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LOST IN ADMIRATION BIRD FLU UK ROLLS OUT ASTRAZENECA Actor Ananya Panday says top star Around 1,800 migratory birds, most of them The UK begins rolling out Oxford University vaccine Deepika Padukone is one of the nicest bar-headed geese, found dead in a developed by AstraZeneca as protection against Covid-19 people she has ever met LEISURE | P2 lake in Himachal TWO STATES | P7 INTERNATIONAL | P10

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 274 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 | 2021 12 PAGES | `4.00

IRREGULAR by MANJUL SIT seeks to do narco-analysis Round 7 ends in draw of Pari accused Talks between farmer unions and the Centre remain POST NEWS NETWORK Nayagarh, Jan 4: The Special inconclusive as govt refuses to repeal new farm laws Investigation Team (SIT) of the state Crime Branch Monday has AGENCIES sought permission from the POCSO court here to conduct a New Delhi, Jan 4: The seventh round narco-analysis test of Pari murder of talks between protesting unions and accused. Now that vaccine is here, I will soon be three central ministers ended incon- The matter came to the fore Vaccine in state able to borrow your sugar, milk, clusively Monday as farmer groups after the SIT probing into the sen- newspaper, vegetables... stuck to their demand for the repeal of sational case of sexual assault three farm laws, while the government and murder of 5-year-old girl Pari listed out various benefits of the new Acts of Jadupur village in Nayagarh dis- by January 30 SHORT TAKES for the growth of the country's agri- trict filed a petition in this regard culture sector. in the POCSO court here, Monday. POST NEWS NETWORK two Covid-19 vaccines— Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh The hearing of the petition will Covishield and Covaxin. Muralidhar takes Tomar said he remains hopeful of a so- be held Tuesday. The SIT has ar- Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: With cent effective, Mohanty said. lution in the next meeting January 8, but rested a college youth, Saroj Sethi, the approval of Covishield So far as Covaxin is con- oath as CJ of HC asserted that efforts need to be made from of the same village in the case on and Covaxin, the much- cerned, its third level clin- both sides for a solution to be reached charge of sexually assaulting the awaited Covid-19 vaccines ical trial is underway. The Bhubaneswar: Justice S (taali dono haathon se bajti hai). girl and strangling her to death. are likely to reach state by preliminary report by ex- Muralidhar Monday took oath as He also said no outcome could be Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait along with farmer leaders Sethi is also accused of trying January 30, Health and perts claims that its quality Chief Justice of the Orissa High leaves Vigyan Bhawan after the seventh round of talks between the farmer reached in Monday's meeting as farmer to have sexual intercourse with the Family Welfare Minister is 90-95 per cent effective, Court. Governor Ganeshi Lal leaders and the Centre in New Delhi ended in a deadlock, Monday PTI PHOTO administered the oath to leaders remained adamant on one issue corpse. Later, Sethi allegedly packed Naba Das said Monday. he said, adding, the Centre of repeal of the laws, but the government various Delhi borders for over a month the body in a gunny sack and “Discussion is going on has taken a decision to use Muralidhar at Abhishek Hall of Farmer leaders insist on a complete wanted a clause-wise discussion on the against the three laws. They have stayed dumped it in a bush near a pond between the Centre and the Covishield in the first phase Raj Bhavan here. After obtaining rollback of the three farm laws permission of Governor, the legislations to take forward the talks. put despite heavy rains and waterlogging located at the backyard of the de- state government. As soon of vaccination. Chief Secretary read out the Farmer leaders, however, alleged that The government wants a clause-wise at protest sites over last couple of days, ceased’s home July 14 last year, as guidelines for this pur- “The Serum Institute has warrant of appointment of the it was the government's "ego problem" discussion on the legislations besides severe cold weather conditions police had said. pose are issued, we will start stocked nearly 5 million judge as the Chief Justice of the that was coming in the way of resolv- in and around Delhi. Kavitha Kurungati the process for vaccination,” doses of such vaccine. But, High Court issued under the seal ing the issues and they insisted they Next meeting between farmers and of Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch, said, Das said. Asked when the our state can’t avail it di- and signature of the President of would not relent on their key demands the Centre will happen January 8 "The standoff continued as the gov- vaccines will reach Odisha, rectly. It will reach here India. Thereafter, the Governor for the repeal of the three laws and a legal ernment is talking about benefits of the minister replied, “I through the Centre. It all administered the oath to the guarantee for the MSP (minimum sup- The two sides got together again to re- the laws and we are asking for the repeal strongly believe it is likely depends on the share our justice. Among others, law port price) system for procurement of sume their discussions at around 5.15 pm, of those laws." "The government said they to reach by January 30.” state would get in future. minister Pratap Jena, leader of their crops. From the very beginning of but no headway could be made as the will consult further and get back to us," As per protocols, Covid We have already completed opposition PK Naik, judges of the meeting, union leaders kept on in- talks remained focussed on the farmers' she said. warriors including front- the dry run for which we High Court, registrar general of sisting on the repeal of the three con- demand for the repeal of the Acts. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) line health workers in- can begin the vaccination High Court, senior officers and tentious farm laws and the two sides took Farmer leaders said the government President Balbir Singh Rajewal said cluding doctors will get the programme here even at a dignitaries were present at the a long break after just about one hour said it needs to consult internally and farmers will not agree to anything less Meanwhile, the lawyer repre- first dose of the vaccine. In short notice,” he claimed. occasion. P3 of discussions. During the break, rep- thereafter it would come back to the than the repeal of three farms laws. senting the accused has prayed be- the second phase, elderly In July last year, CM resentatives of protesting farmers had unions. The union leaders will also have "We will discuss only the MSP issue fore the court to treat the latter as persons will be adminis- Naveen Patnaik had talked their own food, arranged from langar their own meeting on Tuesday to de- and the repeal of laws. It is the ego prob- juvenile by submitting the birth cer- tered the vaccine, he said. to Serum Institute’s CEO Sensex soars past (community kitchen), as they have been cide their next course of action. lem of the government that is coming tificate and claiming that he was Meanwhile, Director of who had assured him that doing for the last few times. In Monday's talks, another key de- in way of resolving issues," he said. a minor on the day of the incident. Medical Education and vaccine would be provided 48,000-mark However, unlike the last round of mand of farmers for a legal guarantee Talking to reporters after the meet- Chandrabijayee Mishra, the Training (DMET) CBK to Odisha on priority basis. talks on December 30, the ministers did to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) ing, Tomar said the farmer leaders lawyer for Sethi said, he has not Mohanty said the state gov- Senior officials said the state Mumbai: The Indian equity not join the union leaders for the langar procurement system barely came up should flag specific issues in the three received any copy on the narco- ernment is fully prepared to government has targeted to indices hit fresh highs Monday food and were seen having their own dis- for discussion. Thousands of farmers, laws on which they have problems. He analysis test. He has appealed to start the vaccination pro- vaccinate 3.20 lakh benefi- with the BSE Sensex touching the 48,000-mark for the first cussion separately during the break, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and west- maintained that the talks took place in the court to allow conduct of the gramme even at a short notice. ciaries, mostly healthcare time. It has touched an all-time which lasted for almost two hours. ern Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at a cordial atmosphere. hearing in a juvenile court. The Centre has approved workers in the first phase. high of 48,168.22 points. Similarly, the Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange UK judge refuses touched a high of 14,114.15 Vax to cost $3-4 to govt; NEW DAWN points. Hopes on the vaccine front, along with improved auto to extradite sales and GST collection data $6-8 in pvt mkt: Serum supported the market Assange to US sentiments Monday. Around AGENCIES ‘No export licence yet’ 10:10 am, Sensex was trading AGENCIES at 48,096.55, higher by 227.57 New Delhi, Jan 4: Coronavirus vac- NEW DELHI: The Serum Institute of points or 0.48% from its cine developed by AstraZeneca and India Monday clarified that the compa- London, Jan 4: A British judge previous close of 47,868.98. the University of Oxford will cost ny was yet to receive the permission has rejected the United States' re- USD 3-4 per shot (Rs 219-292) to the from the authorities here to export its quest to extradite WikiLeaks government and will be priced at Covid-19 vaccine to other nations, a founder Julian Assange to face Fresh Covid cases double that rate in private market company official said. The clarification espionage charges, saying it would once such sales open up, said the has come after it was reported that be “oppressive” because of his in state below 200 CEO of its Indian manufacturer India has barred the company from mental health. Monday. exporting its vaccine for several District Judge Vanessa Baraitser Bhubaneswar: Odisha's COVID- Serum Institute of India, the months. However, sources said the per- said Monday Assange was likely 19 tally Monday mounted to world's largest vaccine manufac- mission has not yet been granted for to commit suicide if sent to the US. 3,30,492 after 183 more people exporting the vaccine. turer, has a licence to produce the The US government said it would tested positive for the infection, while two more shot and has already manufactured and accessible to all. The govern- appeal the decision. fatalities pushed the death toll close to 50 million doses. Its CEO ment of India will receive it at a far US prosecutors have indicted to 1,885, a health department Adar Poonawalla said that the com- more affordable price of USD 3-4, Assange on 17 espionage charges official said. Of the new cases, pany will start selling Covishield since they will be buying in a larger and one charge of computer mis- 106 were reported from to the Indian government and GAVI volume," he said. use over WikiLeaks publication of different quarantine centres, countries in the first stage, fol- Serum will have 100 million doses leaked military and diplomatic while the remaining 77 are lowed by the private market. in a month, and will possibly dou- documents a decade ago. The local contact cases. Indian drug regulator Sunday ble it by April. The government charges carry a maximum sen- Sundargarh district recorded approved Covishield and Bharat has indicated that it may need 300 tence of 175 years in prison. the highest of 32 new cases Biotech's Covaxin for restricted million doses before July 2021, with Lawyers for the 49-year-old followed by Angul (24) and emergency use in the country. "We frontline health workers and the eld- Students attend morning prayers on the first day of school in Agartala, Monday. Schools in Tripura reopened for Australian argue that he was act- Khurda (14) districts. P4 want the vaccine to be affordable erly given priority. students from Class 5 to Class 8 Monday after remaining closed for months amid the Covid-19 pandemic. PTI PHOTO ing as a journalist and is entitled to

MARKET WATCH Jack Ma ‘disappears’ after conflict with Chinese govt INDEX VARIATION AGENCIES According to a report in Commission, and State TechCrunch, the People's Bank of Administration of Foreign SENSEX 48176.80 307.82 Beijing/New Delhi, Jan 4: Tech China, the country's central bank, Exchange will "interview Ant Group billionaire and Alibaba founder "summoned Ant Group for regula- in the near future". BOURSES NIFTY 14132.90 114.40 Jack Ma has "disappeared" from tory talks December 26th, an- The State Administration for First Amendment protections of DOLLAR 73.40 `0.10 public life and has not been spotted nouncing a sweeping plan for the fin- Market Regulation started inves- freedom of speech for publishing for at least two months amid the con- tech firm to 'rectify' its regulatory tigation into alleged anti-competi- leaked documents that exposed US EURO 89.96 `0.23

CURRENCY flict with the Chinese regulators. violations". tion practices by ecommerce giant military wrongdoing in Iraq and GOLD `51,126 `882 The Financial Times reported The banking authority laid out Alibaba, as Beijing tightened con- Afghanistan. The judge rejected that Ma was recently replaced as a a five-point compliance agenda for trol of an expanding Internet. claims by the defence that Assange SILVER `70,173 `2050 judge in the final of TV show 'Africa's Ant Group. The agenda is that Ant In a brief note, the State was protected by free-speech guar- BULLION Business Heroes'. Group should return to its roots in Administration for Market antees, saying his “conduct, if proved, "His photograph was removed payments and bring more trans- Regulation said that it is investi- would therefore amount to offenses from the judging webpage, and he parency to transactions. gating Alibaba over its "choosing one in this jurisdiction that would not be

WEATHER was conspicuously left out of a pro- Ant Group said it has established from two" policy. protected by his right to freedom of y BHUB CTK motional video," the report claimed. Group was suspended. He has not earlier this year (2020)". an internal "rectification work- As part of this policy, merchants speech.” But she said Assange suf-

The final took place in November, been seen in public since," the re- Last month, as China's top mar- force" to work on all the regulatory are forced to sell exclusively on fered from clinical depression that

k y m c MAX 30.8° 30.2° shortly after Ma "made a candid port further said. ket watchdog began investigation requirements. Alibaba e-commerce platforms and would be exacerbated by the isolation speech criticising China's regulators A spokesperson for Alibaba was into alleged anti-competition prac- Xinhua news agency had first skip rivals like JD.com. Alibaba he would likely face in US prison. The TEMP MIN 12.9° 11.8° Forecast and its state-owned banks". quoted as saying that "due to a tices by the e-commerce giant reported that The People's Bank of Group said in a statement that they judge said Assange had the “intellect Humidity 77% 84% Fog/mist "Ma was dressed down by officials schedule conflict Mr Ma could no Alibaba, the country also laid out China, China Banking and have received notification from the and determination” to circumvent in the Rainfall Nil Nil morning in Beijing and the $37 billion initial longer be part of the finale judge "rectification plan" for Ma's fintech Insurance Regulatory Commission, State Administration for Market any suicide prevention measures public offering of his company Ant panel of Africa's Business Heroes venture Ant Group. China Securities Regulatory Regulation. MORE P11 the authorities could take. P2 BOND GIRL TANYA ROBERTS RUSSELL BRAND’S WIFE FINDS TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR PASSES AWAY AT 65 HIS ENERGY LEVELS EXHAUSTING Actress Tanya Roberts, best known for playing the Bond Laura Brand, wife of comedian Russell Brand, says she girl in A View To A Kill, is no more. She was 65. The sometimes feels she has three children instead of two actress collapsed while walking her dogs December 24, thanks to the energy levels of her husband. Russell, who

and was admitted to a hospital where she died Sunday, has previously battled addictions to drugs, alcohol and y

leisure her friend and representative Mike Pingel said. sex, has two children with Laura -- Mabel and Peggy.

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FORTUNE FORECAST Rajit elated to share screen with Neena ‘Deepika is for third time ARIES Mumbai: Actor Rajit Kapur is elated to share the biggest Some decisions are hard screen space with Neena Gupta again. The two to take, but a firm resolve will help you stay senior artistes come together for the third committed. Sentimentality may shake time in Goldfish, a film by Pushan Kriplani. your purpose, but once decided, you The two actors, who are known for their dis- must stick to it. Also, learn to take tinctive style of acting and powerful per- sweetheart’ heartbreak in your stride, says Ganesha. formances, worked together for the first time in Rajit’s first feature film, Shyam Benegal’s New Delhi: Budding actress Ananya Suraj Ka Saatvan Ghoda, in 1992. They came Panday finds working with top star TAURUS together after 23 years in 2015 film The Deepika Padukone anything but in- Threshold. timidating. She calls Deepika the biggest Definitely not a day when “The trust between Neena and I still re- sweetheart. you plan to get your feet mains. After so long, the need to create some- Ananya is surrently working with dirty (maybe a pedicure, though). You might delay the start of a thing together again was strong. The jour- Deepika in Shakun Batra’s untitled next new project. Perhaps, a romantic escape ney of The Threshold brought us closer even film that also features Siddhant with your sweetheart or a day in the spa though we may not speak to each for months Chaturvedi. grooming yourself with a lavish makeover together. We always pick up from where we had Asked if it’s intimidating to work will validate your lethargy today. left, hoping to ignite each other with a star, Ananya said: “Not on-screen again in Goldfish,” at all. She (Deepika) is the said Rajit. IANS biggest sweetheart. As beau- GEMINI tiful as she is on the out- side, she is as beauti- Today, it's time to meet ful on the inside. She those who are close to you, and maybe even is one of the nicest those who were close to you at some point and warmest peo- of time. Also, it's time to revive old friend- ple ever. She is ships, old memories and sink into nostal- literally like my gia. You may want to buy a valuable his- sister. We have toric artefact, says Ganesha. Mumbai: Actress Sunny sons when you have @be- a really good Leone recently met Salman ingsalmankhan... Can’t sing at all but relationship.” Khan on the set of a reality I do believe in living life to the fullest and “She has CANCER show, and says it was an awk- enjoy every min of it. An awkward mo- done a really It is about time that you ward yet fun expe- ment that turned into so much fun. But good job in cultivated healthy eat- rience. Sunny Bigg Boss home is all about fun! Thanks making all ing habits. Today, you took to Salman and Bigg Boss,” she wrote with of us feel will be prone to doing everything in excess. You may overeat or Instagram to the clip she shared Monday. comfortable get swept away by emotions. You must share the mo- Sunny entered the Bigg Boss house on set. There keep a check on your emotions, or it ment when in the avatar of a doctor, and gave a dose are no intim- may lead to unwanted complications. she tried to of reality to the contestants. idating vibes. sing, when On the work front, she has started We did work- she joined shooting for Vikram Bhatt’s shops together, him on the Anamika, billed as a ‘Gun-Fu’ too. She is a very LEO Bigg Boss 14 action series with 10 episodes. caring person,” The desire and passion stage. Sunny will be seen in an ac- she added. IANS for learning is a life- “Who tion avatar in the show. long quest, says Ganesha. It may be that needs IANS you love to learn, but dissipating the singing les- Ananya Panday knowledge you have acquired is equally important. 3rd convocation of Birla Global University VIRGO Bhubaneswar: Birla Global University (BGU), Management, Prof. Samson Moharana, Dean, Money matters will hit Bhubaneswar organised its third Annual Birla School of Commerce presented the list a major snag today, says Ganesha. Let Convocation for the MBA, BBA, MAJMC, of graduating students and toppers of differ- your mind overrule BAJMC, M.Com, B.Com and MA Economics ent schools for award of degrees. The convo- your heart. Take extreme care of per- students December 30, 2020. Held on virtual mode cation ceremony was conducted by BK Das, sonal belongings, legal responsibili- due to the COVID 19 restrictions, the event Registrar, Birla Global University. ties and new ventures with long-term was presided over by Prof. Harivansh Chaturvedi, The Controller of Examinations Bimal effects in mind. Member, Board of Governors, BGU and Director, Chandra Mishra and Archana Choudhary, BIMTECH, Greater Noida. Coordinator, MBA programme conducted the He spoke about a new world which has brought proceedings. LIBRA in plenty of challenges before the people. Prof Governors, Vikash Kandoi asked the students Batch toppers Srusti Patra (MBA), Sudesna Nothing comes for free Charuvedi also advised the students to be op- to turn the torch bearers of the country's long Das Patanaik (MAJMC), SahistaTasnim, — keep this in mind as timistic about their future as the next two legacy of values with excellence and trans- (M.Com), Sunil Swarup (Economics), you may have to pay decades will be witnessing a robust growth in form the world to a better place using their skills. Mohammed Javaid (BBA), Anwesha Nandi your dues for the suc- all the sectors. He complemented the efforts of BGU’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. PP Mathur wel- (BAJMC), Sanchita Das (B.COM) were pre- cess you desire today, especially if it is a faculties, staff and the students for success- comed the dignitaries, students and parents and sented gold medals while Mohammed Javaid new project that you have undertaken. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount fully organising the convocation on a virtual mode. presented the annual report of the varsity.. of BBA programme was selected as the best grad- of time and effort in your endeavours. BGU’s another member of Board of Prof. P. Nayak, Dean, Birla School of uate of the year. PNN

SCORPIO You may expect the day to be as dull and mundane SUDOKU as those boring repeat PEANUTS post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, telecasts of sitcoms. But CROSSWORD column and box must contain the numbers remember, it's not always going to be grey! 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. The dance of planets will usher in new change for a better tomorrow. Keep hoping and who knows you may stumble upon something very interesting, says Ganesha.

SAGITTARIUS The rewards of hard labour will be sweet, so start off by unwinding with some fun today. Ganesha sees quality time being spent with friends and family. All in all, a fun day.

CAPRICORN CALVIN AND HOBBES Patience is tested when one is in trouble; your patience could be tried today. The trick is in keeping your composure, says Ganesha. Avoid getting into an argument or scuf- fle with those around you, as luck may SOLUTIONS not be on your side.

AQUARIUS Things have become stagnant but it fails to frustrate your spirit. Slow and steady wins the race and it seems you have imbibed it very well. You will be able to seize opportunities com- ing your way and march ahead on your BREVITY path. Financially, you will be on a stable CROSSWORD ground, says Ganesha.

PISCES y The focus today will be on

self-improvement. You

k y m c may find yourself attend- ing seminars or work- shops. Self-employed people are likely to find lucrative deals landing in their laps in the afternoon. Quality time with your family

in the evening will give you a sense of bal- CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU ance and of belonging, says Ganesha. IN MEMORIAM COVID-19 TRACKER P3 INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR Dignitaries inaugurate a booklet at the Rajkishore World 8,56,14,877 6,05,71,308 18,53,282 Nayak Memorial Lecture organised at Odissi India 1,03,41,291 99,46,131 1,49,686 Research Centre in downtown Odisha 3,30,492 3,26,507 1,885

Bhubaneswar, Monday

k y m c BJP demands minister’s arrest BSCL starts survey for GIS-based master plan POST NEWS NETWORK been zeroed in on for playgrounds. SMART CITY INITIATIVE The proposed survey is being Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Aiming to The proposed area for survey of 26 loca- conducted under City Investments expedite the proposed GIS-based tions is divided into four categories – to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain over Salipur double murder master plan for the Capital city, the waterfront promenade, restoring blue (CITIIS) programme which is aimed Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited ways (water trail), parks and open areas at improving sustainable mobility, BJD SAYS IT HAS NEVER TOLERATED ANY KIND OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE (BSCL) has initiated the survey for & playgrounds increase the amount of public open about 26 locations here to obtain While BDA City Centre at NICCO Park has spaces among others. POST NEWS NETWORK field-level data. been proposed for the waterfront prome- As the base maps of the city will The state has witnessed The Geographic Information nade, land near Naveen Niwas has been be prepared with a very high res- Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: The at least 17 political murders System (GIS)-based planned for developing water trail olution satellite (VHRS) images Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party Master/Development Plan, which and the GIS technology, the RFP involving BJP leaders since the Eight locations have been fixed for prospect development of (BJP) Monday took out a rally here previous panchayat elections in is a sub-scheme under the Union gov- stated that mapping is to be done in demanding immediate arrest and ernment’s Atal Mission for parks while 16 have been zeroed in on for playgrounds scale 1:500 and 1:1000. 2012. Odisha is going on the Bengal dismissal of Law Minister Pratap Rejuvenation and Urban tion survey of the selected sites, egories – waterfront promenade, Moreover, the projects under Jena, one of the accused in the way so far political violence is Transformation (AMRUT), is aimed data collection and demarcation of restoring blue ways (water trail), AMRUT scheme for about 500 cities twin murders of BJP leader concerned at town planning using satellite roads and final plots pertaining to parks and open areas & playgrounds. are being funded by the Centre in- Kulamani Baral and his associate APARAJITA SARANGI | BJP LEADER data. Thus, the BSCL under the land records along with authenti- While BDA City Centre at NICCO volving an outlay of Rs 515 crore. Dibyasingha Baral. aegis of Bhubaneswar Development cation of the same. The total area cov- Park has been proposed for the wa- Out of 500 cities, nine development Jena and 12 others have been Investigation will reveal the Authority (BDA) has invited tenders ered under this is about 107.4 acres. terfront promenade, land near authorities of Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, booked under various sections of the truth. It will be my personal for conducting a total station sur- The information collected from the Naveen Niwas has been planned Puri, Berhampur, Sambalpur, IPC, including 302 (murder), based endeavour to ensure that the vey for the proposed locations. survey will be reflected in GIS plat- for developing water trail. Rourkela, Paradip, Talcher and on a complaint lodged by the de- culprits are arrested and “We have proposed a request for form,” said a BSCL official. Meanwhile, eight locations have Kalinga Nagar are selected from the ceased BJP leader's son Ramakanta. punished proposal (RFP) for selection of re- The proposed area for survey of been fixed for prospect develop- state which would be developed under The Law minister, however, al- puted agencies to undertake total sta- 26 locations is divided into four cat- ment of parks while 16 places have State Urban Development Agency. PRATAP JENA | LAW MINISTER leged that the saffron party was “politicising the case and dragging his name into the matter for no name finds a mention in the FIR as pointing fingers at ruling party reason”. well. Is Odisha going the Bengal leaders for every crime recorded in CREATIVE STROKES Saffron party activists burned way?” Patra tweeted. the state. effigies of the minister here, and Echoing him, Bhubaneswar MP “The investigation will reveal vowed to intensify their agitation and BJP leader Aparajita Sarangi the truth. It will be my personal if no action was taken against the said, “The state has witnessed at endeavour to ensure that the culprits minister anytime soon. least 17 political murders involving are arrested and punished,” he Kulamani Baral, the BJP's Salipur BJP leaders since the previous pan- added. Reacting to Patra’s com- district in-charge and Mahanga chayat elections in 2012. Odisha is ment, BJD spokesperson Chinmay block ex-chairman, and Dibyasingh going on the Bengal way so far po- Sahoo said, the state government Baral were hacked to death on litical violence is concerned.” has adopted zero tolerance approach Saturday allegedly by Jena's sup- BJP's state general secretary to political violence. porters. Prithiviraj Harichandan said that Parties which are in power in Four days prior to the incident, the party would hold protest rallies other states with more political vi- Ramakanta had alleged his father across the state if Chief Minister olence shouldn't criticise Odisha told him that Jena, who is also the Naveen Patnaik, who is also in- government, he stated. local MLA, threatened to kill the duo. charge of the Home department, “As per NCRB’s 'Crime in India “The minister is completely re- does not take measures to get the 2019' report, Odisha didn't report a sponsible for the murder of my fa- culprits arrested. single political murder in 2019. ther. The miscreants killed my fa- “We will not allow any minister West Bengal reported 12 political ther on the local MLA's direction including the Chief Minister to at- murders followed by 6 in Bihar and as he had raised his voice against tend any function across the state Jharkhand. Karnataka and Punjab Jena's corrupt methods,” he said. until the culprits are arrested,” reported 4 political murders in Taking to Twitter, BJP national Harichandan asserted. 2019,” Sahoo claimed. spokesperson Sambit Patra drew Congress MLA Suresh Routray In Mahanga double murder case, parallels between the political sit- sought to know how the law min- the SP has already said no one uation in Odisha and neighbouring ister, despite being named an ac- would be spared and all the ac- Bengal. “Senior BJP leader cused in the double murder case, cused would soon be apprehended. Kulamani Baral of Mahanga was was allowed to attend the oath-tak- “Let the probe be over. BJD has brutally hacked to death just be- ing ceremony of Orissa High Court never tolerated any kind of politi- cause he spoke against the cor- Chief Justice earlier in the day. cal violence & in Mahanga case ruption of Minister Pratap Jena Jena, in his defence, claimed that also, the guilty will not be spared,” in Odisha Govt. The minister's the opposition has the habit of he added. Girls look at a mural at Tribal Museum near CRP Square in Bhubaneswar, Monday OP PHOTO Govt yet to comply MeT predicts dense S Muralidhar takes oath as with SC order: Cong Naveen inaugurates renovated fog for 5 districts POST NEWS NETWORK High Court Chief Justice POST NEWS NETWORK Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: The state Ramalingeswar pond in Silk City unit of Congress Monday alleged Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: that state government has not yet POST NEWS NETWORK Forecasting dense fog, the India implemented a Supreme Court Meteorological Department has directive on separating the in- Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Chief issued yellow warning for vestigation and law & order wings Minister Naveen Patnaik, Monday, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, in police department. dedicated the renovated Khurda, Boudh and Kandhamal State Congress spokesperson Ramalingeswar water body and districts. Nishikant Mishra alleged that the park in Berhampur to the people of The weatherman said that a government submitted affidavits Odisha through a videoconference. few places in the five districts are in the apex court in 2007, 2008 and Stating Ramalingeswar water likely to witness dense fog in dur- 2013 claiming that it has separated body renovation has become an ex- ing Tuesday and Wednesday morn- the investigation and law & order traordinary example of transfor- ing. wings. “However, an RTI reply re- mation, Naveen said it would have Similarly, shallow to moderate vealed that the two wings in the a special place in the tourism map ft high statue of Lord Shiva has fog is very likely to occur at a few Commissionerate Police area have of Ganjam and thanked the peo- A 35-ft high statue of also been installed in the mid- places in the districts of Cuttack, not been separated,” he said. ple of Berhampur for their sup- Lord Shiva has also been dle of the big pond. Six watch Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Khurda, The Congress leader urged the port and cooperation for completion installed in the middle of towers have been erected to fa- Boudh, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Home department to come out of the beautification project. cilitate visitors to enjoy the beauty Jajpur, Puri, Nayagarh, Koraput, with a clarification as to why it has The Chief Minister said that the big pond of the Silk City. Malkangiri and Rayagada during kept the 4.5 crore Odia people in state government is constantly Floating jetty and boat facilities the said days, the Met department dark. He also demanded the gov- working to develop Berhampur as have been made available for the vis- revealed. ernment to publish a White Paper an ideal town. He said that work of also been started, Patnaik said. itors. The park also has food stalls As per report of Bhubaneswar in this regard. a stadium with modern facilities is The work for the development and kiosks for selling handicraft and Met Centre, lowest temperature In the famous Prakash Singh in progress and a solid waste man- of the project was started in 2017 for handloom products. of 9.6 degrees Celsius was & others versus Union of India agement centre worth Rs 42 crore which the government had sanc- The large pond at the heart of recorded at Koraput while 10 de- Governor Ganeshi Lal administers the oath to Justice S Muralidhar at Abhishek case, the SC had asked all the is going to be completed. Besides, tioned Rs 12 crore. Berhampur city is over a sprawling grees was recorded at Daringbadi. Hall of Raj Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Monday states to segregate the two wings, work on the ring road in the town A spacious parking station has 8.157 acres of land. It dates back to All others recorded above 10 Mishra said. in order to have traffic control has been built for the visitors. A 35- the Pre-Independence era. degrees Celsius. POST NEWS NETWORK MURALIDHAR BEGAN HIS CAREER Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Justice S AS AN ADVOCATE SEPTEMBER 12, Muralidhar Monday took oath as 1984 AND PRACTICED IN CIVIL HARVEST SEASON Girl’s mutilated body found the new Chief Justice of Orissa COURTS IN CHENNAI, DELHI HIGH High Court. Governor Ganeshi Lal COURT AND SUPREME COURT OF POST NEWS NETWORK search on reaching home when administered the oath to INDIA they did not find him at home, but Muralidhar at Abhishek Hall of Bargarh, Jan 4: In a shocking in- failed to trace her. Raj Bhawan here. HE WAS APPOINTED AS AN cident, a 9-year-old girl’s mutilated Some local residents first spot- After obtaining permission from ADDITIONAL JUDGE OF DELHI HIGH body was recovered from a forested ted her mutilated body lying in the the Governor, the Chief Secretary COURT MAY 29, 2006 AND AS area near Jogendrapur under forest. They immediately informed read out the Warrant of PERMANENT JUDGE Paikamal police limits in Bargarh the police who reached the spot Appointment of the Judge as the AUGUST 29, 2007 district, Monday. and recovered the body before send- Chief Justice of the High Court According to sources, the girl’s ing it for postmortem. of Orissa issued under seal and JUSTICE MURALIDHAR SUCCEEDS parents were working at a brick While some villagers alleged that signature of the President of India. JUSTICE MOHAMMAD RAFIQ AS kiln nearby. They had taken her the girl had been sexually abused Thereafter, the Governor admin- THE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE along with them to the brick kiln before being murdered by some istered the oath to Muralidhar. ORISSA HIGH COURT Sunday. After a while, the girl had miscreants, the police refused to Among others, Law Minister returned home. Reaching home, say anything about the case. Pratap Jena, Leader of Opposition new Chief Justice of the Orissa she had gone to a grocery shop in “It will be too early to jump to any Pradipta Kumar Naik, judges of High Court. Muralidhar was born the village to buy some essentials. conclusion. We are waiting for the High Court, Registrar General of August 8, 1961. He began his ca- That was the last time she was postmortem report and hope that the HC, senior officers and other dig- reer as an advocate September 12, seen, said the villagers. it will help us solve the case,” a nitaries were present on the occa- 1984 and practiced in civil courts Her parents began a frantic police officer said. sion. Taking to Twitter, Chief in Chennai, Delhi High Court and Minister Naveen Patnaik said, Supreme Court of India.

“Congratulate Justice Dr S He was appointed as an Outfit wants BPIA renamed

k y m c Muralidhar on being appointed as Additional Judge of Delhi High Bhubaneswar: Shree Jagannath Sanskruti Surakhya Parishad, Odisha wrote a letter Chief Justice of Orissa High Court. Court May 29, 2006 and as to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday requesting him to rename the Biju Welcome him to #Odisha and wish Permanent Judge August 29, 2007. Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) as Shree Jagannath International Airport. In him a successful tenure.” Later, he was transferred to the letter, the outfit said that recently Odisha Govt has given a proposal to the Centre Justice Muralidhar succeeded Punjab and Haryana High Court for a new international airport at Puri. But from technical and commercial point of Justice Mohammad Rafiq as the March 6, 2020. Farmers thresh paddy at a farmland in Pipli area of Puri, Monday OP PHOTO view this proposal doesn’t look feasible. P4 TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR downtown

Higher Education OCTOGENARIAN’S DEATH HITTING THE STREETS ‘Basti Ku Chala’

dept summons drive to control

k y m VCs for meeting Kin receives `1L crime in Capital c POST NEWS NETWORK POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: The Higher Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: The Deputy Education department has sent Commissioner of Police has a letter to the Vice Chancellors of compensation launched a special month-long Fakir Mohan University and Utkal drive ‘Basti Ku Chala’ to collect vital University Monday for attending intelligence from the slum areas a review meeting on the activi- POST NEWS NETWORK across the city. ties of the universities to be taken Speaking on the issue, DCP by Minister Higher Education Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: The state gov- Umashanakar Dash said that three Department Arun Kumar Sahoo. ernment has finally paid compen- to four slums under each police sta- Saswat Mishra, Principal sation of Rs 1 lakh to the relatives tion limits of the city will be tar- Secretary, Higher Education de- of one Dukhi Jethi who had re- geted during the drive. partment, in a letter, directed the portedly sustained serious injuries The officers of the local police Utkal University vice chancellor after falling into a 20-ft open man- stations will pay regular visits to Sabita Acharya to come to the re- hole in the Old Town area of the city these slum areas. They have been view meeting January 6 at the here August 24, 2017. Death due to instructed to develop a good rela- minister’s office at Lokaseva Though the state government tionship with the dwellers and Bhawna, while to Fakir Mohan was initially reluctant to pay the negligence collect regular data. They have University VC Dina Bandhu Sahoo compensation, it later acquiesced been asked to collect important Dukhi, an 82-year-old woman, fell the meeting date was set at January due to the intervention of the into an uncovered manhole in the information related to the youths 8, 2021. As per sources, the minister National Human Rights city while she was going to her held in different cases in the past. will review the activities of the uni- Commission. The Commission is- son’s house in Old Town area. The cops hope the drive will help versity after new VCs took charge. sued the order while hearing a pe- Later, she passed away in controlling crime in the city. Recently, the state government tition filed by human rights ac- The Commissionerate police directed eight universities to return tivist Dilip Kumar Das. Though the state The Members of ‘Odisha Covid-19 Paramedical Staff Association’ demonstrate at PMG Square in Bhubaneswar, Monday, will be assisted by BMC for slum their unutilised amounts sanc- The commission also rejected government was Commission demanding regular employment OP PHOTO categorisation and identification. tioned for opening civil service the plea of the Odisha Water Supply initially reluctant issued the coaching centres. and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) to pay the order while In the letter to the universities, which argued that the incident had compensation, it hearing a Rajashree Mohanty, Additional occurred due to the negligence by later acquiesced petition filed due to the by human Secretary, Higher Education de- the contractor M/s East Coast intervention of the rights State logs 183 fresh virus cases, 2 deaths partment, stated, “The depart- Construction Industries Ltd. The National Human activist Dilip ment had asked the universi- workers of the company had left the Rights Commission Kumar Das PNN & AGENCIES cial. Of the 1,885 coronavirus fa- ties June 11, 2020 to refund the manhole open in a dangerous sit- ODISHA & COVID talities reported so far, Khurda dis- unspent balance available with uation without taking any pre- after the incident. Radheshyam Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Odisha’s Sundargarh district recorded trict of which the state capital them under the ‘Civil Service cautions. Jethi, husband of Dukhi, recently Covid-19 tally Monday mounted to the highest of 32 new cases Bhubaneswar is a part, alone ac- Coaching Centre’ scheme”. But However, the Commission stated received the cheque of Rs 1 lakh 3,30,492 after 183 more people tested followed by Angul (24) and counted for 326 deaths followed by none of the universities have that it was the duty of the board au- from the authorities. positive for the infection, while two Khurda (14) Ganjam (247), Sundargarh (168), refunded their unspent amounts thorities to supervise the work Meanwhile, the commission again more fatalities pushed the death The two fresh fatalities were Cuttack (140) and Puri (117). to the department even after six being carried out by the contractor. directed the Chief Secretary to iden- toll to 1,885, a senior Health and reported from Balasore and Twenty-five other districts have months. However, the authorities neither re- tify the guilty official and take ac- Family Welfare (H&FW) depart- Sunadargarh reported Covid-19 fatalities below A decision in this regard was viewed the work nor brought to tion against him within four weeks. ment official said. 100, the official pointed out. Odisha has so far conducted taken after the universities failed fore the discrepancies in work. Notably, Dukhi, a 82-year-old Of the new cases, 106 were re- Currently, Odisha has 2,345 active over 70.28 lakh sample tests to provide comprehensive and Subsequently, the commission woman, had fallen into an uncov- ported from different quarantine COVID-19 cases, while as many as The state’s positivity rate stands at 4.7 per cent for Covid-19 quality coaching, sources said. asked the Chief Secretary to pay the ered manhole in the city while she centres, while the remaining 77 are 3,26,209 patients have so far recov- Earlier, Higher Education financial aid and take stringent was going to his son’s house in Old local contact cases. H&FW department said, “Regret ported from Balasore and ered from the highly infectious dis- Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo held action against the official respon- Town area. According to sources, Sundargarh district recorded to inform the demise of two num- Sunadargarh districts. ease. The state has so far conducted a meeting with the new vice chan- sible for the mishap. However, the the fire services personnel rescued the highest of 32 new cases fol- bers of Covid positive patients while This apart, 53 Covid-19 positive over 70.28 lakh sample tests for cellors of six universities of the authorities later came to know that Dukhi who reportedly spent the lowed by Angul (24) and Khurda under treatment in hospitals.” patients have also died in the state Covid-19. The state’s positivity rate state January 11. Dukhi had passed away few months whole night in the pit. (14) districts. Taking to Twitter, the The two fresh fatalities were re- due to comorbidities, said the offi- stands at 4.7 per cent. CYBER FRAUD ‘ENSURE ZERO CASUALTY WHEN SCHOOLS REOPEN’ ‘Allow’ physical classes Man’s self-immolation POST NEWS NETWORK for other students too Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Odisha Parent’s federation Monday urged POST NEWS NETWORK the state government to ensure bid thwarted in Khurda zero casualty when schools re- Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Welcoming open for physical classes from the government’s decision of re- POST NEWS NETWORK plaint at the Cyber Crime police January 8. opening schools for physical classes station in Cuttack. However, no ac- In a letter to the chief minister, of Std X and XII students, Khurda, Jan 4: Frustrated over the tion has been taken till date even the outfit said that the government Confederation of Odisha Public lack of action to trace fraudsters, though more than one-and-a-half has announced that schools will Schools urged the government to a man who has been duped off Rs years have passed,” Sahu alleged. reopen for students of Standard X reopen physical classes for stu- 17 lakh online, attempted self-im- Sahu said he had taken loans and XII from January 8 and will fol- dents of Std IX and XI too. molation Monday in front of from various sources including low the detailed standard operating for education for 100 days without After a hiatus of nine months, Chairman of the outfit BN Collectorate office here. banks to buy the timber. At present procedure to be strictly imple- additional works like sanitation, schools in the state will reopen for Patnaik in a press conference The outfit said that The man has been identified as he was not being able to repay the mented by the authorities. However, cleaning and campus monitoring Std X and Plus II students from Monday said that classes of Std IX classes of IX and XI Brajabandhu Sahu of Bakoi vil- loans and was in great stress. the hostels will reopen now and and district administration, police January 8, School and Mass and XI should also be allowed to re- lage under Bolagada block. Sahu “I have a timber depot in school buses will be available for the and others shall be given the re- Education department said in a open along with Std X and XII. He should also be allowed reached in front of the office at Bolagada. I used to buy wood from students with 50 percent capacity. sponsibility to prevent any casualty, press statement here January 2. also said that in other states, schools to reopen along with around 11.00am, and then tried to outside Odisha, make furniture We demand that the Special Relief the association stated.. All private and government- are being reopened in non-con- set himself on fire after dousing and sell those. Now with all my Commission (SRC) declare a mis- We request your kind interven- run schools along with hostels tainment zones. X and XII himself with kerosene. Luckily, money gone, I don’t know what to sion for zero causality in physical tion and order to SRC, Department have remained closed in the state Several states such as Karnataka, some cops were present at the spot do. Though I have lodged com- classes for Std X and XII. Health and of Health and Family welfare de- since March 18 in the wake of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, well to control the pandemic. and saved him from suffering griev- plaints at Bolagada PS and the Family welfare department should partment, Department of SC, ST and pandemic. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra “Also, we request the parents to ous injuries. Cyber Crime police station in take all responsibility for sanitation others to undertake this initiative The practical exams of Class X among others have chosen to par- pay the fees as the pandemic has Sahu then narrated his plight to Cuttack, no step has been taken and campus checkup in govern- in mission mode to create an ex- students will be held in between tially reopen schools. In Assam, come under control. The schools are the mediapersons. “I was defrauded in this connection yet. As I am ment and private schools, the out- ample in India and provide all fa- April 27 and May 2, while Class XII even younger students are now taking classes online and we will of 16.95 lakh while purchasing tim- under tremendous mental pres- fit stated. cilities for sanitation in both gov- students will appear for practical back in school. In comparison to also promote all students from KG ber online. I have lodged a com- sure, I attempted self immolation.” Teachers shall be engaged only ernment and private schools. tests from April 29 to May 14. other states, Odisha has done very to class VIII,” the outfit said. CANAL REJUVENATION Drapes, jewellery draw denizens to expo

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Offering a wide range of drapes, oxidised jew- ellery items and dresses for women, ‘Cotton Fab 2020’ drew an impres- sive footfall even during the pan- demic. Being the first expo after the pan- demic began, Covid guidelines are being enforced at the fair. Sanitizers and thermal screening are a must at the entry gate and a gap of six me- tres is being maintained between every three stalls at the fair. Interacting with Orissa POST, organiser Javed Khan said, “On its 17th day, we are witnessing an im- pressive footfall. From colourful drapes to dresses, one can enjoy a wide variety of clothes. We also have amazing spread of home fur- Bangles and necklaces draws more ver work and stone stud jew- all prefer it in the modern jew- nishings, blankets to cater to the de- and more enthusiastic women to elleries made me buy at least 3 ellery section. mand of winter requirements. the expo. sets from the fair.” Foodies can also enjoy Rajasthani Above all, it’s a fair where everyone Sandhya Jagruti, a local buyer, Seller Jayanti from Gujarat delicacies: Dal bati Churma, can buy something for themselves.” said, “It’s been 9 months since I feels that Oxidised Jewelleries Rajasthani thali, Ghevar and more. Not just drapes, a lavish show- bought any jewellery for myself are the latest fashion trends that One may visit the fair till January case of oxidised jewellery pieces, and my sister-in-law due to Covid keep growing with time. From 17. The timings are from 10.30 AM

Rejuvenation of Taladanda Canal in Cuttack in progress, Monday OP PHOTO semi-precious stones, Jhumakas, restrictions. Finally, all the sil- youngsters to middle-age ladies, to 09.00 PM.

k y m c P5 TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR state

NH-53 extension gets Bridge across Salunki remains a promise

k y m RESIDENTS OF 30 VILLAGES CONTINUE TO FACE COMMUTING PROBLEMS c mired in irregularities POST NEWS NETWORK Phulbani, Jan 4: Over years, thou- Reports of irregularities and sub-standard works in the construction of sands of people in 30 villages under Sadar block of Kandhamal district Sambalpur-Tileibani stretch of NH-53 may further delay the project have been suffering from com- muting woes in the absence of a bridge across river Salunki.

During monsoon, 30 villages under Alami and Duduki panchayats remain marooned for days together. As no step is being taken for the bridge, our hopes have vanished POST NEWS NETWORK Minister for Road Transport and A RESIDENT OF ALAMI Highways. The locals had lodged Sambalpur, Jan 4: The construc- FLY-ASH WORRY complaints at the local office of the tion of Sambalpur-Tileibani stretch National Highway Authority of Taking note he concerned construction of National Highway-53 in this dis- India (NHAI). of their plight, the government de- Tfirm has been dumping fly- trict has run into trouble with al- ash on the highway which has Residents alleged that the firm cided to set up a bridge at Nuapadar legations of severe irregularities and grown to the size of a hill has dumped the fly-ash on the high- to fulfill the long awaited dream of sub-standard works, a report said. way which has grown to the size of the people. The project is worth Rs390 crores. he fly-ash dust has been a hill. The fly-ash dust flies in the However, about a year and half OUNDATION STONE FOR THE Reports added that a new con- Tpolluting the houses and air and pollutes the houses and have passed since foundation stone FBRIDGE PROJECT WAS LAID sultancy firm is now carrying out shops on the roadsides shops on the roadsides. The firm is of the bridge was laid and tender BY RURAL DEVELOPMENT the construction works of the high- using the fly-ash to fill up all types floated, but its work has not yet MINISTER BIKRAM KESHARI way after a firm Punj Lloyd backed he firm is using the fly-ash of craters ranging from 10 metres started. ARUKH IN out of the project citing various Tto fill up all types of craters to 1 metre. And, residents of the 30 villages MARCH, 2017 problems. The new consultancy ranging from 10 metres to 1 Later, the firm is using rollers to have been waiting for the bridge. OCALS SAY KEEPING IN VIEW agency has missed the deadline metre level the craters without sprinkling Reports said foundation stone LTHE ELECTION THEN, THE and is reportedly under pressure to water on it. The firm while carry- for the bridge project was laid by FOUNDATION LAYING finish the work soon. ater, the firm is using rollers ing out the works has filled up var- Rural Development minister Bikram CEREMONY WAS DONE WITH to level the craters without Notably, the highway construc- L ious water bodies and drains flow- Keshari Arukh in March 2017, bring- MUCH FANFARE BUT TILL NOW sprinkling water on them tion started after the district ad- ing alongside the highway. It has ing cheers for the people. Locals ONLY A PLAQUE HAS COME UP ministration acquired land for the also neglected in putting up infor- alleged that keeping in view of the four laning of the highway in 2016- instead of using murram and soil. mation plaques near diversions and election then, the foundation laying 17. Over 15,000 trees were chopped Residents fear that the highway intersection for which mishaps have ceremony was done with much fan- ‘Only a plaque, that’s what it is. time. But the dream has remained bridge with logs across the river off to make way for construction of work may not last long as the firm become frequent occurrence on the fare. No work has been done after the ten- a dream. Once completed, the bridge at Ranikhandi a few days ago. The the highway. is using a wrong mixture of ce- highway. The NHAI has hired an They lamented that they have to der was floated,’ said villagers. will facilitate communication in bridge was laid for about a kilo- Taking advantage of the situation, ment mortars in violation of guide- agency to supervise the construction suffer a lot due to absence of a “Nobody knows when the bridge all the 30 villages in the region, metre distance. the consultancy agency is trying to lines. work but it has failed to do so. bridge in the region. “In the mon- will be completed,” lamented Arjun they noted. Locals like Alekh Kahnr, finish up the work anyway for The fear of the residents is not When contacted, B Venkateshwar, soons, 30 villages under Alami and Kahnr, a local. Locals are upset over commuting Jalandhar Kahnr, Jasobant Kahnr, which it is using sub-standard con- unfounded as even Sambalpur MP project director of NHAI said that Duduki panchayats remain ma- In emergency cases, ambulances, problem and apathy of the Rural Guguna Dalchhatra, Indu struction materials in the road con- Nitesh Gangadev had raised doubts a probe will be undertaken to as- rooned for days together. As no step fire tenders and other vehicles fail Development department. Some Dalachhatra and Suresan Kahnr struction, residents alleged. The on the delay and irregularities in certain the veracity of the com- is being taken for the bridge, their to access the villages sans a bridge. youths of Sattkar Yubak Sangh bemoaned that the place is just 10 km firm is allegedly using fly-ash to construction of the highway and plaints of irregularities filed by hopes have vanished,” a resident on Locals have been demanding a (Sainipadar village) got together from the district headquarters, but fill up the craters on the highway written to Nitin Gadkari, the Union the residents. the condition of anonymity said. bridge across the river for a long and managed to build a temporary development has taken a back seat.

‘Mysterious’ animal feeds on JOB STIR 75 MIGRANT LABOURERS goats’ intestines in Deogarh RESCUED IN NUAPADA POST NEWS NETWORK villages under Boden block in the WHILE 12 GOATS WERE FOUND DEAD, VILLAGERS district. The labour agent had Khariar, Jan 4: Acting on a housed them in the dhaba to SAY MORE THAN 25 ARE STILL MISSING tip-off, Khariar police rescued send them outside the state. POST NEWS NETWORK they found carcasses of 12 goats and 75 migrant labourers, includ- However, the middleman man- three other animals with multiple ing 10 children from a roadside aged to escape. Deogarh, Jan 4: After a gap of injury marks on their bodies. dhaba near Khariar Ranipur Later, the cops sent the res- two years, the ‘mysterious animal’ The villagers said that more in Nuapada district in the wee cued workers to their respective surfaced again in Chakadihi village than 25 goats are still missing. hours of Monday. houses in a special bus in the under Barkot block in Deogarh According to the shepherds of the The rescued labourers were presence of Khariar SDPO district, late Sunday night. village, they had gone out for graz- identified as natives of Khinamal Santak Jena. An inquiry in A herd of 12 goats was found ing their goats to a nearby jungle. and Rokal villages under Boden this connection is underway, dead in the village Monday morn- They left their sheep and goats on block in Nuapada district. All said Khariar police station ing. Reports said that many goats one side of the jungle and went workers are identified to be the Inspector In-Charge Kailash were injured in the attack by the for collecting some jungle flowers. residents of Khirmal and Rokal Chandra Sethi. unidentified animal. The incident Around 5 pm Saturday, they heard occurred late Saturday night, but an unusual sound coming from the it became public after locals spot- place where they had left their ted the carcasses of the animals herds. When they reached the spot Monday morning. The ‘unknown’ the goats got panicked after seeing animal had fed on the intestine of something and ran astray. the goats. On being informed, Barkot for- According to a source, the goats est range officials reached had gone to graze in the nearby Chakadihi village to take stock of forest Saturday. However, they did the situation. As many as two CCTV not return, prompting the villagers cameras have been installed to to go into the forest to look for keep a check on the movement of General nurse midwives posted in the Covid unit of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, stage a demonstration them. In the wee hours of Monday, the wild animals. outside the main gate of the hospital demanding reinstatement following their abrupt dismissal from service, Monday OP PHOTO WHY ARTISTES AREN’T HAPPY DESPITE COVID RELAXATIONS THE STATE HAS GIVEN ITS NOD TO RESUME ORGANISING CULTURAL PROGRAMMES BUT THE BONE OF CONTENTION LIES IN THE RESTRICTED AUDIENCE COUNT OF 200

POST NEWS NETWORK eral election. The festival fea- tures cultural programmes Angul, Jan 4: After a gap and Pallishree Mela which of nine months, the govern- receive a huge footfall. But ment gave its nod to resume people are not sure if the dis- organising cultural pro- trict administration will hold grammes. But this an- the festival this year or not. nouncement has hardly When asked, Angul dis- brought any joy to the or- trict Collector Sidddharth ganisers and artistes. Shankar Swain, said, “It is Their unhappiness lies in FILE PHOTO hoped that new guidelines the guideline issued by the will come in the future and government. The guideline so are such organisations Sudhansu Mohan Dwibedy, then we will decide about says that cultural programmes which hold cultural festivals chairman, Natyam, said, “We holding the Zilla Mahotsav ac- can be held with only 200 au- in different parts of the dis- have been organising theatre cordingly.” dience capacity. Auditoriums trict. If a play is staged or a festivals for last 28 years. For where these programmes musical night is organised, a play, there should be at least would be held should func- the number of artistes alone 500 people in the auditorium. tion with only 50 per cent of will cross 50. In that case, We are also in doubt regard- their capacity. And in case of how such cultural pro- ing getting teams and artistes organising opera shows, per- grammes can be held with from outside.” mission from the district ad- only 150 onlookers, some Expressing his dissatis- ministration is a must. artistes asked. faction over the government’s The associations of or- “Organising a cultural decision, Akshay Kumar ganisers and artistes have event with such a small au- Nath, president, Sur Taal, demanded that they should be dience can never be feasible said, “The government should allowed to hold their pro- from a commercial point of reconsider this.” grammes with at least 500 at- view. We can’t even increase At the same time, it is also

tendees. The outbreak of the ticket price. We are also feared that the Angul district

k y m c COVID-19 has rendered as not able to get financers dur- festival (Zilla Mahotsav) may many as 32, 000 artistes in ing these days as we used to also get affected due to pre- Angul district jobless. get earlier,” observed Bhupesh vailing COVID-19 fear. There are about 50 regis- Chandra Pradhan, chairman, The festival is held April 1 tered cultural organisations District Artistes’ Association. every year. In 2019, the festi- in the district. Of them, 15 or Echoing the same, val was pre-poned due to gen- P6 TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR power post

There is nothing mind can do that FOCUS ECONOMY cannot be better done in the mind’s immobility and thought-free

stillness. When mind is still, then

k y m truth gets her chance to be heard c in the purity of the silence. SRI AUROBINDO CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM

he welcome to the new rupted the flow of coal, fertilliser year was wishfully cheer- and other railway freight. This ful, riding more on hope will surely affect industrial pro- Cave In T than on evidence. duction and sentiment in the Economic data that is coming out northern states. An early resolu- hina is steadfastly reorganising its military might to advance its is still mixed, yet hopeful. But to tion is critical. Why not explore the agenda of becoming the number one economic power of the world, have survived the year 2020 is it- possibility of keeping the laws in Cmaking its defence system a key tool in the strategy for global dom- self a cause for celebration. Disease, abeyance, refer them to a parlia- inance. With that objective in mind its revised National Defence Law (NDL) death, economic destruction, and mentary standing committee, and has come into effect from 1 January 2021. The intention of the reform is to yet resilience, fortitude and de- in the meantime let individual “defend national interests both at home and abroad.” The new NDL ex- termination is how most people ex- States, aligned with the ruling pands the power of China’s armed forces, headed by President Xi, to mobilise perienced the last year. Most of party, go ahead and implement military and civilian resources. the country, for much of 2020, was The welcome to the new year was wishfully them, if politically feasible? This will enable Xi to tackle with an iron hand both growing dissidence in lockdown mode, which was pro- The second big challenge is in within the country and meet challenges from the USA and the Quad group- gressively diluted. The lockdown cheerful, riding more on hope than on evidence. banking. The KV Kamath com- ing comprising India, Australia, Japan and the USA. It also weakens the role is still operative in many states. It Economic data that is coming out is still mixed, mittee had identified 26 sectors of the State Council, China’s Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Li Keqiang. has affected jobs, income, liveli- where loans will have to be re- The Cabinet used to formulate military policy which has now been handed hoods especially in the informal yet hopeful. But to have survived the year 2020 structured, without the respec- over to the Central Military Commission, the overall high command of the sector. The plight of the urban is itself a cause for celebration. Disease, death, tive borrowers being pushed into two million-strong People’s Liberation Army headed by Xi. migrant workers in the country is bankruptcy. The total identified There have been several recent instances of China’s handling of its dis- Ajit Ranade now well known and was even economic destruction, and yet resilience, loans under stress were about `48 sidents within the country, one of which is the disappearance of billionaire mentioned by the Prime Minister fortitude and determination is how most lakh crore. But as the period of Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba. Ma has not been seen in public for a while, in his radio address. The rural moratorium ends, only a tiny frac- fuelling concerns about his safety amid his ongoing conflict with the Chinese INDIA’S economy turned out to be their people experienced the last year tion of these borrowers have come government. He failed to appear for the final episode of his own talent show saviour. The adverse economic forward to take the offer of re- Africa’s Business Heroes in November 2020 and has not made a public ap- POPULATION IS impact on small and medium busi- structuring. Do we interpret that pearance since then. 17 PER CENT OF nesses has been severe. The exact velop a vaccine is nothing short of stock market to fund its stimulus to mean that most of the stressed Only a few months ago, the Chinese government had stopped an IPO of detailed economic picture of India’s spectacular. It is also testimony requirement. The buoyant mar- borrowers have become profitable? his Ant Group after the billionaire criticised China’s financial regulators THE WORLD AND vast informal sector becomes clear to the benefit of global collabora- kets are also an opportune time to Or are there some deeper yet to be and state-owned banks in October last year. He had criticised the regulators THE COUNTRY only with a lag. tion in science and of openness in divest government holdings in the discovered problems? The last for “stifling innovation” and said Chinese banks are like “pawn shops”. The The virus is still with us, al- the digital age. public sector enterprises already thing we need is another bank country’s government has also launched an anti-monopoly investigation into NOW HAS 13 PER though vaccinations have started. The economic revival, which identified by Niti Aayog. Another failure. In fact, in the Union Budget Alibaba in December 2020 after regulators earlier told Ant Group to re- CENT OF ALL Just four countries account for is now visible, is also remarkable, way is to pledge the PSU shares, the finance minister will have to structure its operations. half of all the Covid cases world- because it has been achieved with currently valued at more than `15 make large allocations to recapi- Economists across the world are predicting that China’s GDP can be- GLOBAL CASES. wide. These are United States, much less fiscal stimulus as com- lakh crore, to the Reserve Bank of talise public sector banks, especially come bigger than the US GDP by 2028 in nominal terms. Countries without India, Brazil and Russia. India’s pared to other countries. The come- India in a sweetheart bilateral after the devastating impact of ownership of technology will face difficulties to deal with a vastly power- DESPITE THIS population is 17 per cent of the back signs are evident in corporate “loan against shares” deal, priced the pandemic. For India to grow at ful, both militarily and economically, China. The uprising in Hong Kong was SOBERING FACT, world and the country now has profitability, sporadic cases of re- at a low interest rate of just above 8 or 9 per cent, bank credit must a clear indication of unrest within. Yet, Beijing could blatantly suppress the 13 per cent of all global cases. vival in the real estate sector, ris- the repo rate. These shares can grow at 18 to 20 per cent at the protests and the whole world watched helpless, including the US. India, on IT IS ALSO TRUE Despite this sobering fact, it is ing collections in GST, much higher be pledged for a period of five very least, and that calls for a sub- the other hand, does not know where to place itself. For instance, Chinese THAT INDIA also true that India managed to sowing area for the rabi crop, and years and then swapped back. stantial risk capital injection. military intrusions into Indian territory at Leh during the lockdown period “flatten the curve” much better an increase in employment num- The optimism about the new Where is this going to come from? made the Indian government hit back by banning a few Chinese apps. MANAGED TO than the other three countries. bers. This year India will end up year should not however distract Beyond the anti-farm law agi- Interestingly, not only have some of the prominent apps returned to India, “FLATTEN THE All three till recently were regis- producing a record 301 million us from some difficult challenges tation and imminent banking chal- the Union government has awarded a huge contract to Shanghai Tunnel tering ever increasing daily num- tonnes of food grains and next that will need urgent attention. lenges, there is also the need to Engineering Company Limited for the construction of a 5.6 km under- CURVE” MUCH bers of the infected and also fa- year the outlook for agricultural Firstly, there is the crisis around give a big boost to exports. The ground stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Sahibabagh of the Delhi-Meerut talities. India’s declining daily growth is for 3.5 per cent. The the new farm laws. The agitation new foreign trade policy will be un- RRTS project. Chinese banks have also been granted licenses by RBI for full BETTER THAN count for the last couple of months Union Budget due in less than led by farmers is more than a veiled shortly after the Union scale operations in India. THE OTHER is remarkable, given the much four weeks promises a strong dose month old, and their demand for Budget. We have lost the export mo- Jack Ma is a great example. The future portends ill for all those that op- lower state of health infrastructure of fiscal stimulus through infra- repeal seems to be increasingly mentum of the past in the last pose China. Standing up to the might of that dragon would be very difficult. THREE relative to our GDP. Perhaps the structure, and of course a beef- non-negotiable. Their apprehen- five years with a current situa- It is time to brace for battle or cave in and be servile. COUNTRIES management of the pandemic has ing up of health and education, sions are very real, whether the tion of nearly zero growth. improved considerably, as also pa- which are part of the soft infra- concerns are about minimum sup- There is no doubt that 2021 will tient recovery rates. There may structure. The stock market con- port prices for wheat and rice or be a much better than last year, and WISDOM be an element of inbuilt immunity tinues its gravity defying rise, as legal protection available when we should use it as a bridge to get CORNER that we don’t know. As of this writ- if it is completely oblivious to the contracting with large corporates, back to high, sustainable, inclusive ing the government has given an underlying economy. We know or protection from downward and greener growth. It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person emergency approval to two vac- that the stock market is forward price spikes. The government then. cines which are yet to finish the looking and not myopic, but its must find a face-saving way to The writer is an economist LEWIS CARROLL final phase of their clinical tri- vision seems to be far out into the end the agitation since it is now and Senior Fellow, The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time als. The pace at which leading sci- future! The government must find not just affecting the farm sector Takshashila Institution. is now. entists of the world managed to de- a way to tap into the wealth of the in the north, but also has dis- THE BILLION PRESS CHINESE PROVERB We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON SPECTRUM UNITED NATIONS WORDSWORTH Break one’s duck Slow death or new direction t’s not as cruel as it sounds. It’s not the duck that’s being broken, or much of its life, the United the UN has typically operated September, Chinese President Xi of the UN at its best, as does Ibut a duck’s egg. These days the expression can be used in almost Nations has hidden behind against strong headwinds; and now, Jinping took an extraordinarily Guterres’s call for “A New Social any game that involves a score of some sort but originally — back in Fthe comfortable maxim that, a number of political and demo- consequential step, pledging that Contract for a New Era.” The UN Victorian times — it related solely to cricket. It seems to have been “If we didn’t have it, we would graphic changes are rapidly re- China would become carbon neu- provides an indispensable global English public-school slang of the 1850s to call a score of naught have to invent it.” Now at the ven- shaping the UN’s world. tral by 2060. Yet the same regime that good by producing league tables against a player’s name a duck’s egg — presumably a duck rather erable age of 75, the organisation Today’s world is younger over- has committed to environmental of human development and or- than a chicken because a duck’s egg is bigger and more prominent. still enjoys widespread approval all. US power appears to have sustainability is also brutally per- ganizing broad coalitions to achieve A player who had scored, who had moved off that accusing zero on in global opinion polls. peaked, and the global distribu- secuting China's Uighur minority. steady progress on key indicators the scoreboard, was said to have broken his duck’s egg. It began to But beneath the surface, the UN tion of power is being redistrib- This points to the UN’s central of well-being. appear in print in the early 1860s and soon people shortened it just faces difficulties that cannot be ig- uted to China and others. At the dilemma. In terms of population, By contrast, the UN probably to duck. The first known example of that form appeared in the Daily Mark nored. Judging by traditional and same time, the Covid-19 pandemic most of today's world is under au- will have to bow to the logic of the News in August 1868: “You see ... that his fear of a ‘duck’ — as by a social media, the issues that the has ensured that the world will be thoritarian rule, ranging from 21st century cold war. The Security pardonable contraction from duck-egg a naught is called in cricket- Malloch-Brown UN pushes tend to get little traction. poorer, just as digitalisation has despots without even a pretense Council will remain ineffectual play — outweighs all other earthly considerations.” A batsman who Worse, when it comes to main- made it less equal. of democratic legitimacy to elected until it is reformed, which is a dis- was dismissed without scoring was said to be out for a duck. It’s taining peace and security, the UN With a charter that rests squarely autocrats who have eroded demo- tant prospect. But there are ways only in comparatively recent times that the expression has THE UN’S is often stymied by its dysfunc- on the liberal-democratic values of cratic institutions and checks on around this paralysis. During the broadened to other games and to the performance of whole teams tional Security Council, which it- the winners of World War II, the UN their power. With no choice but to original Cold War, the UN, with- rather than individual players. In the report you quote, it means that CHALLENGE NOW self reflects an increasingly di- has struggled to accommodate the contend with this increasingly un- out reference to the Security the soccer team concerned has won a match, that their count of IS TO FASHION A vided world. Whether in Syria, changing global order. Under its democratic world, the UN’s chal- Council, launched major initia- wins has moved off zero, an extension that is as figurative as to Yemen or Libya, progress toward current Secretary-General, António lenge now is to fashion a practical, tives to address humanitarian crises suggest it might be a misunderstanding of the original meaning. PRACTICAL, securing peace has been glacial, Guterres, the UN has admirably achievable agenda without be- and to support new members emerg- Though the expression is known from all cricket-playing English- ACHIEVABLE with much more being decided on continued to pursue gender parity traying its founding charter and its ing from colonial rule. It is here that speaking countries, it’s only in British usage, I think, that you can the battlefield than at the Security and more diversity in its staffing. commitment to human rights and the UN's future will be secured or apply it generally to achieving some particular feat for the first AGENDA WITHOUT Council. These same divisions have Still, too many top jobs remain in other freedoms. It will have to tap lost. In a younger, angrier, in- time. Americans briefly knew of duck’s eggs in the 1860s, but prefer BETRAYING ITS also hampered human-rights ad- the hands of the founding member into its current strengths. As a rep- creasingly impatient world, a dis- now to speak of goose eggs in much the same sense, a slang term vocacy, as has the recent election states. And, more fundamentally, resentative of “collective rights,” tant club of men in dark suits is that is almost exactly contemporary with the cricket one. A related FOUNDING that awarded seats on the UN the organization seems out of touch the UN is uniquely positioned to mo- doomed to irrelevance. Where the expression also originally from cricket is to lay an egg, so to score a Human Rights Council to Russia, with the world beyond its doors. bilize action on issues like climate UN matters is on the ground, de- zero; that might be the source of the theatrical version from the CHARTER AND ITS Cuba, and China. China, the second-largest con- change, which threatens poor farm- ploying its remarkable mandate 1920s onwards that says an actor or a show is a failure or a flop, but COMMITMENT TO Of course, the UN has always tributor to the UN's assessed budget, ers in developing countries as much to fight for those who need it most. it might instead be from airman’s slang of the First World War, mirrored the world it represents. has increasingly tried to assert as it does rich Manhattanites who meaning to drop a bomb. It’s often said that the equivalent term HUMAN RIGHTS There was broad member support global leadership on climate change are exposed to rising sea levels. Mark Malloch-Brown, a love in tennis and some other games for a zero score likewise AND OTHER for a strong UN only in its initial and other issues, following Likewise, the 2030 Sustainable former deputy United Nations derives from the shape of an egg, in this case the French l’oeuf. To years and during the early years of America's abdication under out- Development Goals, which seek to secretary-general, is Co-Chair forestall lots of e-mails, I should say it’s a folk etymology. There is FREEDOMS Kofi Annan’s tenure as Secretary- going President Donald Trump. At tackle inequality and exclusion of the UN Foundation. no known such link between the French word and the English one, General in the late 1990s. Otherwise, the UN General Assembly in everywhere, remain an example ©PROJECT SYNDICATE and the term love is recorded in English in 1742, in Hoyle’s famous book on the game of whist. Poaching migratory birds Welcome move LOL Sir, With the onset of winter lakhs of birds from far-flung places like Siberia, Sir, The state government reviving the Commission for Other Caspian Sea, lake Baikal central and South east Asia, Ladakh, Himalayas, Northern Backward Caste at this time would be a great boost to the in- Christmas trip etters Eurasia, Kazakh and remote areas of Russia are usually flock to the brack- clusion of those that remain outside the special support of gov- ish water lake for its congenial environment . According to sources in the Forest ernment, and also to identify those that have gone upfront after man in Scotland calls his son in they're Department, at least 8 lakh migratory birds of around hundred species have availing all the facilities for years. Besides it will be the main London the day before Christmas getting TOL THE EDITOR congregate at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside Chilika and nearby places like forum to highlight the issues affecting deprived people as many A Eve and says, “I hate to ruin your day divorced!” she Readers of Orissa POST Badagotha, Satapada, Mangalajodi, Bhusandpur and Nairi. The bird species unscrupulous people have, in the name of a particular caste, but I have to tell you that your mother shouts, “I'll take care of this!” are most welcome to contribute letters include northern pintail, gadwall, Shelduck and black tailed Godwit. But swiped all the benefits simply by virtue of producing forged and I are divorcing; forty-five years of She calls Scotland immediately, and (200 words), articles and rampant poaching of migratory birds at villages near Chilika has emerged caste certificates for years. Now, hopefully these deprived columns (between 750-1250 misery is enough.” screams at her father “You are NOT words). Contributors are as a big challenge for Forest Department. Hundreds of migratory birds are people would be included in the various beneficial pro- “Dad, what are you talking about?” getting divorced. Don't do a single requested to send their killed by the poachers for meat purpose everyday under the nose of Forest grammes of the government. They actually need the special the son screams. thing until I get there. I'm calling my contact numbers and full Department officials. Poachers are killing migratory birds at Brahmagiri, assistance provided by the government, which has so far

“We can’t stand the sight of each brother back, and we'll both be there postal address/email ID. They may also Krushnapasad, Tangi, MangalaJodi and Bhusandpur areas near Chilika ei- been unlawfully availed by the creamy layers of the society.

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c other any longer,” the father says. tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, and suggestions, preferably by email, ther by using poison or traps. Poachers are also supplying bird meat to ho- It will now be seen if the commission is able to do justice to “We’re sick of each other and I'm sick DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up. to: [email protected] tels and restaurants for serving their meat to the visitors on demand. Hundreds such people and also exclude the creamy layers from the list. of talking about this, so you call your The old man hangs up his phone and of migratory birds fall prey to illegal poaching activity. The Forest Department It now remains to be seen what action this commission would sister in Leeds and tell her.” turns to his wife. “Sorted! They’re must intensify rigorous patrolling in the vicinity of the lake and also make take in coming days in including the millions of deprived back- Franticly, the son calls his sister, who coming for Christmas - and they’re B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, concrete plans to save the migratory birds from the hunters. wards of this poor state. explodes on the phone. “Like hell paying their own way.” Bhubaneswar-751010 Kamal Lochan Dash, JAJPUR Janaki Ballav Dash, MAYURBHANJ HIMACHAL KERALA PRADESH

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TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m 1,800 migratory birds perish in Himachal Oppn serves notice c The administration sounded an alert by banning all human activities within 10-km radius of the Pong wetlands seeking removal AGENCIES Shimla, Jan 4: Migratory birds Bird flu outbreak in Kerala of Kerala Speaker found dead at Pong Dam Lake in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra dis- KOTTAYAM: An outbreak of in Thiruvananthapuram that the trict have tested positive for bird flu, bird flu has been reported from government will compensate The move comes in the wake of allegations against according to officials, the fourth some parts of Kottayam and farmers whose domestic birds P Sreeramakrishnan in the controversial gold smuggling case state to report cases of the dreaded Alappuzha districts, prompting au- will be culled. avian influenza in recent days. thorities to order culling of ducks, Officials said some 40,000 birds PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Around 1,800 migratory birds, hens and other domestic birds will have to be culled to check the most of them bar-headed geese, in and around one km radius of spread of the H5N8 virus. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 4: have been found dead in the lake the affected areas. Kottayam dis- Although the situation has been The Congress-led UDF Opposition sanctuary so far. trict authorities said bird flu has brought under control, authorities in Kerala Monday served a notice Principal Chief Conservator of been reported from a duck farm have sounded high alert in the to the Assembly Secretary seek- Forests (Wildlife) Archana Sharma in Neendoor. districts, considering the potential ing the removal of Speaker P said that the laboratory at the Indian Around 1,500 ducks have died of the virus to infect humans, Sreeramakrishnan from the con- Veterinary Research Institute in in the farm. Similarly, bird flu sources said. Bird flu occurs nat- stitutional post in the wake of al- Bareilly detected avian influenza in outbreak has been reported from urally in wild waterfowl and can legations against him in the con- Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan the samples of dead birds, while some farms in Kuttanad region of spread to domestic poultry, such troversial gold smuggling case. citing the information conveyed Alappuzha district, sources said. as chickens, turkeys, ducks and M Ummer, a legislator of the Allegations of corruption and ex- by the Centre. healthy wings, it’s re- When been reports of wild birds Tests conducted at the National geese.The disease is transmitted Indian Union Muslim League travagance against him in connec- At the same time, she said that her ally disturbing. At you’re seeing dying in separate inci- Institute of High Security Animal via contact with an infected bird's (IUML), a key coalition partner in tion with various construction ac- department was awaiting confir- some distance, dents at different lo- Diseases in Bhopal have con- feces, or secretions from its nose, the UDF, submitted the notice under tivities in the Assembly and that birds are not mation by the National Institute you find their cations in the coun- firmed the bird flu outbreak, of- mouth or eye. Article 179 (C) of the Constitution, programmes like e-niyamasabha, fes- of High Security Animal Diseases carcasses,” able to take the flight try. ficials said. State Animal The last major case of bird flu which deals with the removal of the tival on democracy and so on were (NIHSAD), Bhopal, as it was the Patyal said. despite healthy wings, it’s That wild birds Husbandry Minister K Raju said was reported in the state in 2016. speker and rule 65 of the Rules of now a talking point among the pub- nodal body for testing this disease. The really disturbing. At some die is not neces- Procedure and Conduct of Business lic, the notice said. The local administration has al- Rajasthan gov- distance, you find their sarily worrying. But in the Kerala Assembly. “No such serious allegations ready sounded an alert by banning ernment last carcasses it is possible that possibility (however small) that it and needs multi-stakeholder in- The Manjeri MLA had earlier have been levelled against any all human activities within 10-km week sounded an UPASNA PATYAL I CHIEF some of these recent might be infected with avian in- tervention on priority,” he said. served a similar notice last July, other Speaker in the past,” it said, radius of the Pong wetlands in alert after confir- CONSERVATOR, WILDLIFE deaths are out of the fluenza. H5N1 is a highly conta- At the Pong wetlands, prelimi- but the Speaker had refused to ac- seeking the removal of Kangra district. mation of avian in- ordinary, with gious virus that can cause severe ill- nary findings of their post-mortem cept the resolution, citing technical Sreeramakrishnan as “he failed Besides the bar-headed geese, fluenza in crows that large numbers ness in people,” it warned. have ruled out poisoning as the cause reasons. The alleged personal re- to keep the dignity of the post.” the other species were the shov- died in Jhalawar district. dying or reports of diag- Sensing the gravity of the situ- of their death, wildlife officials said. lationship of the Speaker with the The Speaker had come under eler, the river tern, the black-headed Indore in Madhya Pradesh has also noses of H5N1 (avian influenza). ation, Nature Conservation Every winter, the Pong wetlands accused in the gold smuggling case criticism from the Opposition for gull and the common teal. Some reported death of crows. Mass mor- At the moment, no-one knows Foundation (NCF) scientist KS Gopi are home to over 100,000 birds of and his presence in the inaugura- inaugurating the shop of one of birds -- including the bar-headed tality of poultry birds was reported whether these are causes of larger Sundar told IANS that it’s an alarm- nearly 114 species. Among them tion of a workshop owned by one of the accused in the gold smuggling geese -- were seen acting strangely at one of the largest poultry belts concern, but it is worth keeping ing situation. “We are getting reports the bar-headed geese, the northern them was “not in accordance of the case, Sandeep Nair, months ago. before their deaths, Chief at Barwala near Panchkula in an eye on the situation, it said. of death of birds in nature across pintail, the Eurasian coot, the com- decorum of the House,” the notice There were media reports last Conservator, Wildlife, of Pong wet- Haryana. According to the Bird “If you encounter a wild bird India. It’s likely to be a disease be- mon teal, the common pochard, the said. “The Kerala community was week that the Customs would soon lands, Upasna Patyal said. Count India, a partnership com- that is dead or dying, do not ap- cause the deaths are occurring in northern shoveler, the great cor- shocked to hear that the Customs was serve him notice for interrogation “When you’re seeing that birds prising organisations and groups, proach it, and under any circum- multiple locations involving multiple morant, the Eurasian wigeon and going to interrogate the Speaker in in connection with the dollar smug- are not able to take the flight despite over the past 7-10 days there have stances do not touch it given the species. It is a dangerous situation the ruddy shelduck are notable. the dollar smuggling case,” it said. gling case. Colleges, varsities Hilly terrain, inclement weather may hit vaccine drive Health authorities plan to time of inoculation, we will take the THE ALTITUDE help of local administration to air- reopen in Kerala take the immunisation lift the vaccine to those far-off programme to new heights CHALLENGE places,” the Chief Medical Officer added. INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE expressed their discontent over by trudging miles of ast month, the world’s On several occasions, the Election the education department’s decision rugged, cold and Lhighest post office at Commission has shifted the lone Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 4: to extend the timings of the classes. Hikkam in Spiti Valley at a polling booth at Bara Bhangal to Bir, After a gap of nearly nine months, Thomas Sebastian, a teacher with inhospitable terrains, height of 15,000 feet above the citing administrative reasons. colleges and universities in Kerala a government arts college in the sometimes traversing on sea level and currently covered Health officials told IANS that at reopened for students Monday with state capital, said, “Workload is in a thick blanket of snow was least 30 villages in Lahaul-Spiti strict Covid safety norms. very high and with classes between horsebacks or even hit by the coronavirus. Hikkam and an equal number in Kinnaur has a population of 200. Classes will be conducted be- 8.30 am and 5 pm, teachers are airlifting the vaccine to are located at altitudes ranging tween 8.30 am and 5 pm on all days, overburdened. Besides, conduct- from 9,000 feet to 15,000 feet above lso, nearby villages Komik except Sundays. Around 1,350 higher ing classes on Saturdays is also reach remote habitations mean sea level. The Pangi segment Aand Langche too were hit educational institutions including not a good idea.” like the previous pulse by the virus. They support in Chamba district has over a dozen arts and science colleges, engi- Higher Education Department polio programmes populations of 87 and 136 such villages. neering colleges, law colleges as Principal Secretary Usha Titus said respectively. Kunnu and Charang villages in well as all the state universities that the new arrangement has been Kinnaur's Pooh subdivision, known and the lone central university in made to compensate for the gap and INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE horsebacks or even airlifting the where in April-May. uthorities blamed the for growing peas, are among the the state located to ensure that the vaccine to reach remote habita- “A large number of elderly peo- Alocals, who are largely remotest habitats where locals have in Kasaragod academic session Shimla, Jan 4: With the authori- tions like the previous pulse polio ple living in remote villages across Buddhist farmers growing to trudge some 15-20 km to reach have com- continues nor- ties gearing up to undertake the programmes. the district normally move to lower barley, potatoes, wheat and nearby health centre. While Charang menced their mally. Titus said: coronavirus vaccination in the com- Officials told IANS that vacci- elevations during winter,” he pointed black peas, for the virus spread has 50 households, Kunnu has 30. classes. Only 50 “The working pat- ing weeks, tough Himalayan ter- nating the elderly will be a chal- out. as they were reluctant to go to Locals rue that the condition of per cent of stu- tern will adhere to rain and inclement weather con- lenge as a large population lived Health officials say their staff hospitals owing to belief that road is so bad that they can't even dents will be al- the University ditions in Himachal Pradesh are in rural areas, where maintaining will have to traverse at least three they will be automatically walk on it. Large pits pose threat of lowed in each Grants likely to put up roadblocks in the hill cold chain facilities and ferrying the days on foot from the nearest road cured with the blessings of a accidents. There are several ham- class based on Commission’s state’s immunisation plans. vaccine would be a big hurdle. heads to the remotest hamlet Bara local deity. lets across Lahaul-Spiti district and the strength, in guidelines which Officials say these villages are But they say they won’t see a Bhangal in Kangra district for the Pangi in Chamba district where lo- compliance with strict Covid-19 mandate 40 working hours a week, located across Kinnaur and Lahaul- vaccine phase for the elderly peo- vaccination programme. a health official added. In such a case, cals have to trek more than 10 km norms. of which 16 hours had to be dedicated Spiti districts and interiors of ple before April in India. The journey for Bara Bhangal, airlifting the vaccine is the only to reach the health centre. Kinnaur Parvathi Babu, a third year BA to the classes of assistant profes- Chamba, Kullu, Sirmaur and Shimla Chief Medical Officer part of the Dhauladhar Wildlife option. and Lahaul-Spiti are part of the political science student of a col- sors and 14 hours for associate pro- districts. Gurdarshan Gupta, who is posted Sanctuary that remains cut off from Bara Bhangal has a population sprawling Mandi parliamentary lege in Thiruvananthapuram told fessors and professors.” Transport But the health authorities are in Dharamsala in Kangra district, the rest of the world for over six of around 400. During winters, most constituency that covers almost IANS: “It’s an excitement to be Minister AK Saseendran told media determined not to let roadblocks told IANS Sunday that in the first months due to heavy snow, is 65 of them migrate to Bir village in two third of the hill state. The among the classmates and teachers that he has already directed the come in their way. They plan to and second phases of Covid-19 vac- km from the last village that is con- Baijnath tehsil, near Palampur Buddhist-dominated districts in in physical form after such a long Kerala State Road Transport take the immunisation programme cine inoculation, only healthcare and nected by road. And if that entire town, some 250 km from Shimla. the Himalayan terrain, with ele- gap. We were in virtual world for Corporation to immediately take ac- to new heights by trudging miles of frontline staff would be given the region remains under heavy snow “These days, 147 people, mostly vations ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 the past nine months.” tion regarding the roll-out of travel rugged, cold and inhospitable ter- shots. The phase to vaccinate the eld- cover at that time, it won’t be pos- young persons, remain in the village. feet above the mean sea level share However, some teachers have concession to students. rains, sometimes traversing on erly will come thereafter -- some- sible to send a team there on foot, So if the situation demands at the a porous border with China. Team of seven rescues 100 Kanthalloor: The ‘Nalanda’ of south India THE KERALA CAPITAL CAN BOAST OF AN ANCIENT UNIVERSITY WHICH ACCORDING TO tourists stuck on icy roads HISTORIANS, CULTURAL ACTIVISTS AND ACADEMICIANS, WAS ESTABLISHED 1,200 YEARS AGO

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE about reaching their hotels. “Initially, INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE said, “It is a 1,200-year-old university our team members safely trans- which had taught more than 64 dis- Manali, Jan 4: It was 'Team ported the tourists back to Manali Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 4: ciplines including Martial arts and Raptors', who voluntarily came to in their respective hotels. Later, we The capital city of Kerala can boast Mathematics.” the rescue of nearly 100 tourists told the administration to make of an ancient university which ac- Kishore said “I was astonished stuck on the icy roads overlooking their arrangement for transporta- cording to historians, cultural ac- when children in General knowledge the picturesque tourist resort of tion mid-way so that timely assis- tivists and academicians, was es- class were mentioning Kanthalloor Manali in Himachal Pradesh at al- tance could be extended to more tablished 1,200 years ago. Sala as the Nalanda University of titudes ranging above 3,000 metres stranded tourists,” Rana said. Ullas Sreedhar, historian and south India and here my inquisi- this weekend, and won accolades for “I am extremely grateful to Team journalist, while speaking to IANS, tiveness commenced and I ended their exemplary act. Raptors for rescuing me and my said, “Kanthalloor was a univer- up making this documentary.” The The heavy snowfall Saturday entire family,” said Akhil Dubey, a sity constituted by Aayi kingdom teacher has conducted several shows evening coupled with slippery roads tourist from Delhi. in 852 AD. This can be seen as the of his documentary in various in the 12-km avalanche prone stretch “The much publicised tourist des- first university with multi disci- schools, universities and academic between the Solang ski slopes and the tination Manali has no disaster man- pline subjects being taught in this institutions. newly opened Atal Tunnel Rohtang Monday that the rescue operation agement strategy,” remarked tourist part of the world.” Malayinkeezhu Gopalakrishnan turned joy into a nightmarish ex- was tricky owing to poor visibility Shalini Verma. “The roads often get To revoke the memories of Shiva temple at Valiyasala in in existence during those days and said that while there is a hot de- perience for the nearly 300 tourists. and inclement weather. clogged, and the snow makes it risky Kanthaloor University, 'Kanthalloor Thiruvananthapuram is the only this was mentioned in the manu- bate between historians and acad- The tourists were trapped in “A large number of panicky to drive on them, especially for non- Sabha' - a gathering of historians, remnant of those days. scripts of olden times.” emicians on whether the univer- their vehicles. It was Team Raptors, tourists along with children left Himachali motorists. Nobody is journalists and cultural activists re- The argument is that the uni- Kanthalloor University had taught sity existed at Valiya Chola Sala comprising seven local youths, their vehicles behind and started there to assist in case of a natural cently conducted a programme on versity existed on the premises of 64 disciplines including Mathematics, Purayidam and Neyyatinakara, who are experts in off-road mo- trudging on snow-laden road to- calamity. When the administration Vedas, Mantras and science of ear- the temple or rather the students of Chemistry, Martial Arts, Astrology, the possibilities of the university toring, that came to the rescue of wards Manali,” Rana, who cap- knows about the prediction of heavy lier days. Writings in copper plates 'Kanthalloor Sala' used to pray in this Astronomy and Ayurveda, accord- being situated at Valiyasala is more

nearly 100 tourists. They assisted the tured the Raid-de-Himalaya -- one snowfall, why they allowed hun- preserved at the museum of Mahadeva temple as it was under ing to research scholars and histo- certain as the ninth century

k y m c local administration and the police of the world's toughest off-road dreds of tourists to move towards the Padmanabhapuram Palace have the 'Gurukula' system of educa- rians who are conducting studies of ‘Anandapura Varnanam’ has ex- in the night-long rescue operation that motor rallies -- 11 times in the four- high hills” she asked. mentioned about Kanthalloor tion those days. Thiruvananthapuram and its his- plicitly referred to it. After the doc- ended Sunday. The remaining tourists wheeler Xtreme category, told IANS. The 9.02-km long Atal Tunnel -- University and its rich history. Senior journalist and historian tory. Kishore Kallara, teacher and umentary of Kishore Kallara, in- were rescued by the administration. He said seven members of Team the world’s longest motorable tun- Historians said that the univer- of Thiruvananthapuram, historian who had produced and terest has cropped up among Ace off-road rallyist Suresh Rana, Raptors first started rescuing those nel -- has 45 avalanche-prone spots, sity was spread across 500 acres of Malayinkeezhu Gopalakrishnan directed the documentary 'Enittum students and academicians on founder of Team Raptors, told IANS who were walking with no idea officials said. land and the majestic Kanthalloor said “Kanthalloor university was Kanthalloor' while speaking to IANS Kanthalloor Sala. P8 STEPS TO SUCCESS TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR Ayurveda, Unani and homeopathy have a lot of In a first of its kind initiative to potential in treatment of promote education of the girl child, various diseases but it Assam Education Minister Himanta was not taken forward Biswa Sarma has said every school- y going girl student will get Rs 100 per national YOGI ADITYANATH | UTTAR PRADESH

CHIEF MINISTER day for attending classes

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of the day uote China used ‘unorthodox ‘Over 1,565 deaths due to extreme weather in 2020’ In such a BIHAR LOST THE IMD, the year 2020 was the eighth situation, the warmest year since it started main- government MAXIMUM NUMBER OF should come taining records in 1901. "However, forward to help the weapons’ at LAC: MoD 379 LIVES DUE TO FLOOD, this is substantially lower than the affected families THUNDERSTORM, highest warming observed over without delay. If the India during 2016 (plus 0.71 degree present government does not do LIGHTNING AND COLD Celsius),” the IMD said. “During the this, then this work will be done year, annual mean land surface air whenever the next Congress WAVE, FOLLOWED BY temperature averaged over the government is formed UTTAR PRADESH (356), country was 0.29 degree Celsius above normal (based on the data of BHUPINDER SINGH HOODA | HARYANA LEADER OF OPPOSITION IT SAID IN A REPORT 1981-2010)," the IMD said in a state- ment on Climate of India during PRESS TRUST OF INDIA 2020. "The year 2020 was the eighth Netaji's Representative image warmest year on record since na- Planning New Delhi, Jan 4: Extreme weather tion-wide records commenced in Commission conditions led to the death of more based on media reports. 122 in Jharkhand, 72 in Madhya 1901. However, this is substantially has been dissolved INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE than 1,565 people last year with Heavy rainfall and flood-related Pradesh, 23 in Maharashtra and 20 lower than the highest warming by the central thunderstorm and lightning claim- incidents reportedly claimed more in Andhra Pradesh, according to the observed over India during 2016 government. They New Delhi, Jan 4: China's People SHOCKING REPORT ing the lives of 815 of them, the than 600 lives in different parts of IMD report. Cold wave conditions, (+0.71 degree Celsius),” it said. have named it (the Liberation Army escalated the sit- India Meteorological Department the country during pre-monsoon, which mainly prevailed over cen- The five warmest years on record new body which replaced the he ministry also pointed that uation at Line of Actual Control in TChinese made unilateral and (IMD) said on Monday. monsoon and post-monsoon sea- tral parts of the country, especially in order were: 2016 (+ 0.71 degree C), institution) Niti Aayog or Niti Niyog, Eastern Ladakh by utilisation of Bihar lost the maximum number sons, it said. Of these, Assam lost in the month of January, caused 2009 (+0.55 degree C), 2017 (+0.541 de- I do not know. Earlier, I used to go provocative actions to change the "unorthodox weapons and amass- of 379 lives due to flood, thunder- 129 lives, Kerala 72, Telangana 61, about 150 deaths, the IMD said. gree C), 2010 (+0.539 degrees C), for meetings of the Planning status quo by force, in more than ing large number of troops", said storm, lightning and cold wave, fol- Bihar 54, Maharashtra 50, Uttar Of these deaths, 88 were reported Commission which sought one area on the Line of Actual and 2015 (+0.42 degree C). Twelve suggestions from each state. Now the Ministry of Defence in its year- Control (LAC) lowed by Uttar Pradesh (356), it Pradesh 48 and Himachal Pradesh from Uttar Pradesh alone, 45 from out of the 15 warmest years since we cannot share our views end review. said in a report. The weather de- 38. Of the 815 deaths due to thun- Bihar and 16 from Jharkhand. The 1901 were during the last 15 years The ministry also pointed that ndia responded to it in a firm partment said the number of deaths derstorm and lightning, 280 oc- deaths in Bihar were on a single day -- between 2006 and 2020, accord- and non-escalatory way, ensuring MAMATA BANERJEE | WEST BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER Chinese made unilateral and I due to extreme weather events were curred in Bihar, 220 in Uttar Pradesh, on January 1. According to the ing to the IMD data. the sanctity of our claims in provocative actions to change the Eastern Ladakh status quo by force, in more than We needed a vaccine one area on the Line of Actual Residual terrorist against Control (LAC). India responded to ployment, pre-empted Chinese ex- WINTER WONDERLAND COVID. The it in a firm and non-escalatory way, pansionist designs and occupied strength in Kashmir Herculean efforts ensuring the sanctity of our claims heights along the southern bank of made by our in Eastern Ladakh. Pangong Tso. currently below 200 scientists have "Indian Army has maintained all Braving inclement weather, own finally paid off. Today, we have protocols and Agreements between troops continue to be deployed on INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE several vaccines that have been the two countries while the PLA es- these heights,a the ministry pointed. developed across the world, two of calated the situation by utilisation Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) New Delhi, Jan 4: Residual ter- which have been developed at a of unorthodox weapons and amass- and winter preparations for the rorist strength in Jammu and record-breaking speed and granted ing large number of troops," the enhanced strength has been com- Kashmir is currently below 200, authorisation in India ministry said. The year end re- pleted and troops are well en- said the Ministry of Defence in its HARSH VARDHAN | UNION SCIENCE AND view stated that Indian Army with trenched to counter any misad- annual review. The ministry also TECHNOLOGY MINISTER assistance from Indian Air Force, venture by Chinese forces. pointed out that local recruitment mobilised troops including accre- The ministry also said that India is decreasing giving a serious blow tionary forces in a very short du- categorically conveyed China that to the nefarious designs of Pakistan SHORT TAKES ration including heavy equipment any attempt to unilaterally alter to "indigenise" the movement and like guns, tanks as also ammunition, the status quo at the border is un- fuel unrest in the valley. Srinagar encounter: rations and clothing. "Our engi- acceptable and that India is deter- "Well synergised, intelligence- neers constructed roads, accom- mined to protect its sovereignty based operations have resulted in Families seek bodies modation shelters and bridges to and territorial integrity. significant successes and have assist troop deployment," said the The ministry also stated that to considerably degraded terrorist Srinagar: Families of three ministry adding that in a major make the Indian Army future- leadership and their capabilities alleged militants, killed in an encounter with security skirmish in Galwan, 20 brave Indian ready, budgetary constraints for in Jammu and Kashmir," the min- forces at Parimpora on the soldiers lost their lives while pre- capability development and meet- istry said. outskirts of the city last venting PLA troops from ingress- ing other requirements have been week, on Monday demanded ing into our territory. The Chinese removed. the return of their bodies and also suffered significant casual- India and China are engaged in a fair investigation into the ties. Later August 28 and 29, 2020, a nine-month-long standoff at the incident. According to Indian troops in a precautionary de- LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Pedestrians walk across a snow-covered road during heavy snowfall, in Srinagar PTI PHOTO security forces, Ajaz Maqbool Ganai, Zubair Ahmad Lone and Athar Mushtaq Wani were killed in an encounter on December Mumbai’s jumbo hosps to ARCTIC EXPEDITION Attempts to spread violence 31. Police said while they South of Pir Panjal Range have were not listed as terrorists in been comprehensively defeated their records, two of them TO RESUME IN JUNE by proactive operations. It is South had “radical” thoughts. work as vaccination centres of Pir Panjal Range from where ter- “Last year, the expedition was cancelled because of rorists from Pakistan make at- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE COVID-19 outbreak. This year, we are resuming the tempts to infiltrate in the valley. Sanjay Raut’s wife The ministry also said that pos- reaches ED office Mumbai, Jan 4: The jumbo Covid expedition. It will be held from June to October,” sible steps are being taken to pro- Care Centres set up in Mumbai M Ravichandran, Director NCPOR said vide a secure environment to the Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP after the Covid-19 pandemic out- people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sanjay Raut's wife Varsha break will now be transformed into PRESS TRUST OF INDIA in the expedition in the batches Attempts of inimical elements reached the Enforcement mega-vaccination centres by the of 10 at a time. India embarked to mislead people by running dis- Directorate (ED) office here BrihanMumbai Municipal Panaji, Jan 4: After a gap of a upon the Arctic research by information campaigns were de- Monday afternoon for Corporation, officials said here year due to COVID-19 pandemic, launching first scientific expe- feated by proactively monitoring questioning in connection Monday. India's annual expedition to the dition to Arctic in the first week the situation and engaging with the with an alleged transaction "We shall convert the Covid jumbo Arctic will resume this year in the of August, 2007, using the inter- local population. linked to the PMC Bank field hospitals now into vaccina- month of June, a senior Union national research facility in the money laundering case, a tion centres for public benefit," government official said Monday. Spitsbergen Island of Norway. police official said. According said BMC Additional Municipal Talking to reporters in Vasco Subsequently, India has been India condemns to the official, Varsha Raut Commissioner Suresh Kakani who town, about 30 kms away from sending scientific teams every reached the ED office at Ballard earlier inspected the sprawling fa- here, M Ravichandran, Director, summer and winter for carry- terrorist attacks Pier in South Mumbai around 3 pm after she was summoned cilities, designed on the lines of National Centre for Polar and ing out studies in the Arctic, by the central agency. the Wuhan field hospitals. Ocean Research (NCPOR), said the primarily in the fields of glaciol- in S.Niger In the initial stages, the BMC cinated daily at the periphery hos- are proposed to be vaccinated at annual expedition to the Arctic ogy, hydrochemistry, microbi- plans to conduct vaccination drives pitals like Bhabha in Bandra, V.N. the jumbo Covid centres. region will be held from June to ology, and atmospheric sciences. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA at its four big hospitals - King Desai in Santacruz, Rajawadi in The mega-facilities are at the October. "Last year, the expedition Ravichandran said the crew Rains drench Edward Memorial at Parel, Ghatkopar and Dr B.R. Ambedkar NSCI in Worli, R&D Complex at was cancelled because of COVID- will embark on the mission by New Delhi, Jan 4: India Monday Delhi for 2nd day B.Y.L. Nair in Mumbai Central, in Kandivali. Byculla, BKC, NESCO in Goregaon 19 outbreak. This year, we are re- flight. "There's a science vil- strongly condemned the terror- R.N. Cooper at Vile Parle and This would take care of a total of and one each in Dahisar and suming the expedition. It will be lage in the Arctic where repre- ist attacks in southwestern Niger New Delhi: Delhi received Lokmanya Tilak at Sion, which 12,000 vaccinations daily covering Mulund, which are currently lying held from June to October," he sentatives of seven countries that left over 70 civilians dead and light rain for the second are equipped to vaccinate 2,000 the priority groups like health virtually vacant owing to the steep said. He said about 150-200 crew would stay together," many injured. consecutive day Monday, persons daily each. workers, police, security, and other decline in cases in Mumbai in the from India would be participating Ravichandran said. The Ministry of External Affairs even as the minimum Besides, 1,000 each shall be vac- frontline workers, etc, and the rest past couple of months. (MEA) said India has always op- temperature rose to 11.4 posed and rejected terrorism in degrees Celsius due to a all its forms and manifestations cloud cover over the city, the and urged concerted global action India Meteorological against the menace, including Department (IMD) said. The cross-border terrorism. Over 70 Safdarjung Observatory, Scientists identify ways of preventing next pandemic which provides representative people were killed and many injured data for the city, recorded a in terror attacks on two villages in minimum temperature of 11.4 PRESS TRUST OF INDIA tential is created by the combined single pathogen in the world's southwestern Niger on Saturday. degrees Celsius, four notches forces of land-use change, high pop- wildlife would be close to impossi- In a statement, the MEA said above normal and the highest New Delhi, Jan 4: How to prevent ulation density and the presence ble, but new methods using ma- India stands in solidarity with in the last 22 days. the next pandemic? As 2021 begins of interfaces between wildlife and chine learning algorithms can be the government and people of with COVID-19 continuing its global domestic animals. “We are only used to generate a catalogue of Niger in the fight against terror- spread, scientists have spotlighted as strong as our weakest 'link' given pathogens from which the animal ism. "India strongly condemns Naxal held three approaches to at least reduce our globally connected society," host and place where the next out- the terrorist attacks in south- the risk of pandemic potential dis- Krutika Kuppalli, an expert in break may happen could be pre- western Niger on January 2, where Bijapur: A Naxal wanted for eases – screening animals, reducing emerging infectious diseases affil- dicted. One such international more than 70 civilians have been attacks on police and land-use change and improving iated with the Stanford University collaborative project that came into killed and many injured. We ex- kidnapping of civilians as well health infrastructure. School of Medicine in the US, told the spotlight in 2020 was USAID's tend our deepest condolences to as other serious offences was There can be no one answer to the PTI. Manuel Ruiz, wildlife PREDICT, which aimed to the families of the victims and arrested from Chhattisgarh's question at the centre of an anxious veterinarian at Montana State strengthen global capacity for the to the people and government of Bijapur district, an official said debate across a world coping with University in the US, added that detection of new viruses with pan- Niger," it said. Monday. Punem Binda (48) COVID-19 and wondering what will one of the best ways to prevent the demic potential. Working with "India stands in solidarity with had a reward of Rs 1 lakh on happen if another one comes, but next pandemic is to "sample animals over 30 countries and screening the Government and people of y his head and was the global scientific community across the world to characterise Earlier in the pandemic, it became mated that COVID-19 may likely more than 1,64,000 animals and peo- Niger in the fight against terror- apprehended on Sunday from

has been working on multiple tracks potential pathogens”. clear that efforts applying scien- cost the global economy between ple, the project has detected nearly ism. India has always opposed

k y m his native Marudbaka village c under Usoor police station to ensure that humankind is better Instead of spending money to tific approaches to prevent the next USD 8.1 and 15.8 trillion. It added that 100 novel viruses globally, including and rejected terrorism in all its limits in an anti-Naxal prepared. curb outbreaks once they occurred, big outbreak could cost countries preventing major outbreaks could the Bombali ebolavirus and the forms and manifestations and has operation of the Central Following several multidiscipli- “we could invest in reforestation way less than the expenditures they be 500 times cheaper than the ex- deadly Marburg virus. The PRE- urged concerted action by the in- Reserve Police Force nary studies in 2020, scientists now and in trying to change the way we have meted out to control COVID- penditures meted out to curb the on- DICT project by the US has created ternational community against (CRPF) and District Force firmly believe a “perfect storm” interact with wildlife, and alter our 19. A study published in going pandemic According to this big dataset of viruses circu- terrorism, including cross-border (DF), he said. for an outbreak with pandemic po- level of land-use change", Ruiz said. July in the journal Science esti- Ruiz, detecting or classifying every lating in bats and other wildlife. terrorism," it said. SEVERAL PARTS OF NORTH P9 I feel proud TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR and content that in such INDIA WITNESS RAINS unfavourable conditions Several parts of north India (COVID-19), Maharashtra witnessed light to moderate rains has not stopped and will due to a western disturbance and never stop above-normal temperatures on y national UDDHAV THACKERAY | Monday, the India Meteorological

MAHARASHTRA CHIEF MINISTER

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of the day uote TN govt allows 100% occupancy Gujarat is fully Bharat Biotech hits out at critics equipped for vaccination COVAXIN, INDIA’S INDIGENOUS COVID-19 VACCINE BY BHARAT BIOTECH, IS DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ICMR - NIV in cinema halls against COVID-19. Soon, the Made in India vaccine will be AGENCIES has got extensive research experi- available and the ence and extensive publication (in) New COVID-19 strain: vaccination process will start Hyderabad, Jan 4: Amid questions peer reviewed journals. Many peo- raised by industry experts and op- ple say that I am not transparent in Total 38 test positive VIJAY RUPANI | GUJARAT CHIEF MINISTER position parties on the emergency my data. I think people should have total of 38 people have tested approval to its coronavirus vaccine the patience to read (on) internet and positive for the new UK Covaxin without publication of ef- look at what our articles are," he said. All types of Avariant of SARS-CoV-2 in ficacy data, Bharat Biotech's chair- The approval by the Indian drug arrangements India so far, the Union Health man Monday hit out at critics say- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE have been regulator to Covaxin without re- Ministry said Monday. These made. I have ing his firm had carried out "200 per vealing its efficacy results has been include the 29 cases which were decided not to get cent honest clinical trials". questioned by industry experts and announced till Friday. All these Chennai, Jan 4: Lending its ears vaccinated for now. Speaking to reporters at a vir- opposition Congress. On Sunday, people have been kept in single to the demand of the owners, the First, we will ensure tual press conference, Krishna Ella Congress chief spokesperson room isolation in designated Tamil Nadu government on Monday that the priority groups get said his firm has a track record of Randeep Surjewala lauded scientists healthcare facilities by respective permitted 100 per cent occupancy vaccinated and later I will go for producing safe and efficacious vac- and researchers of Bharat Biotech state governments and their close in cinema halls in the state. vaccination cines and was transparent with all for the indigenous vaccine but the contacts have also been put under According to the government, data. "We are not just conducting quarantine, the ministry said. the decision was taken as the num- SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN | party's senior leaders like Anand MADHYA PRADESH CHIEF MINISTER clinical trials in India. We have Sharma, Jairam Ramesh and Shashi ber of Covid-19 infections was done clinical trials in more than Tharoor raised concerns over the gency approval, he said the emer- coming down in the state. 12 countries including the UK," he grant of approval to its vaccine gency use authorisation was based The government had earlier If a minister of said. "Many people are just gos- 16 vaccines, he pointed out. He also said the Bharat Biotech without the phase 3 trials, saying it on 2019 rules of the Government of permitted theatres to screen movies the Indian siping everything in a different di- "We are not just an Indian com- vaccine is not inferior to that de- is "premature" and can prove dan- India and went on to state that even with 50 per cent occupancy. government rection to just backlash on Indian pany, we are truly a global com- The decision comes ahead of coming to West veloped by Pfizer. "You look at Pfizer. gerous. Reacting to the allegations, the US grants emergency authori- Bengal is termed as companies, that is not right for us. pany. People should not accuse us They have five publications (of vac- Ella said he does not have any po- sation to a company with good im- the Pongal festival when new an outsider, then I We don't deserve that." that we don't know clinical re- cine data). Bharat Biotech (has) litical affiliations and he is a scientist. munisation data. movies are slated for release and want to ask that Covaxin addresses an unmet search...," he said. Without nam- five publications. We are no way "Don't accuse us of inexperience... He alleged that AstraZeneca, also new coronavirus clusters -- star people from which place are medical need and has generated ing Serum Institute CEO Adar inferior to Pfizer in terms of pub- We are not just an Indian company, which has developed a vaccine for hotels, IIT-Madras -- are cropping considered as insiders excellent safety data with robust Poonawalla, who had termed vac- lication (of data)," Ella said. we are truly a global company," Ella COVID-19, was administering up. The government's decision immune response to multiple viral cines other than that of Pfizer, Ella said it was wrong to say said. He said Covaxin is currently Paracetamol to volunteers along comes in the wake of actor Vijay ANURAG THAKUR | proteins that persist, he said. Ella Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca Bharat Biotech was not transparent undergoing phase 3 clinical trials with the antidote leading to sup- meeting Tamil Nadu Chief UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE said his company had carried out as "just like water", Ella said, "We with data and went on to cite the involving 24,000 volunteers with pression of "adverse reaction" if Minister K. Palaniswami, who "200 per cent honest clinical trials". do 200 per cent honest clinical tri- number of publications by the com- less than 10 per cent side effects any. Bharat Biotech was the first to made a request to allow 100 per cent "Give me one week's time, I will als and yet we receive backlash. If pany in comparison with industry and the efficacy data is expected identify the Zika virus and the first occupancy in the theatres. Vijay's give you confirmed data," he said. I am wrong, tell me. Some compa- peers. "I think we are the only com- to be published in March. Defending to file global patents for the Zika and movie "Master" is set for release Bharat Biotech has manufactured nies have branded me like water." pany I can categorically say (which) the decision to award Covaxin emer- Chikungunya vaccines, he said. during Pongal. SHORT TAKES Sovan Chatterjee GOLDEN FIELD skips BJP roadshow ‘UP’s anti-conversion Kolkata: BJP's Kolkata zone observer and former city mayor Sovan Chatterjee on law applies to all’ Monday skipped a party roadshow that he was scheduled to lead in the PRESS TRUST OF INDIA stitutions of governance are metropolis. Chatterjee could "steeped in communal poison". not attend the rally due to New Delhi, Jan 4: Defending the They had sought repeal of the law, the sudden illness of his anti-conversion law enacted by the saying it is being used to particu- friend Baisakhi Banerjee, BJP Yogi Adityanath government in lary victimise Muslim men. sources said. The roadshow, Uttar Pradesh, a group of former Countering them, the Monday state- led by senior BJP leaders judges, civil servants and veterans ment said 'Ganga-Jamuni' culture, Kailash Vijayvargiya, Mukul Monday hit out at its critics, saying a colloquial term for peaceful in- Roy and Arjun Singh, came they seem to have "usurped" the terfaith existence, does not stand face-to-face with a TMC street-corner meeting near constitutional power of judicial re- for unlawful conversions with crim- Kidderpore. view to put every law of the land to inal intent, leading to murders, the "test of their own whims". mutilation, torture and betrayal In a statement signed by 224 per- of women in particular. sons, including those from academia, "We strongly believe in a secular Farmer commits they claimed that the Uttar Pradesh India with harmonious coexistence suicide in Gujarat Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of people of all faiths, and consider of Religion Ordinance, referred as unlawful conversions with wrong- Mahisagar: A 70-year-old 'love jihad' law by Hindutva groups, ful intent and questionable means farmer has allegedly applies to everyone and safeguards a threat to communal harmony. We committed suicide in the dignity of women. urge all state governments to dis- Gujarat's Mahisagar district, Slamming the law's critics for charge their functions in the best pub- apparently over delay in terming it illegal and anti-Muslim, lic interest in maintaining law and A woman works in a mustard field during a cold winter morning at a village on the outskirts of Ajmer PTI PHOTO release of funds to construct the statement alleged that it is a order, social harmony and dignity a house sanctioned to him "shocking obsession of this biased of women without succumbing to under a government scheme, police said Monday. group to stoke communal fire by in- any pressures," it said. The signa- IT dept quizzes Vadra Balwantsinh Charan, hailing stigating the religious minorities". tories said the former civil servants, from Vandarved village in Former UP chief secretary who had issued a statement slam- IIT DELHI, AIIA TO DEVELOP for 9 hrs in benami Mahisagar, hanged himself Yogendra Narain, former Punjab ming the law, should have kept in from the ceiling near a chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, mind that even prior to India's in- properties case staircase on the second former Haryana chief secretary dependence, princely states, in- floor of Bakor taluka Dharam Vir, former Delhi High cluding Kota, Patna, Surguja, DEVICE FOR WOUND HEALING INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE panchayat's office during Court chief justice Rajendra Menon, Udaipur, and Kalahandi, had passed Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest known medical systems, which originated in India working hours Saturday former ambassador Lakshmi Puri laws regarding religious conver- New Delhi, Jan 4: Income Tax afternoon, they said. and former Maharashtra DGP sions. After independence, Orissa, department officials on Monday Praveen Dixit are among the sig- Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal PRESS TRUST OF INDIA formulations and practices in- questioned Congress President natories to the statement. Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and clude -- effect of the six Ayurvedic Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Six killed in Their support to the law came days Uttarakhand among others had leg- New Delhi, Jan 4: The Indian rasas (tastes) on gastrointestinal Vadra for over nine hours in con- after 104 retired civil servants al- islated on matters relating to un- Institute of Technology (IIT) here secretions; developing herbal for- nection with the probe into the road mishap leged that Uttar Pradesh has become lawful conversions, they noted, and the All India Institute of mulations that would reduce the 'benami' properties case. the "epicentre of politics of hate, Ayurveda (AIIA) have joined hands harmful effects of reusing cook- However, Vadra described his Gajraula (UP): A cattle- adding that new laws reflect the laden truck overturned division and bigotry" and the in- evolving needs of a dynamic society. to work on seven collaborative ing oil; developing a biodegradable, questioning as "vendetta politics" after suffering a tyre burst projects including development herbal wound dressing; studying and said that the government is try- on the Delhi-Moradabad of herbal wound dressing, a fu- the effects of the 'Brahmari ing to divert attention from the highway Monday, leaving migation device for aiding wound pranayama' on the nervous system; ongoing farmers' protest. six people dead and 10 healing and a herbal formulation analysing the impacts of bhas- A team of I-T department sleuths others seriously injured, to reduce the harmful effects of mas (ashes) on proteins impli- on Monday morning arrived at officials said. The truck was reusing cooking oil. cated in neurodegenerative the Sukhdev Vihar residential going to Sambal from Jaipur "The amalgamation of tradi- tems is the key, in order to make diseases; developing a 'dhoopan- premises of Vadra who is mar- when the accident took tional knowledge with technol- these forms of medicine more yantra' - a fumigation device for aid- ried to Congress General Secretary place near Mohamdabad ogy is expected to benefit the so- widely acceptable worldwide," IIT ing wound healing; and early Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. village, they said. The ciety at large by offering better Delhi Director V Ramgopal Rao cancer detection and assessment deceased are yet to health care options. Validation of said. The seven collaborative proj- of breast cancer response to identified. The bodies have the traditional knowledge sys- ects focusing on various Ayurvedic Ayurvedic drugs. been sent for postmortem. Representative image Can’t confiscate animals before owner convicted: SC to Centre

PNN/AGENCIES rules are contrary to the law, and in- framed under the Prevention of The bench scheduled the matter sisted that the court would stay Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, were for further hearing on January 11, Earlier in the day, an I-T de- New Delhi, Jan 4: The Supreme them. The law provides that ani- notified on May 23, 2017. after Sud sought time to allow him partment source related to the Court Monday told the Centre that mals can be confiscated only if the The top court emphasised that the to take instructions in the matter. probe told IANS, "An I-T team is rules notified in 2017 for confiscat- owner is convicted under the Act. animals are a source of livelihood The Buffalo Traders Welfare at Vadra's residence to record his ing animals of traders and trans- The court told the Centre's counsel for the people concerned. "Animals Association had moved the top court statement in the benami proper- porters would be stayed if not either that it cannot confiscate animals and are a source of livelihood. We are challenging the constitutional va- ties matter." withdrawn or amended. keep them before the owner is con- not talking about pet dogs and cats. lidity of these rules. The traders have The team of sleuths left his res- A bench headed by Chief Justice victed. "Your rules are contrary. People live on the basis of their an- claimed they were being forcibly idence at 6 p.m. The team arrived S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices You either withdraw it or we will stay imals," said the bench. deprived of their cattle which are at his residence as he was unable A.S. Bopanna and V. it," noted the bench. Additional Solicitor General sent to 'gaushalas'. In July 2019, the to join the investigation due to y Ramasubramanian asked the Centre A plea by traders' associations Jayant K. Sud, representing Centre, apex court had asked for the Centre's Covid pandemic.

to either withdraw or amend rules have claimed the seizure of their at the beginning of the hearing response on the traders' plea. Speaking to the media outside

k y m c notified in 2017 for confiscating an- livestock, which supports liveli- submitted before the bench that The Rules have emboldened “anti- his residence after the team left his imals of traders and transporters hood of their families, was being the 2017 rules have been notified. The social elements” to take matters house, Vadra said, "I replied to all during the pendency of trial in done under the 2017 rules. The bench replied the government can- mitted that the rules have been no- "We cannot have a situation where into their own hands and loot cat- the questions asked by the I-T de- cases under the Prevention of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals not confiscate the cattle and keep tified. The bench replied the rules the rule is running contrary to the tle traders and it has become a partment sleuths in nine hours. If Cruelty to Animals Act. (Care and Maintenance of Case them before a person is convicted. are clear that only the person who express provision of the Act," said cause for polarisation of society, they come once again, I will share The top court observed that the Property Animals) Rules, 2017 Citing atrocities on animals, Sud sub- is convicted can lose the animal. the bench. the petitioner added. my answers with them." There’s no NEW COIN TO MARK UK P10 way I lost TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR Georgia... I just want QUEEN’S 95TH B’DAY to find 11,780 votes, The UK's Royal Mint has announced which is one more that it will commemorate Queen than we have. Elizabeth II’s 95th birthday with a new Because we won £5 coin. On April 21, Queen Elizabeth II international the state will become the first UK monarch to

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT turn 95-years-old, the BBC reported

k y m | c of the day uote NIGER VILLAGE India’s S-400 deal with Russia may trigger US sanctions: Report ATTACKS My PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Congress for them to take informed on Turkey for procuring the S-400 government is decisions, the report went on to warn missile systems under a $2.5 bil- mulling the KILLED 100: PM Washington, Jan 4: India’s multi- that “India's multi-billion dollar deal declaration of lion deal, saying Moscow does not another state of billion dollar deal to purchase the to purchase the Russian-made S-400 recognise such unilateral actions. REUTERS emergency in Tokyo Russian-made S-400 air defence sys- air defence system may trigger US “We do not recognise or welcome and three tem may trigger US sanctions on sanctions on India under the unilateral sanctions as a language Niamey, Jan 4: One hundred surrounding prefectures due to an New Delhi, a US Congressional re- Countering America’s Adversaries or tool or instrument of interstate people were killed Saturday in at- unabated Covid-19 resurgence in port has warned. Through Sanctions Act.” or international relations, other tacks on two villages in west- those areas The Congressional Research The CRS’ reports are neither an than those applied by the UN ern Niger, Prime Minister Brigi Service (CRS) - an independent and official report of the US Congress Security Council, this is also the case Rafini said following one of the YOSHIHIDE SUGA | JAPANESE PRIME bipartisan research wing of US nor reflect the view of Congressmen. of Turkey,” he said. deadliest days in recent mem- MINISTER Congress - in its latest report to They are prepared by independent tract may invite US sanctions. fence deals with India including “As far as India is concerned, we ory for a country ravaged by Congress, said India is “eager for experts for the lawmakers to take In 2019, India made the first the supply of a batch of S-400 mis- share the same platform. India’s Islamist violence. more technology-sharing and co- informed decisions. tranche of payment of around $800 sile systems is advancing well position is also crystal clear. No Rafini announced the death We need a production initiatives, while the In October 2018, India had signed toll in remarks broadcast on na- Constitution million to Russia for the missile notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions are acknowledged other which is the United States urges more reforms a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to systems. The S-400 is known as sanctions. than those imposed by the UN tional television Sunday from a foundation of the in India's defence offsets policy and buy five units of the S-400 air defence Russia’s most advanced long-range At a press conference in New Security Council. Whatever the fu- visit to the zone, near the border establishment of the higher Foreign Direct Investment missile systems, despite a warn- surface-to-air missile defence system. Delhi last month, Russian ambas- ture is, we believe that our ties with Mali. He did not say who future democratic caps in its defence sector.” ing from the Trump administra- Last month, Russia had said that sador to India Nikolay Kudashev ap- could withstand the coming chal- was responsible. federal union Prepared for the members of the tion that going ahead with the con- implementation of its ongoing de- peared to criticise the US sanctions lenges,” he said. Security sources said on complying with principles and Saturday that at least 70 civilians standards had been killed in simultaneous raids by suspected Islamist mili- U WIN MYINT | MYANMAR PRESIDENT tants on the villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye. ‘Iran begins 20 pc Niger has suffered repeated at- The (Covid-19) Bill introduced in US House to tacks by militants linked to al deaths are Qaeda and Islamic State near its real deaths. borders with Mali and Burkina The jam-packed uranium enrichment’ Faso. The violence is part of a hospitals and wider security crisis in West stressed-out end Pak’s non-NATO ally status ASSOCIATED PRESS Africa’s Sahel region that has un- healthcare workers nerved Western allies like France, are not fake. That's real The major NATO-ally Tehran, Jan 4: Iran said Monday who have poured troops and re- ANTHONY FAUCI | TOPUSINFECTIOUS it has begun enriching uranium sources into the region. DISEASES EXPERT status allows countries up to 20 per cent at an underground Niger has also seen tit-for-tat to enter into cooperative nuclear facility, a short, technical killings between rival ethnic com- step to weapons-grade levels of 90 munities that have been stoked SHORT TAKES research and development per cent amid escalating tensions by the jihadist violence and com- projects with the with the US. petition for scarce resources. Iranian state television quoted Saturday’s attacks came on the Pastor killed in Department of Defense spokesman Ali Rabiei as saying same day that the electoral com- on a shared-cost basis that President Hassan Rouhani mission announced the results church shooting has given the order for the move at from the first round of the election Washington: A pastor was the Fordo facility. nuclear deal. to replace President Mahamadou killed and two others were PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Iran’s decision to begin enrich- Iran informed the International Issoufou, who is stepping down injured during a shooting at a ing to 20 per cent a decade ago Atomic Energy Agency last week after a decade in power. church in the US state of Washington, Jan 4: On the nearly brought an Israeli strike that it planned to take the step. Texas, police said, adding the first day of the 117th Congress, steps to demonstrate its commit- targeting its nuclear facilities, ten- Shielded by the mountains, Fordo perpetrator was arrested and a lawmaker has introduced a The Bill seeks a presidential ment to preventing the Haqqani sions that only abated with the is ringed by anti-aircraft guns and charged. The incident took Bill in the US House of certification that Pakistan has Network from using any Pakistani 2015 atomic deal. A resumption of other fortifications. It is about the Nepal’s Prachanda place at around 9.20 a.m. Representatives to terminate taken steps to demonstrate its territory as a safe haven and that 20 per cent enrichment could see size of a football field, large enough Sunday at the Starrville the designation of Pakistan as commitment to preventing the the Pakistan government actively that brinksmanship return. to house 3,000 centrifuges, but small to visit India for Methodist Church in Winona, a Major non-NATO ally. Haqqani Network from using any coordinates with Afghanistan to The move comes after President and hardened enough to lead US of- about 360 km north of Introduced by Republican Pakistani territory as a safe restrict the movement of mili- Donald Trump withdrew the US ficials to suspect it had a military wife’s treatment Houston, Xinhua news Congressman Andy Biggs, the Bill haven tants, such as the Haqqani net- unilaterally from Iran’s nuclear purpose when they exposed the agency qooted Larry removes Pakistan’s designation as PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Christian of the Smith County The Bill also asks the President work, along the Afghanistan- deal with world powers in 2018. In site publicly in 2009. Sheriff's Office as saying to a major non-NATO ally, a status to certify that Pakistan has Pakistan border. the time since, there have been a se- The 2015 deal saw Iran agree to reporters. He said that no that allows for various benefits shown progress in arresting and The Bill also asks the President ries of escalating incidents be- limit its enrichment in exchange for Kathmandu, Jan 4: Nepal’s for- services were going on in the such as access to excess US defence prosecuting Haqqani network’s to certify that Pakistan has shown tween the two countries. sanctions relief. The accord also mer Prime Minister and chair- church when the 21-year-old supplies and participation in co- senior leaders and mid-level progress in arresting and prose- Iran’s decision comes after its par- called for Fordo to be turned into a man of a rival faction of the rul- old suspect opened fire. operative defence research and de- operatives cuting Haqqani network’s senior liament passed a bill, later approved research-and-development facility. ing Nepal Communist Party velopment projects. leaders and mid-level operatives. by a constitutional watchdog aimed Under Irans former hard-line Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ The Bill also notes that the US that are contributing to signifi- Trump suspended all financial, at hiking enrichment to pressure President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is travelling to Mumbai for the President cannot issue a separate cantly disrupting the safe haven security aid to Pakistan in 2018 Europe into providing sanctions Tehran began enrichment at the 20 treatment of his ailing wife. Talks on Nile designation of Pakistan as a major and freedom of movement of the Pakistan was named a major relief. It also serves as pressure per cent level. Israel, which has Prachanda, his wife Sita Dahal dam suspended NATO ally unless a presidential Haqqani network in Pakistan. non-NATO ally during the Bush ahead of the inauguration of its own undeclared nuclear weapons and two daughters took a flight certification that Pakistan contin- It also seeks a presidential cer- administration in 2004. Currently, President-elect Joe Biden, who has program, feared Tehran was build- to Mumbai via New Delhi from Khartoum: Sudan, Egypt and ues to conduct military operations tification that Pakistan has taken there are 17 major non-NATO allies. said he is willing to re-enter the ing an atomic bomb. Tribhuvan International Airport Ethiopia have agreed to Monday morning. suspend the tripartite talks Prachanda’s wife has been suf- over the Grand Ethiopian fering from progressive supranu- Renaissance Dam (GERD) SLAIN SCRIBE built on the Nile River, for one Pelosi re-elected as Speaker of clear palsy, a rare brain disorder week. The three countries which has similar symptoms as announced the decision in a Parkinson's disease. She is ex- joint communique issued US House of Representatives pected to undergo treatment at following a video meeting NeuroGen Brain and Spine Sunday in presence of the PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Minority Leader. The Democratic Institute in Mumbai, according African Union (AU) experts Party has 222 seats in the House. to party sources. and the international Washington, Jan 4: Congresswoman The US House of Representatives Dr Alok Sharma will head the observers. “The meeting Nancy Pelosi has been narrowly re- has a strength of 435 voting mem- team of doctors for the treatment adopted a proposal by Sudan elected as the speaker of the US bers and six non-voting members. of Prachanda’s wife, according to to devote this week for House of Representatives for the Pelosi received two more votes Prachanda’s aides. bilateral meetings among the 117th Congress. than the 2014 votes, which is the ma- Earlier, his wife, who is in 60s, three countries and the team Pelosi, 80, from the Democratic jority of members who partici- was taken to the United States of experts and observers,” party, secured 216 votes in a tight pated in the election by voting for and Singapore for medical treat- the communique said. contest against Republican Kevin someone by name, soon thereafter ment. Last week, she had been ad- McCarthy, who got support from 209 announced that this is her last mitted to Mediciti Hospital in Congressmen. term as the House Speaker. Kathmandu following a compli- Militants attack According to the House Clerk, Pelosi has led the House cation in her health. a total of 427 votes were cast. One Democrats since 2003. In 2007, she The visit comes amid a political kill 9 in Syria vote went to Senator Tammy created history by becoming the crisis in Nepal after Prime Minister Damascus: Militants Duckworth and one to first women speaker of the House. KP Sharma Oli, known for his ambushed buses traveling Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. She was reelected in 2009. She served pro-Beijing leanings, in a surprise down a highway in central Notably, six Democratic lawmak- as the House Minority Leader from move, recommended dissolving Syria late Sunday, killing nine ers did not vote for Pelosi, while 2011 to 2019, when she was elected the 275-member House December people, including a 13-year- all the 209 Republicans stood by as the Speaker after Democratic Journalists and mourners carry the coffin of TV reporter Adeeb al-Janani, who was killed in an attack on Aden airport, 20, amidst a tussle for power with old girl, state media reported. McCarthy, who is now the House Party gained control of the House. during his funeral in Taiz, Yemen REUTERS PHOTO former premier Prachanda. The ambush is the second this week to target buses traveling between government- controlled areas and to be blamed on suspected Islamic State militants. Another UK begins Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine rollout attack Wednesday killed nearly 30 people, most of them soldiers returning home BRIAN PINKER, WHO IS AMONG THE FIRST RECEIVE THE VACCINATION, HAILED IT AS A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE PHASED for the holidays. VACCINATION PROGRAMME BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA forward to celebrating my 48th Professor Pollard, Director of fore it is used, making it easier to 68K Lankans wedding anniversary with my wife the Oxford Vaccine Group and Chief deliver in care homes. await repatriation London, Jan 4: The UK Monday Shirley later this year,” he said. Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine “Through its vaccine delivery began rolling out the Oxford Alongside Pinker, music teacher Trial, said: “It was an incredibly plan, our exceptional NHS has Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Foreign University vaccine developed by and father-of-three Trevor Cowlett, proud moment for me to have re- now delivered over a million vac- Ministry has said that an AstraZeneca as protection against aged 88, and Professor Andrew ceived the actual vaccine that the cinations to patients across the estimated 68,000 overseas Covid-19, with an 82-year-old Oxford- Pollard, a paediatrician working University of Oxford and the UK. The vaccine is our way out nationals were awaiting born dialysis patient becoming the at OUH who also pioneered the AstraZeneca teams have worked and this huge achievement brings repatriation due to the global first to receive the new jab. Oxford jab, are among the first to so hard to make available to the us a step closer to the normality coronavirus pandemic. The Brian Pinker is among the first be vaccinated Monday. UK and the world”. we’ve all been working hard to re- Ministry said that it has been to be vaccinated by the Oxford “The Oxford vaccine is a tri- “As a paediatrician specialising claim,” said UK Health Secretary carrying out the task of University Hospital’s (OUH) chief repatriation for almost a year umph of British science and I want in infections, I know how important Matt Hancock. and to date 60,470 Sri nurse, hailed as a major milestone to thank everyone involved in its de- it is that healthcare workers along “This will be a historic day, and Lankans, including pilgrims, in the phased vaccination pro- velopment and production,” said UK with other priority groups are pro- cause for celebration, but it's vital

gramme being undertaken by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson. tected as soon as possible – a cru- everyone continues to follow the

k y m students, government or c armed forces officials, National Health Service (NHS) as ney disease at the hospital for a “I am so pleased to be getting “We know there are challenges cial role in defeating this terrible rules and remember hands, face, migrant workers, short term the Oxford jab became the second number of years, Pinker said he was the Covid-19 vaccine today and re- still ahead of us over the coming disease”. space, to keep ourselves and others visitors, seafarers and cases vaccine approved for rollout after pleased to be getting protection ally proud that it is one that was in- weeks and months, but I’m confi- The new Oxford vaccine is eas- safe,” he said, warning that the on compassionate grounds the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. against the virus, giving him peace vented in Oxford. The nurses, doc- dent this is the year we will defeat ier to transport and store than the new variant of the deadly virus have been repatriated from A retired maintenance manager of mind as he continues to receive tors and staff today have all been coronavirus and start building Pfizer jab, which has to be kept at still remains a major risk to the abroad. who has been having dialysis for kid- treatment. brilliant and I can now really look back better,” he said. minus 70 degrees until shortly be- NHS services. With an improvement in INFRA CREDIT GROWS MARGINALLY P11 passenger traffic in TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR 2021-22, Icra expects the aviation Infrastructure credit by banks and NBFC-IFCs in India industry to report a y-o-y growth of marginally grew to `22.6 lakh crore in the first half of around 57% in revenues, with the the current fiscal compared to `22.5 lakh crore in industry's net loss reducing to 2019-20. “While the infrastructure credit grew 7% in `14,600cr from an estimated net FY2020, it increased marginally to `22.6 lakh crore as loss of `21,000cr in 2020-21

business on September 30, 2020,” Icra Ratings said

k y m KINJAL SHAH | VICE-PRESIDENT, ICRA c of the day uote Paradip’s MEG plant Covid-19 carnage: Tax pie Oil prices surge to be commissioned Our first phase (of in October this year vaccination) on hopes of supply POST NEWS NETWORK comprises priority groups with high risk of mortality and undergoes subtle change Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Union our healthcare and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra frontline workers. For them, we cap by ‘OPEC+’ Pradhan Monday flagged-off a believe, we have enough (Covid-19 In a pandemic like this consignment of critical equip- vaccine) stockpile where the economy ment from Hazira to Paradip for IndianOil’s MEG (Mono Ethylene VK PAUL | MEMBER, NITI AAYOG has been impacted, any large scale changes Glycol) Plant. He said that a 357 impact direct taxes more KTA Mono Ethylene Glycol proj- severely, whereas indirect ect is expected to be commissioned The latest PMI in October 2021 at IndianOil’s results for the tax collection is mostly proportional to business Paradip Refinery with an invest- Indian ment of `5,654 crore. manufacturing turnover and compliance This Over Dimensioned sector continued to AJAY BHUSHAN PANDEY I FINANCE SECRETARY point to an economy Consignment (ODC) movement, on the mend, as a which includes the EO Reactor, supportive demand environment Washtower and Deethylenizer, and firms’ efforts to rebuild safety compliance," he said. INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Brent crude Market anticipates will certainly help take a signifi- stocks underpinned another sharp While the government has offi- crossed the $53 that in February cant stride towards commission- rise in production cially not released direct and in- New Delhi, Jan 4: Crude oil prices per barrel mark the production ing the MEG Project, thus pro- direct tax collections, industry surged Monday on expectations that and touched a levels of crude viding a launching pad for POLLYANNA DE LIMA | ASSOCIATE DIR PRESS TRUST OF INDIA sources said the share of indirect 'OPEC+', the cartel of Organisation multi-month high would remain at developing downstream textile in- (ECONOMICS), IHS MARKIT While the government taxes in overall tax collections rose of the Petroleum Exporting of $53.17 a barrel the same level as dustries in Odisha. New Delhi, Jan 4: India’s tax pie has officially not to about 56 per cent, the highest in Countries (OPEC) and its allied oil which is the last year and with The minister also said that the seems to have got altered with a released direct and over a decade for the period. This producing nations would limit the highest level elevated demand, MEG demand is driven by the de- Bengalis need sharp drop in direct tax collections follows a sharp 26-27 per cent decline oil output at the current levels. since March, prices could mand from textile, garments and to decide, resulting from a disproportionate indirect tax collections, in direct tax collections. Brent crude crossed the $53 per 2020 remain firm packaging industries, and as on debate and impact of the Covid-19 carnage Direct taxes are a direct out- barrel mark and touched a multi- date, India is a net importer of MEG. take decisive action. industry sources said the Crude oil prices have on incomes. come of income levels while in- month high of $53.17 a barrel. It is held a steady range “The Paradip plant will also Bengal’s economic The share of indirect taxes, which share of indirect taxes direct taxes are mostly driven by the highest level since March 2020. meet the entire MEG requirement future depends on a near the resistance levels of mainly comprise of levy on goods consumption as demand for some Currently, the March contract of for the proposed Textile Park at conducive, investor- in overall tax and services as well as import duty, Brent on the Intercontinental $50. Crude oil prices are Bhadrak and Dhamra in the state friendly and proactive policy goods is inelastic either because of has risen while that of direct taxes collections rose to they being essential in nature or Exchange (ICE) was trading at supported by vaccine rollout and will significantly incentivise environment that encourages optimism and expectations businesses - made up of corporate and per- about 56%, highest in not substitutable like petrol and $53.04 per barrel, higher by 2.39 the textile industry in eastern sonal income tax - has gone down diesel. per cent from its previous close. that OPEC plus nations may India. With the commissioning of ANURAG SINGH THAKUR UNION MINISTER over a decade | in 2020. Excise collections rose in 2020 Similarly, the February contract keep output quota MEG and Polyester yarn units, In an interview with PTI, Finance after the government raised the of WTI crude on NYMEX was trad- unchanged when they meet the trained manpower would be Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey tional to the turnover always. If tax on petrol and diesel by `13 and ing at $49.53 per barrel, higher by today keenly interested in taking part in ` SHORT TAKES said in a pandemic like this where your turnover reduces below a cer- 10 per litre, respectively. 2.08 per cent from its previous close. TAPAN PATEL I SENIOR ANALYST downstream units at Bhadrak the economy has been impacted, any tain benchmark then the profit will Customs collections, which reflect Market anticipates that in (COMMODITIES), HDFC SECURITIES Textile Park and in the proposed large scale changes impact direct not merely reduce, but it may get duty paid on goods imported, grew February the production levels of Mega Textile Park in Dhamra. HMSI reports taxes more severely, whereas indi- into a negative zone and therefore substantially in November and crude would remain at the same in the first half of 2021. Around 2,000 people would get rect tax collection is mostly pro- the company may not pay any in- December. level as last year and with elevated Tapan Patel, Senior Analyst job opportunities in Bhadrak Textile 3% rise in Dec portional to business turnover and come tax as it will be into a loss. While the revenue in December demand, prices could remain firm. (Commodities), HDFC securities unit and 12,000 in the downstream New Delhi: Honda Motorcycle compliance. "Similarly, when we are in a re- was up 94 per cent to `16,157 crore, On Sunday, Mohammad said: "Crude oil prices have held a units at Bhadrak Textile Park. & Scooter India (HMSI) "In a situation like this where covery phase, the companies will in November it was up 43 per cent Barkindo, Secretary General of steady range near the resistance lev- Similarly, MEG from Paradip would Monday reported 3% the economy has been impacted take a longer time to come into the to `11,598 crore. OPEC, said that while crude de- els of $50. Crude oil prices are sup- provide impetus in developing sim- increase in total sales in and we are on the recovery path, the profitable zone to pay income tax. Pandey said this buoyancy in mand is expected to rise by 5.9 mil- ported by vaccine rollout optimism ilar units at the proposed Textile December 2020 at 2,63,027 direct taxes are impacted more se- In the case of indirect tax, it is Customs collection would be due to lion barrels per day (bpd) to 95.9 mil- and expectations that OPEC plus Park in Dhamra, offering 20,000 units. The company had sold verely because the profitability of more or less proportional to the many factors, including the intro- lion bpd this year, the cartel sees nations may keep output quota un- job opportunities additionally in due total 2,55,283 units in the a company is not directly propor- business volume and turnover and duction of faceless assessment. plenty of downside demand risks changed when they meet today." course of time,” Pradhan said. same month in 2019, HMSI said in a statement. Domestic sales last month stood at 2,42,046 units as against Pradhan seeks power 2,30,197 units in December JSPL posts highest steel BIZ BUZZ 2019, a growth of 5%, it added. "Signalling to demand plant boost for Nalco’s recovery continuing post the Realme rolls out smart Kirin Holdings to invest festival season, Honda’s two- production in Dec 2020 Brownfield project wheeler Y-o-Y sales uptick watches $30mn in ‘Bira’ maker B9 continued for the fifth Bhubaneswar: Realme, New Delhi: Japan's Kirin Holdings is set to invest $30 consecutive month in POST NEWS NETWORK one of India’s most million in beer maker B9 Beverages for a sub-10 per December as well," the popular tech-lifestyle cent stake in the New Delhi-based company. B9 company said. Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Union Steel brands, Monday Beverages was in talks with several international Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the newest brewing majors, including Kirin, and other investors Monday wrote a letter to Union additions to its AIoT to sell a stake of up to 20% in the company, media GJC elect Minister of Coal, Mines Prahalad portfolio. It launched the reports said. The investment comes as a major boost Joshi urging to increase the ca- premium smart watch for the beer maker amid the severe impact of the new chairman pacity of Nalco’s Aluminium segment with the realme pandemic. The company has reported losses in the smelter plant at Angul. Watch S Series. Watch S recent year. B9 expects this investment to help the Mumbai: The All India Gem In his letter, Pradhan requested, Pro is the first realme company reach break-even in the upcoming financial and Jewellery Domestic “Nalco is undertaking a watch made of stainless year. As per the Council (GJC), the national Brownfield expansion project for steel, featuring a big 3.5cm AMOLED touch screen reports, both the apex body of the gems and with advanced Always-On Display, 15 sports modes, companies will jewellery industry, has their aluminium smelter plant POST NEWS NETWORK lakh tonnes in Q3, FY21 as com- at Angul. I would like to put for- 5 ATM, GPS sensor and a large 420mAh battery for explore business announced the appointment ` pared to 16.1 lakh tonnes in Q3, ward a proposal for the com- the first time. Watch S Pro is priced at 9,999 and synergies post the of Ashish Pethe as chairman available at realme’s website and Flipkart. Watch S investment. It would and Saiyam Mehra as vice Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: JSPL Steel FY20. mencement of said project for operations reported its highest- Similarly, JSPL’s standalone steel increasing the capacity of this the most versatile smart watch in the segment also boost Bira's plans chairman for a period of two comes with a 3.3cm large colour touch screen, heart to launch products in ever monthly production volumes sales also increased by 12% Y-o-Y. plant from 0.46 MTPA to 1 MTPA, years. The entire e-Voting rate and spo2 monitor, 16 sports modes, powered by Japan later this year. election process was during December, 2020, according It reached 18.8 lakh tonnes of sales in view of the abundant avail- a 390mah battery; priced `4,999. The brand is The deal is likely to conducted by an authorised to a report issued by the company. in Q3, FY21 as compared to 16.7 ability of alumina (1.5 MTPA) at constantly innovating and bringing best-in-class complete in the next independent person, and the The official report claimed that lakh tonnes in Q3, FY20. JSPL’s Angul, which include construction technology with stylish designs for the consumers. few days. voting platform was created JSPL produced 7.27 lakh tonnes of Steel exports increased by 18% Y- of a 1,400 MW feeder captive power by a digital agency, steel in December, where its inte- o-Y to 3.87 lakh tonnes in Q3, FY21 plant (CPP).” according to a statement. grated steel plant at Angul reported contributing 21% to the total sales The cost of the project is esti- the highest-ever monthly produc- volumes in the country. mated to be around `22,000 crore tion. The Angul plant registered 4.16 “We are proud of our dedicated and it is presently under acquisi- Bosch Power Tools launches BeConnected Reliance Jio lakh tonnes of production. workforce who achieved such an tion, the minister wrote. Bhubaneswar: Bosch Power Tools launched the all new BeConnected, a QR code-based web application. By The company’s Raigarh steel extraordinary increase in the pro- Nalco’s bauxite production ca- scanning the QR codes on each power tool, the user can check whether the product is genuine or not along with to move HC plant also reported the highest duction with existing capacity by pacity will increase from 7.3 MTPA its complete technical specifications. Also, by scanning the QR code on the tool, they can register the tools for e- monthly production of 3.11 lakh way of optimising various oper- to 10.5 MTPA after operationali- warranty by uploading the invoice and can also avail exciting offers available from time to time. Bosch is offering Mumbai: Reliance Industries a ‘6-month extended warranty’ for the power tools with BeConnected QR codes. Currently over 75% of the tools Limited (RIL), through its tonnes. JSPL also reported the high- ating parameters without any sation of Pottangi mines. est-ever monthly sales of 7.11 lakh Capex. We will achieve even Out of this, up to 3.1 MTPA con- are available with BeConnected QR codes. By Q4, 2021, Bosch is planning to roll out 100% BeConnected enabled subsidiary Reliance Jio tools in the Indian market. BeConnected is a web application that provides vital information like: location of tonnes in December (last month). greater heights in times to come," sists of alumina which has po- Infocomm Limited (RJIL), in a dealers and service centers, product information, tutorial videos, user reviews, information on new products, The company posted a record said VR Sharma, Managing tential to be produced into 1.5 petition mentioned to be filed and timely reminders to service the tool. in the Punjab and Haryana standalone steel production of 19.3 Director, JSPL. MTPA of aluminium. High Court Monday, has sought the urgent intervention of government authorities to bring a complete stop to the illegal Jack Ma’s ‘disappearance’ may hit Indian firms in long run acts of vandalism by miscreants. These acts of violence have endangered AGENCIES billion into the Indian startup ecosys- grown digital payments major. Ant Exchange (SSE) in November post- In last five years, Chinese China's top market watchdog has the lives of thousands of its tem, according to data from Venture Group also said that the report is poned Ant Group's listing at $37 also begun investigation into al- employees and caused New Delhi, Jan 4: Call it a double Intelligence. based on "false information". billion, which would have been the investors have poured in leged anti-competition practices damage and disruption to the vital communications whammy. First, reports surfaced The companies where Alibaba Jack Ma's fallout with the Chinese biggest IPO ever. over $5.7 billion into the by Alibaba. infrastructure, RIL said. in August last year that China's Group via its fintech ventures has government started The Shanghai Stock Exchange The State Administration for Alibaba Group has put on hold invested in include digital payments when the cited regulatory changes as the rea- Indian startup ecosystem Market Regulation started investi- plans to invest in Indian compa- platform Paytm, online food deliv- Shanghai son behind this sudden suspension. gation into alleged anti-competi- nies amid geopolitical tensions be- ery platform Zomato and BigBasket. Stock Alibaba shares plunged by al- to its roots in payments and bring tion practices by the e-commerce Sugar production tween the two nations. Now, the Zomato in January last year most 10% in Hong Kong after the more transparency to transactions. giant, as Beijing tightened control up 42% in Oct-Dec "disappearing" act by Alibaba raised $150 million from news, as Ma lost more than $3 bil- "It must obtain the necessary li- of an expanding internet. founder and owner of fintech ven- Ant Financial. Ant lion in his net worth. Since then, Ma censes for its credit businesses and In a brief note, the State New Delhi: India’s sugar ture Ant Group, Jack Ma, may have Financial has been an has been nearly untraceable. protect user data privacy and es- Administration for Market production increased 42% y- left top-notch Indian digital firms investor in Zomato The People's Bank of China (the tablish a financial holding com- Regulation said that it is investi- o-y during October-December flummoxed. since 2018. country's central bank), December pany and ensure it holds sufficient gating Alibaba over its "choosing one period at 110.22 lakh tonne on According to US-based PitchBook Meanwhile, Paytm 26, "summoned Ant Group for reg- capital." from two" policy. higher cane output and an that delivers data on private capi- in December refuted ulatory talks, announcing a sweep- The Ant Group must also "re- As part of this policy, merchants early start of mills in tal markets, Alibaba and its affili- a report that claimed ing plan for the fintech firm to 'rec- vamp its credit, insurance, wealth are forced to sell exclusively on Maharashtra, according to

ates Alibaba Capital Partners and that Ant Group is tify' its regulatory violations". management and other financial Alibaba e-commerce platforms and

k y m trade data. Sugar marketing c Ant Group (earlier known as Ant year runs from October to considering the The banking author- businesses according to the law skip rivals like JD.com. September. Indian Sugar Mills Financial) invested more than $2 bil- sale of its 30 ity has laid out a five- and step up compliance for its se- "Alibaba will actively cooperate Association said in a lion in Indian companies since 2015. per cent point compliance agenda curities business". Ant said it has with the regulators on the investi- statement that mills produced Overall, in the last five years, stake in for Ant Group. The established an internal "rectification gation," the company said, adding 110.22 lakh tonne of sugar Chinese investors (including the agenda is that Ant workforce" to work on all the reg- that its "business operations re- during (Oct-Dec) 2020-21. Tencent) have poured in over $5.7 home- Group should return ulatory requirements. main normal." P12 TUESDAY | JANUARY 5 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR sports

y We are 100% going

k k y y m m c TEAM INDIA TEST NEGATIVE to Brisbane: Lyon c

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA they have already served one upon entering Australia. Melbourne, Jan 4: Australia off- “To be honest mate, I am not spinner Nathan Lyon Monday said thinking about plan B or not play- they are ‘100 per cent’ sure of ing at the GABBA. I, for 100 per Brisbane hosting the fourth Test cent, think we are going there and against India, playing down media we are preparing for the Gabba.” reports that the tourists are re- Lyon is aware that many players luctant to travel there in view of in both the groups have been stay- stricter quarantine rules. ing in a bubble for close to six The fourth Test is scheduled to months, but he called it a ‘small sac- be held in Brisbane from January rifice’ under the current circum- 15, but Lyon added his team is cur- stances. rently focussed on the third match, “To be honest, regarding quar- which will be played in Sydney antine, I know there are few people from January 7. from both squads, who have been in “100 per cent planning on going the bubble for close to six months to Brisbane and sticking with plan now. But, in my eyes, it is a very small A,” said Lyon at a virtual press sacrifice, for us to get out there and conference. “We have heard noth- play the game we love and put a lot ing as players, so we have got ob- of smiles on lot of people’s faces viously travel up to Sydney today around the world,” added Lyon. and get ripping there, and hope- fully, get the result that we are after I am not really and then straight on playing in worried about Team India, along with their support staff pose for a photograph after their win in the second Test at Melbourne Brisbane.” what’s being Australia have got a good record reported, it is for PRESS TRUST OF INDIA All the players and support staff at Brisbane while India are yet to returning negative for COVID-19 is win a Test at the Gabba. “We all us to worry about Melbourne, Jan 4: The Indian welcome news for the Indian team SCG limited to 25% crowd capacity know how much we love playing what we can control and the cricket team and their support staff amid the controversy around the cricket at the Gabba and we know information that we are have returned negative in the latest alleged breach of bio-security pro- The SCG had hosted 2 our result there as well with our receiving from the people at COVID-19 tests conducted here ahead tocols. records. So, all plans to go to Gabba, CA and the medical people. It of the third Test against Australia Despite the announcement of a ODIs and as many T20Is that is for sure.” is just about us making sure in Sydney, the BCCI said Monday. The joint investigation by BCCI and during limited-overs According to Australian media that we are very well game is due to start January 7 and Cricket Australia on the alleged series against India. First reports, the Indians are not happy prepared for the Sydney Test The Indian team landed in Sydney breach, there has been no word on at the possibility of going for an- NATHAN LYON Monday as scheduled. it from either of the two boards in 3 games saw 18,000 other quarantine in Brisbane, since “Playing members of the Indian the last two days. Cricket Team and support staff According to the bio-security crowd, while the last one underwent an RT-PCR Test for protocols set by CA, players are al- saw 30,000 attendance COVID-19 January 3, 2021. All tests lowed to sit outside but not allowed have returned negative results,” to dine inside restaurants. The The SCG had hosted two ODIs and the BCCI said in a short statement. players, according to team sources, as many T20s during the limited The statement came a couple of have maintained that they went overs leg of India’s tour. The first days after five Indian players – in to escape a drizzle. three games were played in front of vice-captain Rohit Sharma, opener It is understood that the con- a limited 18000 crowd before re- Shubman Gill, wicket-keeper troversy has not gone down well strictions were lifted for the final Rishabh Pant, pacer Navdeep Saini with the travelling team and it is T20I December 8 with more than and batsman Prithvi Shaw – were not amused with how CA has so far 30000 attending the game. placed in isolation when a video of handled the issue. A look at the Sydney Cricket Ground The match will now have to be re- them at an indoor restaurant was The latest development is pre- ticketed with the existing holders posted by a fan on Twitter. ceded by Australian media reports PRESS TRUST OF INDIA lowing India’s remarkable come- getting an exclusive window to re- Cricket Australia had announced that the fourth Test in Brisbane back in Melbourne. The SCG has a buy the tickets from 5pm local time that a joint investigation with the has been jeopardised as the tourists Sydney, Jan 4: The crowd limit seating capacity of about 38,000. Monday through to 12pm Tuesday. BCCI was on to determine whether are reluctant to travel there in view for the third Test between India “Reducing the capacity of the All remaining public tickets will be it amounted to a breach of bio-se- of stricter quarantine rules. and Australia, beginning here from venue is crucial in achieving so- released at 12pm Tuesday. curity protocol for the series. But the final Test, starting at Thursday, has been reduced to 25 per cial distancing requirements, and “In response to the public health The five were, however, allowed the Gabba from Janauary 15, is on cent of the SCG’s seating capacity we sincerely thank ticket-holders situation in NSW, we are working to train and travel with the team for as of now. The four-match series is on advice of the New South Wales for their patience, as we process closely with Venues NSW and NSW the match in Sydney. According to currently locked 1-1 after India government after fresh COVID-19 refunds today, reconfigure the SCG Health to put appropriate bio-se- sources in the Indian contingent, fought back with an eight-wicket tri- cases were recorded in the city. seating plan to deliver these social curity measures in place for our they have been cleared to play in the umph in the Melbourne Test fol- Approximately 9500 people would distancing measures and go back staff, players, match officials, broad- third Test at the Sydney Cricket lowing a humiliating loss in the be allowed to watch the game with on sale,” Cricket Australia CEO casters and fans to ensure we play Ground. opener in Adelaide. the series currently locked at 1-1 fol- Nick Hockley said in a statement. the third Test at the SCG safely.” Manpreet urges players CA rejects reports of Narzary fashions Hyderabad victory India seeking change POST NEWS NETWORK Hyderabad registered a three- to be mentally prepared of venue for 4th Test minute double early on in the sec- Goa, Jan 4: Hyderabad FC re- ond half. A mix-up from our control and that is to work to- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA turned to winning ways in the Chennaiyin’s backline gave them the wards being our best. There could Indian Super League (ISL) as they opener. Kaith and Eli Sabia made be several challenges leading up to Sydney, Jan 4: Cricket Australia registered a thumping 4-1 victory a mess of a chipped pass from the Olympic Games this year and (CA) chief executive Nick Hockley over Chennaiyin FC at the GMC Santana, allowing Chianese to score we need to be mentally prepared for Monday dismissed reports that Stadium in Bambolim, Monday. his maiden ISL goal. it,” Manpreet said, putting things the Indian team is reluctant to Joel Chianese (50th minute), Three minutes later, Hyderabad into perspective. play the fourth Test in Brisbane be- Halicharan Narzary (53rd & 79th) doubled their tally. They won a cor- With only 200 days to go for the cause of stricter quarantine rules and Joao Victor (74th) were on the ner and did well to keep the ball in Olympics, Manpreet and Rani, the there. scoresheet for Hyderabad while the box before Rahim Ali’s clearance women’s team skipper, believe the Hockley said the Indian Anirudh Thapa (67th) scored the fell towards Narzary. The winger players in respective core groups will cricket board was ‘fully across only goal for Chennaiyin. launched a cracking shot that struck PRESS TRUST OF INDIA have to give their 100 per cent to be (and) supportive’ of quarantine The first half proved to be an en- the underside of the crossbar before able to achieve their goals in Tokyo. requirements in Queensland. tertaining, end-to-end contest with heading into goal. New Delhi, Jan 4: Keeping the “The next 200 days is going to be “We speak to our counterparts both goalkeepers finding them- Chennaiyin reduced their deficit fast-evolving COVID-19 situation the most important period of our at the BCCI daily,” he told re- selves busy. Hyderabad created after a blunder from Kattimani in mind, Indian men’s hockey team lives. Each one of us have to give porters here. better chances but were guilty of who fluffed his lines while at- captain Manpreet Singh says his side our 100 per cent in training and “We’ve had nothing formal from missing them. tempting to clear Ali’s cross into the will need to be ‘mentally prepared’ in competition if we want to see our- the BCCI to suggest anything other Chennaiyin goalkeeper Vishal box, allowing Thapa an easy tap-in. for the several obstacles it might face selves make the Indian Team for than they’re supportive. Both Kaith was called into action early in Halicharan Narzary wheels away But Hyderabad soon restored on its way to the Tokyo Olympics. Tokyo,” stated the midfielder. teams have wanted to play the the opening minute. Aridane Santana in celebration after scoring one their two-goal lead through Victor, Pushed back by a year due to Rani agreed that in the next few schedule as we’ve set out,” he as- of his goals against Chennaiyin received a long ball and flicked it to- who buried his shot into the top cor- the pandemic, the quadrennial months the players will need to up serted. wards Chianese, who made a run in ner after receiving a pass from Rai. sporting extravaganza is slated to their game in all aspects. “In the pre- The third Test in the four-match the box and fired a shot, but saw fine save. Lallianzuala Chhangte utes of the first half to keep the Chennaiyin’s defense was ex- be held in July-August. vious national camp which lasted series is scheduled to be played his effort blocked by Kaith. made his way into the box from scoreline goalless. After parrying posed again as they pushed for a late “The biggest learning from last over four months, we have really at the Sydney Cricket Ground Chennaiyin also tested the left and cut inside, only to see away Asish Rai’s cross, Kaith denied goal. Substitute Fran Sandaza re- year was to not let external fac- worked hard to reach the level we were from Thursday. The series is locked Hyderabad. They had the chance to his shot saved by Kattimani. Chianese at point-blank range. The leased Narzary, who made his way tors affect our goal. There could previously at. In the next few months, at 1-1 right now. The fourth game draw first blood in the 31st minute At the other end, Kaith produced ball fell to Rai again, whose shot rat- from near the half-way line, into be many uncertainties but we need our focus will be on improving fur- is due from January 15 at the but Laxmikant Kattimani made a an excellent save in the dying min- tled the woodwork. the box and produced a neat finish. to only worry about what’s within ther in all aspects of the game.” Gabba. The Australian media has claimed that the Brisbane Test is NEWS IN BRIEF in jeopardy because of the Ronaldo helps Juve thump Udinese Sky Blues outshine Blues Barca win Messi’s landmark game tourists’ reluctance to travel there Barik lifts Jaguars in view of harder quarantine London: Manchester City shook off the impact of a rules, having already served one Cuttack: Nirbisankar Barik’s (4/17) COVID-19 outbreak in their ranks to outclass Chelsea 3-1 upon entering Australia in brilliant spell, along with a superb at Stamford Bridge and put themselves firmly in the November. knock by Shamsul A Khan (62) Premier League title mix Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s team The reports, citing unnamed helped Odisha Jaguars tame Odisha responded in scintillating fashion with goals by Ilkay sources, claimed that the Indian Cheetas in a match of the MGM Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne dismantling team wanted the fourth Test to Odisha T20 Cricket League at the Chelsea in 16 first-half minutes. Substitute Callum be also played in Sydney. Hudson-Odoi did grab a stoppage-time consolation goal Barabati Stadium here, Monday. Put Queensland has closed its bor- for the home team. The Sky Blues’ vintage display lifted into bat, Jaguars rode on knocks by ders for people travelling from Khan, Girija P Rout (37) and Abhijit them to fifth in the table with 29 points, four behind joint New South Wales, of which Sydney S Barik (33 n o) to post 169/4. In leaders Liverpool and Manchester United having played response, Cheetas could muster one game less. A fourth defeat in six league games leaves is the capital, due to the rising only 121/9. Anurag Sarangi (31) was the Blues in the eighth place with 26 points having played cases of COVID-19 in the city and their top scorer. For Jaguars, two games more than City. surrounding areas. Turin: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and created another Barcelona: Lionel Messi set up Frenkie de Jong for a goal to Both the Indian and Australian Nirbisankar found an able ally in goal as Juventus got back to winning ways in Serie A with a help earn a 1-0 win at Huesca in the Argentine great’s 750th teams travelled to Sydney Monday Manoj Kashyap (2/16). 4-1 victory over Udinese here Sunday, moving the champions overall appearance for Barcelona and his 500th in the after all their players and support Kapoor new AICF boss up to fifth in the standings. Ronaldo opened the scoring with Spanish league. The 33-year-old Messi trails only Xavi a trademark drive, after latching on to Aaron Ramsey’s pass Hernandez as the Barcelona player with the most games staff returned negative in latest New Delhi: Dr. Sanjay Kapoor has in the 31st minute, before threading a perfect through ball played. Xavi played 767 games in all competitions, including round of COVID-19 tests.

been elected as new president of All into the path of Federico Chiesa to score Juve’s second goal 505 La Liga matches. Barcelona dominated last-place Hockley’s statement came two y India Chess Federation (AICF), four minutes into the second half. Ronaldo’s second goal put Huesca but could only manage De Jong’s goal in the 27th days after five Indian players –

vice-captain Rohit Sharma,

k k y y m m c Monday. Kapoor defeated PR Venkat the result beyond any doubt as he took his goal tally to 14 minute. Messi lobbed a pass forward to meet De Jong’s run c Ram Raja by two votes only. It is league goals for the season in the 70th minute, with Marvin behind the defense, with the Netherlands midfielder opener Shubman Gill, stumper understood that odisha played a Zeegelaar scoring an injury-time consolation for Udinese. steering the ball inside the upright. The victory moved Rishabh Pant, pacer Navdeep very important role for the victory of There was still time for Paulo Dybala to score another goal Barcelona ahead of Sevilla into fifth place. Ronald Koeman’s Saini and batsman Prithvi Shaw Kapoor. He secured 33 votes while for Juventus as Andrea Pirlo’s side moved 10 points behind team is 10 points behind leader Atletico Madrid, who got a – were placed in isolation for an Raja got 31. Bharat Singh Chouhan leaders AC Milan, with a game in hand. late goal from Luis Suarez to win 2-1 at Alaves. alleged breach of bio-security has been elected as secretary. protocols.

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