/-

36. Mrs. BEINUO BESII 12,500/-

37. Dr. N. ADAHO, CHÜMOUKEDIMA. 12,345/-

38. Mrs. & Mr. G. NEIVOLIE CHADI FAMILY( NERHEMA ) 12,000/-

39. Mr. JOSEPH NENIO MAO 10,200/-

40. Dr. CH. KAIKHO KAYINA 10,003/-

41. L. KHEL YOUTH ORGANISATION 10,000/-

42. Dr. SALEW MAO 10,000/-

43. Mr. VINCENT HENI 10,000/-

44. Er. KELHOUSINYII SOLO 10,000/-

45. Mrs. & Mr. H. POJI 10,000/-

46. Mrs. & Mr. KOHENI ATHIKHO 10,000/-

47. Mrs. & Mr. SALONI ATHIKHO

Mrs. & Mr. S. NENIO CHAH

49. M/S MOLUNGSO SELF HELP GROUP A.G.COLONY

50. Mrs. CHARANI HEKHA AND FAMILY

51. TANGKHUL HOHO NAGALAND HQ. DIMAPUR

52. POUMAI NAGA HOHO, DIMAPUR

53. MAO BAPTIST CHURCH(MBC), RABUNAMEI 10,000/-

54. KORIKAPRA CHOKHOBO KAPHIO SOCIETY, KOHIMA 10,000/-

55. MAO BAPTIST CHURCH (MBC ) PUDUNAMEI, MAO 10,000/-

56. POUMAI NAGA CATHOLIC UNION, KOHIMA 10,000/-

57. MAO BAPTIST CHURCH(MBC), CHÜMOUKEDIMA 7 TH MILE 10,000/-

58. LATE VILIEHU KIRE NUOMIAKO, KOHIMA VILLAGE 10,000/-

59. MAO BAPTIST CHURCH (MBC), PUNANAMEI 10,000/-

60. MAO DRIVERS UNION ,KOHIMA 10,000/-

61. MAO BAPTIST CHURCH (MBC) CHOWAINAMAI (ABO CHAKRE ) 10,000/-

62. Dr. A. LOSO CHALAI & FAMILY, KOHIMA 10,000/-

Donald Trump

Guinness certifies world’s deepest fish found by Japan-Aus team

‘Cultural Show’ organised at Kisama

At a depth of more than 8 km underwater, a fish filmed by a team of researchers from Japan and Australia has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the deepest fish in the ocean to be observed.

Scientists mainly from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and the University of Western Australia on August 15, 2022, filmed the unknown snailfish species of the genus Pseudoliparis at a depth of 8,336 metres, near the bottom of the Izu-Ogasawara Trench off southern Japan in the western Pacific, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the Guinness World Records, the

unprecedented depth -- more than double the vertical extent of Mount Fuji -- is approaching what is thought to be the biological bottom line for fish.

Hiroshi Kitazato and co-researchers from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology received their Guinness certificate on Tuesday.

According to the joint scientific expedition, the observation was made 158 metres deeper than the previous record of 8,178 metres in the Mariana Trench, where living fish were confirmed in 2017.

The Mariana snailfish was observed in the Mariana Trench on May 18, 2017.

Kitazato stressed the significance of having

filmed fish at such a depth and expressed hope of finding fish even deeper in the ocean.

The chief scientist conducting this field study was UWA Professor Alan Jamieson, founding director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre.

Professor Jamieson is arguably the world’s leading authority on hadal organisms -- those that live deeper than 19,685 ft -- and has made numerous recordsetting discoveries over his career.

These include the deepest squid (20,381 ft), the deepest octopus (22,825 ft), the deepest decapod (25,272 ft) and the deepest hydrozoan (33,015 ft). (IANS)

Facebook to let you play games during video calls on Messenger

Meta’s cloud gaming service Facebook Gaming has announced that users can now play their favourite games during video calls on Messenger.

“This new, shared experience in Messenger makes it easy to play games with friends and family while in a video call, allowing you to deepen connections with friends and family by engaging in conversations and gameplay at the same time,” the company said in a blogpost.

The tech giant said that there are 14 free-to-play games available in Messenger video calls on iOS, Android, and the web, with no installs required.

Games include a mix of brand new titles, such as “Card Wars” by Bombay Play and “Exploding Kittens” by Coatsink as well as some fan favourites like “Mini Golf FRVR” by FRVR and “Words With

Friends” by Zynga.

While each game supports a different number of players, most games can be played by just two people, the company said.

The games can be accessed by starting a video call on Messenger, tapping the group mode icon in the centre, and then tapping on the “Play” icon.

Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that the company is rolling out its paid subscription plan for Facebook and Instagram to users based in the US.

First launched in Australia and New Zealand, the “Meta Verified” plan offers a verified label, better protection from impersonation and direct access to customer support. The subscription plan costs $11.99 per month for the web and $14.99 per month for mobile. (IANS)

A“Cultural Show” was organised at the Naga Heritage village, Kisama on Wednesday evening on the side-line of the G20 summit hosted by Nagaland from April 4 – 6. The guests were enthralled with daring and

dashing performances by different ethnic tribes with their cultural songs and dances. Delivering his welcome note, minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjem Imna Along welcomed the G20 delegates to the Naga Heri-

tage village, Kisama where the Hornbill festival is held every year. Along said that the “Hornbill Festival” is organized every year by the State government since 2000 under the patronage and visionary leader of the present chief minister,

Audience loves woman-oriented stories, says Radhika Apte

‘Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!’ actress Radhika Apte, who is seen playing Durga, a housewife and an undercover agent in the spy comedy ‘Mrs Undercover’, said she fell in love with her character the minute she heard the script.

Radhika said that now-a-days, women-led films are getting more eyeballs from the viewers. She said: “I think the premise of the film was really exciting for me. We live in a country where there is a lot of patriarchy and so many women slog days and nights to keep their families happy, and yet go unnoticed so I think it did resonate with me and what I like about Durga is her innocence, her naivety, her clumsiness and even her journey of discovering herself. I think that was really good.”

Radhika, who is known for ‘Raat Akeli

Hai’, ‘Monica, O My Darling’, and an American film, ‘A Call To Spy’, said women-oriented subjects are liked by the audience.

“I mean it’s high time that we have equality, the world is changing and now everyone is fighting for equal rights, equal pay, equal job opportunities and equal recognition. Film industry is just a reflection of what is going around in society and the world is changing very slowly and yet some parts of the world aren’t and I think that’s just why we are getting some better parts,” she added.

Directed and written by debutant director, Anushree Mehta, ‘Mrs Undercover’ features Radhika Apte in the lead role. It also stars Sumeet Vyas, Rajesh Sharma and Saheb Chatterjee. ‘Mrs Undercover’ will premiere on April 14 on ZEE5.

(IANS)

Neiphiu Rio. He informed that it is also known as the “Festival of Festivals” with an idea to showcase the unique culture and traditions of the Nagas at a common platform where all the Naga tribes enthusiastically partake with their vibrant culture

and traditions during this festival. The Minister also thanked the delegates for coming to the “Land of Festivals” and asked them to enjoy their short stay in Nagaland with excitement and to make it memorable. (DIPR)

Russell Crowe faces evil in ‘The Pope’s Exorcist,’ based on real-life priest

When actor Russell Crowe began reading about the history of real-life Catholic priest Father Gabriele Amorth, who claimed to have performed over 50,000 exorcisms, he was intrigued.

“He left behind a whole bunch of his first-person experiences to read through. I think there are like a dozen books or something like that, you know. So, it was just his journey that really fascinated me to start with,” the 58-year-old said.

Crowe’s portrayal of Amorth in Sony’s (6758.T) horror flick “The Pope’s Exorcist” is based on the books the late priest left behind, which chronicled 36 years of exorcisms and other work for the Vatican. Amorth died in 2016.

“The Pope’s Exorcist” begins its global release in theaters on Friday. The

haunting tale begins when an American widow named Julia, played by horror film veteran, Alex Essoe, moves into an old castle in Spain with her two children and they soon get more than they bargained for. Home renovators break into a sealed room in the basement and unleash a demon that possesses Julia’s son, Henry, who is played by Peter DeSouza-Feighoney. Amorth is tasked with ridding the demon from the child. However, unlike previous exorcisms, the demon feeds off the exorcist’s own guilt and regrets. “What the character in the movie is going through, we’ve tried to connect to actual experiences in Gabriele’s life, so the process he’s going through in terms of what it is to forgive yourself for the experiences you’ve had,” Crowe said. (Reuters)

Temjem Imna Along speaking during the cultural show on Wednesday at Kisama. (DIPR)

MoS RK Ranjan Singh tries on the log drum as CM Neiphiu Rio looks on during the cultural extravaganza at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama main arena. (NP)

Freiburg beat Bayern to reach German Cup SFs

BERLIN, APR 5 (IANS):

Lucas Holer’s late handball penalty helped Freiburg to upset record champions Bayern Munich with a 2-1 comeback win in the quarterfinals, here.

Freiburg staged a wellpositioned defense from the outset and was able to keep the hosts at bay in the opening stages.

Despite not creating clear-cut opportunities, Bayern still opened the scoring with 20 minutes gone as Dayot Upamecano headed home a corner kick from Joshua Kimmich on Tuesday night.

The visitors maintained their shape and restored parity only seven minutes later through Nicolas Hofler, who collected a clearance from Kingsley Coman before drilling the ball from 16 meters past Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer, a

Xinhua report said. Bayern responded with furious attacks before halftime, but neither Leon Goretzka nor Thomas Muller was able to overcome Freiburg custodian Mark Flekken despite promising chances.

After the restart, Bayern dominated possession and pressed Freiburg onto the back foot but couldn’t do any damage in the opening stages.

Just when the spectators settled for the extra time, Hofler collected a

KKR rope in Jason Roy for Rs 2.8 crore

KOLKATA, APR 5 (PTI): England opener Jason Roy was on Wednesday roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to give the side a boost following injury to regular captain Shreyas Iyer and the pullout of Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan.

US book spot in ODI World Cup final qualifier

“I am delighted that we have clinched a win here today. We had the luck we needed and defended very well. It was a onesided affair in the second half, but we defended passionately and got the penalty to win the game,” said Freiburg coach Christian Streich.

loose ball at the edge of the box and hit Jamal Musiala, who deflected the hammer with his elbow to cause a penalty. Holer stepped up and converted the penalty into the roof of the net in injury time.

“I am not disappointed as we conceded two goals from two long-range efforts. We had some good stages, but we failed to maintain the momentum. We lacked accuracy in the final third. It is sad because it is our own fault as we lost on home soil in a quarterfinal,” said Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel.

Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt advanced into the semifinals as well after easing 2-0 past Union Berlin courtesy of Randal Kolo Muani’s first-half brace.

NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): The United States booked their place in the final qualifying tournament for this year’s 50-overs World Cup in India following their 25run victory over Jersey on Tuesday. At a playoff event in Namibia, the U.S. side, led by Indian-born Monank

Patel, posted 231 all out and then bowled out Jersey for 206 to confirm top spot and a place in the final qualifier in Zimbabwe in June-July.

United Arab Emirates finished runner-up to the U.S. to claim the second spot in the qualifier.

The U.S. and UAE join former world cham -

Inter’s Lukaku wants action from Serie A on racist abuse

TURIN, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has urged Serie A to take action after he was subjected to racial abuse during Tuesday’s Coppa Italia draw with Juventus, with the Turin side saying they were collaborating with police to find those responsible.

Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson Talisca during the warm up before the match. (Reuters)

RIYADH, APR 5 (AGENCIES):

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to find the net in Saudi Arabia, scoring two goals to reach 11 in nine league games - but still can’t step out of the shadow of team mate and Al-Nassr’s top scorer Anderson Talisca.

The Brazilian also hit the net twice in the 5-0 victory over Al-Adalah on Tuesday and is the league’s joint top scorer with 16 goals, level with former Manchester United and Watford forward Odion Ighalo who plays for Al-Hilal.

Al-Nassr, who signed 38-year-old Ronaldo in January until 2025 in a contract estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($219 million),

are second in the league standings on 52 points, one behind leaders Al-Ittihad.

There are eight games remaining in the season for each team.

“Every top player does his job. My full focus is on Al-Nassr winning, not on being the league’s top scorer. My main goal is to lead the team to win, and then everything else will come,” Talisca told Saudi’s SSC channel through a translator.

Just before the international break, Ronaldo handed Talisca the task of converting the winning penalty against Abha four minutes from time, which the Brazilian scored and described the gesture as “mutual respect” from Portugal captain.

KKR did not elaborate whether Roy will be available for the their IPL home game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. The two-time IPL champions were dealt a huge injury blow when Iyer was ruled out for the entire season due to a back injury, while Shakib pulled out citing personal and national commitments. “Kolkata

Knight Riders have signed England’s Jason Roy for Rs.

2.8 crore for the TATA IPL 2023 from his base price of Rs. 1.5 crore,” said KKR in a statement on Wednesday.

Roy, who first featured in the 2017 edition of the IPL for Gujarat Lions, last played in the 2021 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2021, he played five games, scoring 150 runs, including a half-century.

Lukaku scored a stoppage-time penalty to cancel out a late goal by Juve midfielder Juan Cuadrado and earn Inter a 1-1 semi-final first-leg draw in Turin.

During his celebrations, the Belgian striker held his finger up to his mouth in front of Juve fans. The gesture was judged to be provocative and he was sent off after a second yellow card.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, U.S.-based sports agency Roc Nation - which represents Lukaku - demanded Juventus apologise to the striker.

“Tonight’s racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted,” Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark

Men’s ODI Player Rankings: Shubman rises to fourth, South Africa’s Markram makes big gains

MUMBAI, APR 5 (IANS):

India’s Shubman Gill has moved up one spot to number four in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings due to the week’s results and movements in the rankings.

Gill reached a careerbest batting ranking of No 4 with 738 points, placing him behind Babar Azam (887) of Pakistan, Rassie van der Dussen (777) of South Africa and Imam-ul Haq (740) of Pakistan.

South Africa batter

Aiden Markram has made significant gains in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings after hitting a career-best 175 against the Netherlands over the past week.

Markram gained 13 spots to reach 41st position in the batting rankings and 16 places to 32nd in the

all-rounders’ list, another career-best feat in each as South Africa beat the Dutch 2-0 in their three-match series in Johannesburg. They edged closer to automatic qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

The Netherlands batters also made good progress, with Max O’Dowd (up to 75th from 78th), Vikram-

jit Singh (up to 109th from 119th) and Teja Ndiamanuru (up to 138th from 154th) the most notable mentions.

Other gains were made by New Zealand’s Henry Nicholls, who climbed two spots to 69 in the batting rankings and his teammate Will Young, who leapt 60 spots to a personal best 143rd following their 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka.

Matt Henry stood out for the Black Caps, jumping five slots to land on the fifth spot in the bowling rankings from number 10, while South Africa’s Sisanda Magala announced himself with a 35-place leap to his own career-best number 165th after taking eight wickets in two matches, including a maiden fivewicket haul against the Netherlands.

In the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, Bangladesh’s Litton Das has risen one spot to reach the 21st position, his highest career ranking so far, sharing the spot with New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who rose five places from 26. This is also Mitchell’s career-best ranking while his previous best was 25th.

Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku clashes with Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado. (Reuters)

said. “Before, during, and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse. Romelu celebrated in the same manner he has previously celebrated goals. The referee’s response was to award a yellow card to Romelu.

“The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse.”

On Wednesday, Juventus said they were “collaborating with the police

to identify those responsible for the racist gestures and chants which took place last night.”

Lukaku, on loan at Inter from Chelsea, was also the target of offensive chants in 2019, which he condemned in a social media post at the time.

“History repeats...

Been through it in 2019..

and 2023 again..,” Lukaku said in a post on Instagram on Wednesday.

“I hope the league really take actions for real this time because this beau-

tiful game should be enjoyed by everyone...”

Racism has been a long-running problem in Italian football and authorities have been criticised for not taking strong enough action. On Wednesday, Serie A put out a statement condemning racism, adding, “clubs, as they have always done, will identify the guilty individuals and ban them from their respective facilities for life.”

The league did not name Lukaku in their statement.

pions West Indies and Sri Lanka among the 10 teams in Zimbabwe vying for the last two places at the October-November World Cup. The U.S. have never qualified for the ODI World Cup but are assured of a place in next year’s T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with West Indies.

Ex-Brazil boss Tite on Boca Juniors radar

BUENOS AIRES, APR 5 (IANS): Former Brazil boss Tite has emerged as a candidate for Boca Juniors’ vacant head coaching role, according to media reports in Argentina.

Tite’s name began to be linked with Boca on Tuesday and speculation quickly became viral among Boca fans on social media.

The Ole news portal said the former Corinthians manager had the backing of Boca’s squad and supporters.

The 61-year-old has been out of work since parting ways with Brazil in December following their World Cup quarter final defeat to Croatia on penalties.

Another Brazilian reportedly under consideration for the job is former Atletico Mineiro, Palmeiras, Santos and Flamengo manager Cuca.

Boca are currently being led by Mariano Herron, who replaced Hugo Ibarra last week on an interim basis amid a poor run of results.

RIO DE JANEIRO, APR

5 (IANS): Former Argentina international midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia has joined Atletico Mineiro after parting ways with Mallorca, the Brazilian Serie A club said.

Battaglia, who will be tied to Atletico until December 2024, is the Belo Horizonte side’s ninth new signing this year, a Xinhua report said.

“I’m in good physical shape and I’m now at the club’s disposal,” Battaglia told reporters.

The 31-year-old is particularly looking forward to taking part in the Copa Libertadores -- South America’s top club competition -- which begins this week.

Atletico will make their debut in this year’s tournament with a home clash against Paraguay’s Libertad

NBA: Joel Embiid scores 52 as 76ers top Celtics

PHILADELPHIA, APR

5 (AGENCIES): Joel

Embiid scored 52 points on 20-of-25 shooting and added 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks to lead the host Philadelphia 76ers to a 103-101 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in a showdown between Eastern Conference contenders. It was Embiid’s fifth career 50-point game.

James Harden added 20 points and 10 assists for Philadelphia, which has won three of four and avoided a four-game sea-

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21).

son sweep in the head-tohead series.

Six Boston players scored double-digit points, led by Derrick White’s 26 on four 3-pointers. Jayson Tatum had 19 points, six assists and three steals.

P.J. Tucker (11 points) scored back-to-back 3-pointers during a 12-1 run that ultimately swayed the game in the Sixers’ favor. White sliced the deficit to 103-101 with two seconds left. After Williams drew an offensive foul on an inbounds play, Tatum’s tough 3-point

attempt from the corner at the buzzer clanked off the rim.

Devin Booker scored 27 points as Phoenix jumped to a big lead against visiting San Antonio on the way to securing a playoff spot with a sixth straight win.

Chris Paul added 22 points for the Suns, Deandre Ayton tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Kevin Durant scored 18 points.

Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 21 points and Tre Jones added 20.

on Thursday. “The Copa Libertadores was an important factor in my decision to come here,” the No. 6 said.

“I hope we can have a good campaign and make our fans happy.”

Battaglia has been capped twice for Argentina’s national team in a career that has also included spells at Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon and Spain’s Alaves.

The Wokha Humtso Elumyo Senior Youth Welfare Forum would like to immensely thank our honourable Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio and Shri. Chingwang Konyak, President NDPP Nagaland for the appointment of Dr. Chumben Murry as Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland with a Cabinet Status.

The Forum further expresses our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Chumben Murry on being appointed as Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland. It is our ardent prayer that God Almighty grant him good health and success in his future endeavours.

Office of the Wokha Humtso Elumyo Senior Youth Welfare Forum Wokha-797111, Nagaland FELICITATION WC-76/23

OFFICE OF THE KENSE

The Kense clan heartily congratulates Mrs. Hekhani Jakhalu Kense on being elected to the 14th NLA and also for being assigned as the Hon’ble Advisor of Industries & Commerce Department.

The clan also extends its deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. Neiphiu Rio, the NDPP President, Shri. Chingwang Konyak and the NDPP Secretary General, Shri. Abu Metha for allotting the much sought NDPP party ticket to Mrs. Hekani Jakhalu Kense for Dimapur-III Assembly Constituency. The clan also deeply thank the electorates of Dimapur III for reposing their faith in Mrs. Hekhani Jakhalu Kense and electing her to be their representative in the 14th NLA.

The Kense Clan is also highly grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. Neiphiu Rio for his judicious sagacity in allotting the post of Advisor Industries and Commerce to Mrs. Hekani Jakhalu Kense.

The clan prays to Almighty God to grant her good health and wisdom as she embarks on a journey in the service of Dimapur-III AC in particular, and the Naga society in general.

Ronaldo overshadowed by Al-Nassr team mate Talisca

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia joins Atletico Mineiro

Lucas Holer celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Bayern Munich.

US players celebrating victory over Jersey.

Aiden Markram

Rodrigo Battaglia Shubman Gill

IPL: Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 5-run

GUWAHATI, APR

(PTI): Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh smashed classy half-centuries before Nathan Ellis’ exploits with the ball guided Punjab Kings to a nervy five-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match, here on Wednesday.

Young Prabhsimran (60) and veteran skipper Dhawan (86 not out) pummelled the Rajasthan Royals attack to propel Punjab Kings to a challenging 197 for 4 after being asked to bat.

The Royals were then blown away by Ellis (4/30) before Shimron Hetmyer (35) and young ‘Impact Player’ Dhruv Jurel (32 not out off 15) stitched a 62-run partnership to get Rajasthan back in the game.

But IPL’s costliest overseas recruit Sam Curran, justified his top billing, by brilliantly defending 15 in the last over to restrict the Royals to 192 for 7.

Pacer Arshdeep Singh provided the early breakthrough as accounted fro both openers. The Royals sent Ravichandran Ashwin to open in place of Jos Buttler, who had walked off the field grimacing after taking Shahrukh Khan’s catch earlier on.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was

5

seamer by Ellis.

Ellis then sent back local favourite Riyan Parag (20 off 12) who played a quick cameo and Devdutt Padikal (21) packing before Hetmyer and Jurel hit a flurry of sixes and fours to bring the equation down to 15 off the last over.

Earlier, Prabhsimran, who hit seven fours and three sixes, mercilessly punished the Rajasthan bowlers during the first 10 overs to bring up his IPL maiden fifty off 28 balls as Punjab was off to a rollicking start. He and Dhawan added 90 runs for the opening stand off just 61 balls.

On the other hand, Dhawan, switched gears effortlessly as he was 30 off 30 balls at one stage playing second fiddle to Prabhsimran. Once his opening partner was dismissed, Dhawan upped the ante as he scored 56 off next 26 balls that he faced.

first to go as he sent the ball straight the fielder. The Ashwin experiment also failed as the senior spinner perished for a duck.

Coming at No. 3 Buttler, hit an 11-ball-19. He was dropped in the third over but couldn’t much as he became Ellis’ first victim of the night.

Skipper Sanju Samson (42 off 25) looked in good

nick as he timed the ball well. He smacked Harpreet Brar for back-to-back boundaries before greeting Ellis with twin fours.

Rajasthan were 89 for 3 at the halfway mark. But the Punjab bowlers managed to dry out the boundaries and with the required run rate increasing Samson succumbed under the pressure and mistimed a a cross

Orleans Masters: Saina, Sameer and Aakarshi ousted; Tanya, Mithun advance

down 8-21, 21-13, 8-21 in a first-round match while Tasnim Mir went down to Germany’s Yvonne Li in three games 22-20, 13-21, 5-21 in a 44-minute clash.

In men’s singles, Mithun Manjunath moved into the second round getting the better of Victor Svendsen of Denmark 24-22, 25-23 in a hard-fought encounter. In another match, India’s Sameer Verma went down to Nhat Nguyen in three games, losing 21-19, 19-21, 17-21 in nearly one and a half hours.

ORLEANS (FRANCE),

APR 5 (IANS): India’s London Olympics bronze

medallist Saina Nehwal suffered another setback in her return in her comeback trial as she went down to Neslihan Yigit of Turkey in the women’s singles first round of Orleans Masters Badminton 2023 here on Wednesday.

Saina, who has slumped to early defeats and missed some events in the last season, went down 16-21, 14-21 in the opening round of the main draw at the Palais Des Sports in Orleans.

It was a mixed day for India in the USD 240,000 prize money BWF World Tour Super 300 event as Tanya Hemanth in women’s singles and Mithun Manjunath in men’s singles reached the second round, while Tasnim Mir, Aakarshi Kashyap (women’s singles) and Sameer Verma lost in the first round while Priyanshu Rajawat lost to compatriot Kiran George 21-18, 21-13.

In women’s singles, Tanya Hemanth defeated Huet LeOnice of France 21-17, 21-18 in 40 minutes but Aakarshi Kashyap went

Saina was India’s best hope in the event but could not get her rhythm in the match as Neslihan Yigit took control from the start.

The player from Turkey opened a 5-0 lead and then extended it to 11-4 in game one. Saina fought back to bring down the gap to 10-12. Scores went neck and neck before Neslihan went on to win the game 21-16.

In the second game too, the Turkish player went ahead 4-0 and though Saina reduced the margin to 4-6, Neslihan won the next six points to go up 10-4 as she maintained her upper hand till the end and won the game 21-14.

The Punjab Kings skipper was dropped on 50 and made most of his reprieve as he played the role of sheet anchor, ensuring his team had enough runs on the board with dew setting in. His inning was studded with nine fours and three maximums that came in the second half.

Prabhsimran started

by smacking Trent Boult for lacerating drive in the first over, making his intentions clear. He followed that up by slapping a six over backward square off KM Asif in the second over. Dhawan joined the party briefly with back-to-back fours in the next over.

But the young opener was brutal on Asif, whom he hammered for three fours and a six in the fourth over. He also didn’t spare Boult and Ashwin.

The 22-year-old first smacked a length ball over mid-off before cutting one behind point for a second boundary. He followed that up with a short-arm pull over the midwicket region for a maximum.

The introduction of spin didn’t bother Prabhsimran either as he continued his boundary hitting spree, hitting Ashwin to two consecutive fours as Punjab raced to 63/0 in the Powerplay. With a half-century in his kitty, Prabhsimran welcomed back Boult for his second spell with a flatbatted six down the ground. His fabulous innings came to an end, courtesy Jason Holder and Buttler, who took a sensational catch, diving forward from long on.

Chelsea, Liverpool draw a blank, while Brighton, Aston Villa and Leeds all win

LONDON, APR 5 (IANS): Chelsea’s first game since Graham Potter’s sacking on Sunday failed to see any magic solution to the club’s problems as they drew 0-0 at home to Liverpool.

Interim coach Bruno Saltor saw his side miss several good chances, while Reece James and Kai Havertz both had goals disallowed in a result that leaves Liverpool eighth in the table and Chelsea 11th, with both struggling to qualify for Europe next season.

On Tuesday night, Brighton gave their chances of European football a big boost with a 2-0 win away to relegation threatened Bournemouth. Young striker Ewan Ferguson put the visitors ahead after 27 minutes and after withstanding pressure from the home side, Julio Encio scored Brighton’s second in injury time, a Xinhua report said.

Aston Villa made it three wins from three games to climb above Liverpool thanks to a 2-1 win away to managerless Leicester City. Leicester sacked Brendan Rodgers on Sunday, but fell behind on 24 min-

utes when Ollie Watkins scored his eighth goal in 10 games and although Harvey Barnes equalized before halftime, Leicester were reduced to 10 men when Kiernan DewsburyHall was sent off after seeing his second yellow card. Leicester had been on top in the second half, but lost control of the game

and Bertrand Traore won the game for Villa with a smart chip, shortly after getting into the game. Leeds United climbed out of the bottom three with a 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest thanks to goals scored by Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra after Orel Mangala had given Forest an early lead.

Aleksander Ceferin re-elected UEFA president unopposed

LISBON, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Aleksander Ceferin was re-elected as UEFA president unopposed during the Ordinary Congress of European soccer’s governing body in Lisbon on Wednesday.

The Slovenian has been re-elected for a fouryear term until 2027.

Ceferin was elected UEFA’s seventh president in 2016 to replace Michel Platini, who was banned from soccer administration in 2015 for ethics violations and forced to quit UEFA in 2016 after losing his appeal

against his ban.

The 55-year-old faced his biggest challenge in April 2021 when some of Europe’s top clubs attempted to form a European Super League.

The competition was a direct threat to UEFA’s continental club competition, the Champions League, and Ceferin called on fans, soccer federations and governments to oppose the “disgraceful, selfserving proposal”. In his address ahead of his re-election, Ceferin said, “European football is

Charleston Open: Paula Badosa advances past Sherif in first round

CHARLESTON (USA),

APR 5 (IANS): Paula Badosa, the No.12 seed delivered one of her cleanest performances of the year to defeat Mayar Sherif 6-3, 6-1 in the first round of the Charleston Open, here.

The Charleston Open has historically been a happy hunting ground for Badosa. The Spaniard was a semifinalist in 2021, scoring her first win over a reigning World No.1 along the way with an upset of Ashleigh Barty, and a quarterfinalist in 2022.

“It’s impossible to for-

get. I was No.70 in the world, and this is where it all started,” Badosa said.

This year, Badosa arrives in Charleston seeking to arrest a slide down the rankings. Just under a year ago, she hit a career high of No.2; this week, she has fallen to No.29. But she was able to navigate the danger of Sherif’s shotmaking with a consistent display. “I had a lot of days from Miami to here to practice,” Badosa said wryly, referencing her third-round exit to Elena Rybakina in Florida.

already global. And while we are reaping the benefits, we are also paying the price”.

“There have been

temptations, and even attempts, to create new models, but they conflict with the European model that we know so well and cherish so dearly”.

“Our model is based on sporting merit. Where we come from, merit doesn’t have a price. Merit can’t be claimed. It can’t be acquired. It can only be earned. Season by season. On and off the pitch. There’s no room for cartels on this continent.”

Ceferin also highlighted the need to clamp down on the abuse of players.

“Football is an inclusive sport, open to everyone,” he said. “Unfortunately, some people have still not grasped this concept, which is why we’re going to have to rethink our approach”.

“We need to target offenders more effectively when a player is subjected to racist, homophobic or sexist insults during UEFA competitions. We’re here to protect the players.” Ceferin, a lawyer, was first re-elected unopposed for a four-year term in 2019.

Former India cricketer and Mumbai great Sudhir Naik passes, aged 78

MUMBAI, APR 5 (IANS): Former Mumbai great and India cricketer Sudhir Naik passed away at a City hospital here on Wednesday evening due to complications arising from a fall he suffered a few days back at his residence. He was 78. Naik was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Hinduja Hospital here after suffering a fall at his home on March 24. He has been in the hospital since then.

A courageous right-

hand opening batsman, Sudhir Naik played three Tests and two One-Day Internationals for India in

1974. But he served Mumbai cricket for a longer period, leading a depleted side to an unexpected Ranji Trophy title in 1970-71. After retirement, Naik became quite a successful coach at his own National Cricket Club, shaping the careers of players like Zaheer Khan, Wasim Jaffer, Rajesh Pawar and Paras Mhambrey. For many years, Naik was the chief curator of the Wankhede Stadium and also had stints as a member of the MCA managing committee.

OsasunabookCopadelReyfinalplacefor2ndtimeinhistory NZ thrash Sri Lanka in 2nd T20 to level series

in the return leg of a semifinal between the local rivals and Athletic midfielder Mikel Vesga was the first player booked after a challenge from behind. Oihan Sancet, looking to celebrate his new contract with Athletic, got into good positions on the edge of the Osasuna area on a couple of occasions, but nobody was able to get onto his pull backs.

LONDON, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Adam Milne’s five-wicket haul and Tim Seifert’s unbeaten 79 set up New Zealand’s nine-wicket victory in the second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, with the match also earning female umpire Kim Cotton a place in history.

Osasuna team members celebrating after winning against Athletic Bilbao.

BILBAO (SPAIN), APR 5

(IANS): Osasuna booked a place in the Copa del Rey final on Tuesday night after Pablo Ibanez’s goal in the 115th minute gave them a 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao and a 2-1 aggregate

win, here. Ibanez placed a volley into the corner of the net to put his side through after Osasuna were kept in the tie by a string of fine saves from keeper Sergio Herrera.

Herrera made five or six vital saves as Athletic attacked, but once again paid for their inability to find the net.

The home side started looking to get quickly back on level terms in the tie,

with Gorka Guruzeta seeing his effort well smothered by Osasuna keeper Sergio Herrera in the seventh minute, a Xinhua report said.

The game was as intense as you would expect

Nico Williams fired wide as Athletic continued to press and Herrera did well to parry Oscar de Marcos’ diving header after a good cross from the young winger. The save was to no avail, however, as Athletic leveled the tie from the resulting corner as Vesga got a flick and Inaki Williams scored from close range.

At the other end, Kike Garcia had a good chance to level for Osasuna, but Julen Agirrezabala blocked his shot and Yuri cleared as Ruben Garcia hurled himself at the loose ball.

Seifert smashed six sixes in his 43-ball blitz as New Zealand romped home with 5.2 overs to spare to level the three-match series and gain a psychological edge ahead of Saturday’s decider in Queenstown.

Auckland-born Cotton became the first female umpire to stand in a men’s international match between two International Cricket Council full-member countries. Earlier, Milne claimed a career-best 5-26 to help bowl out Sri Lanka for 141 in 19 overs, which proved below-par at Dunedin’s University Oval, which has relatively short boundaries.

Sri Lanka lost their openers cheaply and after Kusal Perera (35), Dhananjaya de Silva (37) and Charith Asalanka (24) shored them up the wheels came off their innings in the second half.

Sri Lanka, who had won the opening match on Sunday via Super Over, lost their last eight wickets for 50 runs with Milne claiming three in the final over.

New Zealand’s chase got off to a blazing start with Chad Bowes (31) hitting Dilshan Madushanka for four boundaries in the second over, including three in a row, throwing the seamer out of the attack.

Seifert ensured there was no respite for the tourists even after Bowes fell as he tore into the Sri Lankan attack, sealing New Zealand’s victory with back-toback sixes.

Mithun Manjunath

Aleksander Ceferin

Sudhir Naik

Tanya Hemanth

Match in action between Chelsea and Liverpool.

New Zealand players react during T20 match.

Punjab Kings batters Prabhsimran Singh and Shikhar Dhawan during the IPL match in Guwahati. (PTI)