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SARA’S MODESTY VACCINE ROLLOUT RAHANE SCORES TON Actor Sara Ali Khan says she doesn’t Medical workers, nursing home residents and Ajinkya Rahane scored a vital century as India believe in stardom as it keeps politicians were vaccinated against the coronavirus took a lead of 82 runs in the second Test against Australia changing every Friday LEISURE | P2 across the European Union INTERNATIONAL | P10 SPORTS | P12

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 266 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 | 2020 12 PAGES | `4.00 AIADMK TELLS BJP WHO’S BOSS IN TN PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the AIADMK. There is no necessity for a coalition government. If any polit- Chennai, Dec 27: In its first poll rally DRAVIDIAN POWER ical party comes forward for an al- here, the ruling AIADMK Sunday n its first poll rally here, the ruling AIADMK liance arrangement with an idea of a bluntly told ally BJP that it cannot be ISunday bluntly told ally BJP that it cannot be coalition government, let them please accommodated in the government if accommodated in the government if it think about it,” he said. it won the Assembly elections, due won the Assembly elections due next year The provocation for the Dravidian next year, and asserted that Saffron major to be blunt seemed to be the party cannot make a mark in the ll such forces eyeing political gains should continuing hesitancy, seen by political Dravidian heartland of Tamil Nadu. Arealise that Tamil Nadu would not endorse observers as a strategy, of the state BJP The BJP has to endorse Chief them as Dravidian ideology is the bedrock of leadership in endorsing Palaniswami Centre extends validity Minister K Palaniswami’s candida- the state’s social and cultural milieu: AIADMK as the chief ministerial candidate of ture for the CM’s post for the polls, the the overall AIADMK-BJP alliance for AIADMK indicated and wanted its hough AIADMK did not mention BJP by name the 2021 polls. The saffron party's TN of DLs, RCs till March 31 partner to agree to its other terms Tdirectly, it was clear that the message was unit had all along maintained that the like non-participation in government intended for the national party that led the CM nominee of the NDA in Tamil The Centre had earlier extended the validity of Central government and if not rethink of its 2021 elec- K Palaniswami Nadu would be decided and announced these documents till December 31, 2020 toral options. by the BJP's national leadership. Pointing to the deaths of AIADMK’s tions of inefficiency could be hurled movement, which was built on the message that BJP cannot succeed in- To make matters worse, senior BJP PNN & AGENCIES All driving licences, top leader J Jayalalithaa and DMK’s against the AIADMK government ethos of Tamil culture, language and dependently in Tamil Nadu and was leader and Union Minister Prakash M Karunanidhi who opposed her, sen- when the Centre had given so many valour and hence the state was en- very much dependent on AIADMK. Javadekar, who was here Friday, toed New Delhi, Dec 27: The registration ior leader and AIADMK deputy coor- awards to Tamil Nadu for its stellar per- tirely different from the rest of the He hinted that BJP should accept that the state unit’s stand and declined to Centre has once again ex- dinator KP Munusamy said that in formance in many sectors. Also, the country, Munusamy said. AIADMK was the senior partner, en- categorically say if his party contin- tended the validity of all certificates and the absence of such leaders, ‘many’ par- state overall had superior infrastruc- Munusamy made the remarks in dorse the candidature of Palaniswami ued its ties with the AIADMK or if it vehicle-related documents permits which were ties were now trying to make a polit- ture and facilities, be it education or the presence of Chief Minister K or the saffron party may reconsider its endorsed the candidature of in order to avoid crowding ical entry into Tamil Nadu and succeed health care amenities, he said. Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister electoral options for the 2021 polls. Palaniswami. and the possible spread of set to expire may but did not name any party. All such forces eying political gains O Panneerselvam and other senior Though Munusamy did not men- Some social media posts claimed Covid-19. All driving li- now be used till Some national parties, “opportunists, should realise that Tamil Nadu would leaders. Assembly elections are due dur- tion BJP by name directly, it was clear that either BJP wanted to break away cences, registration cer- betrayers and a crowd,” were blaming not endorse them as Dravidian ideol- ing April-May 2021 in Tamil Nadu. that the message was intended for the from the AIADMK alliance and form tificates, and permits which March 31, 2021 the Dravidian outfits, alleging they ogy is the bedrock of the state’s social In his fiery speech, Munusamy, a sen- national party that led the Central a separate front with Rajinikanth's were set to expire may now ruined Tamil Nadu by their 50 plus year and cultural milieu, he said. ior leader seen as close to government. proposed party or was merely ‘pos- be used till March 31, 2021, rule of the state, he said. Tamil Nadu’s socio-political land- Panneerselvam, who is also the party “Be it a national party or state turing’ to bargain for a Cabinet berth according to a directory is- Vehicle Rules, 1989. They all Munusamy wondered how accusa- scape was nurtured by the Dravidian coordinator, was clear in his political party…the government will be led by if AIADMK retained power. sued by the Union Ministry said fitness, permit (all of Road Transport and types), licence, registration Highways to various State or any other concerned doc- IRREGULAR by MANJUL Chinese delegation and Union Territory ad- ument may be treated to be PAYING BACK IN SAME COIN ministrations. valid till December 31, 2020. “Taking into considera- The State Transport in Nepal to assess tion the need to prevent the Authority (STA) in Odisha spread of Covid-19, it is fur- has also extended the date political situation ther advised that the validity of validity for DL, regis- of all of the above referred tration and fitness certifi- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA documents may be treated cates, permits of all types till to be valid till March 31, 2021. March 31. Kathmandu, Dec 27: A high- This covers all documents The above directions re- level Chinese delegation led by a whose validity has expired lates to such vehicle docu- vice minister of the Chinese since February 1, 2020 or ments which had expired Communist Party arrived in would expire by March 31, since February or going to Kathmandu Sunday to “take stock” 2021,” the directory says. expire December 31, 2020. of Nepal’s political situation after “This will help out citi- The STA posted the order is- Finally, the protesters are the dissolution of Parliament and zens in availing transport sued by Transport com- ready to talk. Please subsequent split in the ruling related services, while main- missioner in this regard bring my earplugs. Nepal Communist Party. taining social distancing,” through its official Twitter Although no specific details about it says. The ministry had handle Sunday. the agenda of the visit are available, earlier issued advisories As per the order, “The the four-member delegation, led dated March 30, June 9, and driving license test was can- SHORT TAKES by Vice Minister of the International August 24 of this year, in celled from March 18 and Department of the Communist which it extended the va- subsequently slot quota was Party of China (CPC) Guo Yezhou, lidity of documents related opened with less strength Lingaraj Temple will hold high-level talks during Farmers beat utensils as a protest against PM Modi’s Mann ki Baat programme during their ongoing agitation over new farm laws to the Motor Vehicles Act, at Regional Transport reopens for devotees its four-day stay in the country, ac- at Singhu border in New Delhi, Sunday (Story on P8 & P3) PTI PHOTO 1988, and the Central Motor Offices due Covid-19.” cording to highly placed sources. Bhubaneswar: Shree Lingaraj Guo is expected to meet Temple here reopened for President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Govt nurses wear devotees Sunday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, remaining closed for almost Former Prime Minister Pushpa ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ goes haywire in state nine months due to Covid-19 Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and black badges for pandemic, officials said. Madhav Kumar Nepal, who has re- POST NEWS NETWORK plemented the scheme in 15 districts ceived `42.62 lakh under the ‘Beti Servitors and their family placed Oli as chairman of the where the birth rate of the girl child Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme, but better wages members were allowed entry Prachanda-led faction of the party, Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: The Centre- is less compared to the male child. spent only `26.52 lakh. The remaining into the oldest shrine of the sources said. sponsored ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao However, the state government has 14 districts received `25 lakh each but state capital on the first day. The Chinese embassy here and Yojana’ aimed at preventing female failed to utilise the Central funds failed to utilise the available funds. They will be allowed to pray the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are foeticide and educating the girl available under the scheme. On its part, the state government inside the temple till December tight-lipped about Guo’s visit. child has gone haywire in the state Nayagarh dictrict received the has implemented ‘Biju Kanya Ratna 31, while the general public from His visit is aimed at “taking with no end to the sufferings of the highest share of funds under the Yojana’ in 2016-17 so as to prevent outside the state capital will be stock of Nepal's evolving political girl child, a report said. couples is more. This is primarily due scheme on the basis of male-female gender determination, ensure girl allowed from January 6. The situation after the dissolution of The state government has also to lack of awareness among people ratio but the state government has child protection and increase their residents of Bhubaneswar can have the darshan of the Lord the House of Representatives and launched a scheme titled ‘Biju Kanya and shoddy implementation of the been able to spend only 62 per cent enrolment in schools. from January 3. The 11th century subsequent split in the ruling Ratna Yojana’ for the welfare of the government schemes. of the funds. Similarly, only 0.4 per This programme is especially Protesting nurses at Capital Hospital Shree Lingaraj temple is a Nepal Communist Party (NCP) girl child, but their plight has not de- The Union government imple- cent of the funds have been spent in being given importance in Angul, unique place in India where both amid already-deepened intra-party creased even slightly, as female mented the scheme in 2017-18 fiscal Balasore district, while Dhenkanal Dhenkanal, Ganjam and Nayagarh POST NEWS NETWORK Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are rift”, My Republica newspaper foeticide continues unabated. with an aim to encourage the girl district has spend the lowest 0.12 where people are being sensitised worshipped together; making it reported. China is not happy with Even today many girls do not have ac- child to excel in every sphere of percentage of funds. on gender issues.Under Biju Kanya Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: A section a “Hari-Har” peeth. P3 the split in the largest commu- cess to primary education. The scene life - education, health, sports and According to the State Women Ratna Yoja, `4 crore has been pro- of nurses in government hospitals nist party of Nepal, according is acute in the rural areas where employment. and Child Welfare department vided, but only `3.81 crore has Sunday worked wearing black to sources. the longing for a male child among The state government has im- (WCD), Nayagarh district has re- been spent. badges in support of their demand 3 killed, 6 hurt as for wage revision. bus overturns Nurses in the Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Sundergarh: At least three persons were killed while six Saradha scam ghost haunts TMC as polls near and in other hospitals in the state other passengers injured after were seen protesting silently with- the mini bus they were SALARIES OF TARA TV EMPLOYEES PAID FROM CM RELIEF FUND FOR 23 MONTHS, SAYS CBI out hampering the services in gov- travelling in overturned near ernment hospitals. Balu Ghat in Rourkela Sunday. INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE there has been a concerted effort to “Our basic pay should be hiked. The bus was en-route to evade, avoid and to escape the We demand that promotions should Rourkela from Lathikata. The New Delhi, Dec 27: In a develop- process of law and a conscious ef- be given considering the services mishap occurred after the ment which may further increase fort on part of the authorities to scut- rendered during the contractual vehicle hit the road divider, the political heat in West Bengal tle the investigation.” period. Permanent recruitment sources said. Following the where Assembly polls are slated The CBI pointed at the exami- of nurses should be done follow- incident, one person died on early next year, the CBI in a contempt nation of former Rajya Sabha MP ing the guidelines of the National the spot while other passengers plea in the Saradha chit fund scam Kunal Kumar Ghosh, one of the ac- Health Mission (NHM),” were immediately shifted to has informed the Supreme Court cused in the case, by Enforcement Laxmipriya Jena, a nurse from Rourkela government hospital that the Chief Minister's Relief towards salary payments of the Directorate during October 2013 re- SCB Medical College, said. where two others reportedly Fund of West Bengal regularly paid employees of the said media com- chief secretary, West Bengal to pro- of state funds collected in the name vealed that the Chief Minister and The protests by the government succumbed to their injuries. for a period of 23 months, pur- pany that was under investigation vide information about the consti- of Chief Minister’s relief work. promoter of Saradha Group - Sudipta nurses were organised across the portedly towards the salaries of being part of group companies of tution and functioning of the Chief “The Court order expressly states Sen, had very good relationship. state. The aggrieved health work- employees of Tara TV which was Saradha Group of Companies,” Minister's Relief Fund. Despite re- that the employees are to be paid out “It is submitted that the same es- ers claimed that they would in- WEATHER under investigation for being part said the application. peated efforts, the state govern- of the funds of the company. The pay- tablishes that the Chief Minister tensify their protests if their de- y of Saradha Group of companies. A total of `6.21 crore was paid to ment has parted with incomplete ments from CM Relief Fund, ex- mands were not conceded. BHUB CTK used to talk to Sudipta Sen using

In an application, the CBI said that the Tara TV Employees Welfare and evasive replies, said the CBI. facie point towards a larger con- phone of Kunal Kumar Ghosh,” said “We will continue with our strike

k y m c MAX 27.6° 27.8° the CM Relief fund has regularly Association from the Chief Minister The CBI cited the High Court spiracy and nexus,” said the the application. The investigating till January 1. From January 2 to paid the amounts – at the rate of `27 Relief Fund of West Bengal. The CBI order which directed that the “salary application. Pointing the needle of agency said the call detail record of 5 we will undertake token strike but TEMP MIN 12.2° 11.5° Forecast lakh per month – for a period of 23 said in order to further look into the of the employees should be paid suspicion at Chief Minister Mamata two numbers of Sen spanning for one not hamper the emergency serv- Humidity 57% 65% months from May 2013 to April 2015. gravely suspicious payments to a pri- from the available funds” and it Banerjee in the scam, the CBI said: year reveals that he and Ghosh had ices,” said Pravati Mohanaty, gen- Dry weather Rainfall Nil Nil likely “It is submitted that the said vate media entity, a letter dated nowhere states that employees of a “Communication between the CBI contacted 298 times on one number eral secretary, Odisha Nursing amounts were purportedly given October 16, 2018 was written to the private TV channel can be paid out and state authorities will show that and 9 times on another number. Employees’ Association. P2 MARTINE McCUTCHEON WAS THEATRES WILL SURVIVE MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR IN LOVE WITH HUGH GRANT COVID-19: TOM HANKS Actress Martine McCutcheon says she was Hollywood star Tom Hanks feels the shift to streaming little bit in love with her Love Actually co-star world is a due change, and says that movie theatres will Hugh Grant. McCutcheon played an assistant survive the Covid-19 pandemic. In an interview with to Grant’s character in the film, and added that Collider, Hanks told about the impact of the pandemic y leisure she didn't have to act too hard in romantic on the business, and the shift of many films to release

scenes, reports aceshowbiz.com. on streaming services, reports variety.com.

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FORTUNE FORECAST Jacqueline’s quirky b’day wish for Salman Sara ARIES Today, you will crave Mumbai: As top star Salman Khan turned 55 Sunday, actress Jacqueline total freedom in whatev- Fernandez shared a quirky birthday for him. doesn’t er you are doing, says Jacqueline shared an edited photo on her verified Instagram account Ganesha. And sheer entertainment is on which shows herself and Salman as children. Both their face and bod- the cards for teenyboppers, like mall- ies have been edited to appear like teenagers. hopping or going for a film. The kids will “Happy Birthday @beingsalmankhan,” Jacqueline captioned the demand a Jumbo Berry ice cone. All in photograph. believe in all, it will be a family day for you. Meanwhile, other celebrities also wished the actor on social media. TAURUS “Happiest birthday @beingsalmankhan to a Akshay kumar great human being,” wrote Katrina Kaif on stardom You will wake up feeling determined and decisive her Instagram story. today, says Ganesha. Be “Happy birthday @beingsalmankhan careful as your rigid sir. Love you and a big THANK YOU optimistic about 2021 views may make you seem stubborn. You :)))))#heartofgold #angel," posted cho- may not be willing to come half way dur- ing a conflict and will make a habit of reographer-filmmaker Remo D’souza. Mumbai: Khiladi actor Akshay Kumar articulating your viewpoint. “Happy Birthday used a funny video of himself from @BeingSalmanKhan Hope you have the sets of his movie, Good Newwz, a Wonderful, Happy and Healthy to give expression to the topsy- Mumbai: In a GEMINI Day,” shared Madhuri Dixit. turvy 2020. span of two The day promises sensi- “Happy Birthday dearest As the film completed one year of years, Sara Ali tivity and compassion for @BeingSalmanKhan bhai. its release, Akshay shared a behind- Khan has seen the you, predicts Ganesha. God bless you with loads of the-scenes video which shows him highs of glamour You may plan a trip with your family mem- happiness and good health. performing a difficult ‘naagin’ dance, and has also gar- bers. You may also invest your money in Have a fab year ahead,” while sitting on a horse. The actor nered a substantial various financial companies, as securing the future of your family will be foremost posted Neil Nitin shared that the video sums up 2020 fan base. The daugh- on your mind. Moreover, you will also save Mukesh. for him. ter of popular stars Saif some hefty amount to meet future needs. “Happy birthday to “If I were to describe the year Ali Khan and Amrita the king of swag and gone by, that’s exactly how it would Singh may have been to the man who made be...topsy-turvy with some ups and born in the lap of fame, CANCER going shirtless downs but eventually we managed but she insists she does It is high time that you look good on to hold on. Hope the coming year not believe in stardom. dedicated yourself to #Bollywood brings with it lots of #GoodNewwza “I don’t look at star- your work. If you are heroes! #1YearOfGoodNewwz,” he wrote along with the dom. Till now, I don’t use looking to try new things, today may not be a very good a@BeingSalmanKhana¿ video. Also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, the word fans. I don’t use day to do so. Stick to doing things the sir, have a happy, healthy, Kiara Advani and Diljit Dosanjh, Good Newwz the word star. I don’t be- way you have been doing them so far, safe year!” wrote Swara is about two couples who are trying to have a lieve in these things. I advises Ganesha. All you need is a little Bhasker. IANS baby through IVF. It is directed by Raj Mehta. think Friday to Friday - attitude adjustment. IANS - I mean it used to be Friday and it can now be released any day. With LEO every release of a film You might be the man your stature, stardom -- of the house, but to AK Bir’s Hindi film Antardhwani bags int’l awards in Dhaka fest whatever you call it -- make that house a keeps changing,” Sara home, you need a fami- ly. So keep that in mind, says Ganesha, said. and remember that your family is the PRODUCER SWAPNA PATI WAS ADJUDGED THE BEST ACTRESS WHILE BIR RECEIVED “I think the only thing foundation of your success. Make every THE AWARD IN BEST ASIAN DIRECTOR’S CATEGORY that matters is your possible effort to make your family's ‘neeyat’ (intention). What roots stronger. The fruits of such efforts matters are your inten- shall only be sweeter. BHUBANESWAR: Uttarakhand. The film ex- tion, hard work, passion Internationally acclaimed and plores one’s psyche and tries and craze. Everything VIRGO multiple National Award-winning to find answers to various sit- else keeps changing and Odia filmmaker Apurba Kishore uations. will continue to change,” Today might just bring those emotions to the Bir’s Hindi film Antardhwani- Presented by 24 FPS she added. fore that have been The Inner Voice has bagged two Entertainment and produced IANS lying in the closet of awards at Cinemaking by Rajesh Kumar Mohanty, your heart since long. You will even International Film Festival 2020 Antardhwani was the inau- develop a bonding – a sentimental , held from December 24-26, at gural film of the festival in attachment – with your belongings. But, if and when you don't find the surround- Dhaka in Bangladesh. which as many as 400 films ings to your liking, you shall be like a fish Director Bir was adjudged the from around 70 countries were out of the water. Best Asian Director while film’s screened. Of them, 54 from female lead Swapna Pati was se- Bangladesh and 150 from 54 lected as Best Actress. other countries were selected LIBRA A psychological thriller, for the competition round. Unleash the artist in you Antardhwani’s theme is a flowing The Cinemaking today! Don't be sur- undercurrent of moral conflicts. International Film Festival prised if you happen to It is about the relationship be- 2020, was organised by the discover a love for the A scene from the film fine arts. The stars bestow on you refined tween two friends — Shantanu Dhaka Festival and the aesthetic sense. As a result, your pen- and Shalini, two friends study- been shot in natural light and am- drop. Most parts of the film were Cinemaking chant for interior decoration is sure to ing in a university — and has bience with jungles as the back- canned in the dense forest of Organisation. get a boost. There is also the possibility of you capitalising on the commercial aspect of your newly acquired hobby, says Ganesha. SUDOKU SCORPIO PEANUTS post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, Family matters have been CROSSWORD column and box must contain the numbers screaming for long for 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. your attention now. Your estranged spouse may deal the final blow to sever all ties, fore- tells Ganesha. But keep calm, and hold that tongue, advises Ganesha. Your priori- ty should be to secure your family's peace.

SAGITTARIUS Expect a call to late- night revelry and a chance to binge. But you don't seem to be in the mood to let your hair loose and party, says Ganesha. However tempting it may be, your serious side will take over and you shall deny the offer. CALVIN AND HOBBES CAPRICORN God helps those who help themselves, like- wise, your sincere efforts will be paid off well, today. If you're dealing with shares and SOLUTIONS stocks, it maybe your day, today. Your life partner will proved to be lucky for your success, so give him/her the credit he/she deserves, suggests Ganesha.

AQUARIUS A productive day, as you will receive unrestrained support from your bosses and colleagues. Your cre- ativity will reach its zenith and the result- BREVITY CROSSWORD ing work will augment your reputation. The day will seem complete when you spend quality time with your family in the evening, says Ganesha.

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Happiness shared is dou-

k y m c ble the joy; sorrows shared are half the burden. Your family is the foundation of your success, and it is to them you will turn to in times of failure as well. With their sup-

port, getting back to the top of the game CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU will take no time, says Ganesha. COVID-19 TRACKER P3 HANDLOOM EXPO MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD Women check out garments World 8,07,99,040 5,70,16,346 17,66,603 at Cottonfab-2020 at the Exhibition Ground in India 1,01,88,392 97,60,848 1,47,659 Bhubaneswar, Sunday

downtown Odisha 3,28,201 3,24,068 1,857

k y m c CLARION CALL FOR MODI Saffron targets govt WHILE THE PM POURED HIS HEART OUT THROUGH ‘MANN KI BAAT’, AGGRIEVED FARMERS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS USE A on women’s issues

TRICK OUT OF THE PM’S BOOK TO DEMAND HIS ATTENTION TOWARDS THE 3 CONTENTIOUS FARM LAWS POST NEWS NETWORK not sensitive to hear to their woes?” she asked. POST NEWS NETWORK Many farmers have died Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: The She alleged that many contrac- during this month-long Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tar- tual women employees or those Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: While Prime protest but the Central geted the state government on the working in outsourced firms are de- Minister Narendra Modi was ad- government is adamant and latter’s commitment to fight for prived of the basic necessity of dressing the nation, as part of his women rights and reservation. maternity leave. shows no concerns ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, agi- BJP Mahila Morcha president “In all government offices in the tating farmers and their supporters MD MANWAR ALI | STATE CONVENOR, NAVA Smruti Patnaik Sunday held a press state, can the government regu- clapped, banged utensils and shouted NIRMANA CHHATRA SANGATHAN conference and larise the slogans, as a mark of protest, Sunday. We are beating utensils and blamed the women work- Many state-based groups and ringing bells to mark our Chief Minister ers who are outfits, and farmers’ supporters protests against the Naveen working as joined the nationwide farmers Patnaik and contract work- controversial laws of the protest against the three contentious the state gov- ers or give farm laws. Union government ernment for ig- them wages at Members of ‘Nava Nirmana SESADEV NANDA | STATE CONVENOR, noring the de- par with oth- Chaatra Sanghatan’ Sunday SANYUKTA KISAN MORCHA mands and ers? In gov- protested near Master Canteen here protests by ernment setup, and banged utensils as a mark of laws in Bhubaneswar, Sunday. women work- when women BJP Mahila Morcha president Smruti Patnaik protest against the three laws. MD Members of ‘Azaad Hind Bahini’ express solidarity with Activists of various outfits register their protest at Master Notably, the protest was an- ers engaged as get pregnant addresses the media OP PHOTO Manwar Ali, state convenor, Chhatra farmers in Bhubaneswar, Sunday Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar, Sunday OP PHOTOS nounced last Sunday by Swaraj ASHA, they get ma- Sangathan said that many farm- India chief Yogendra Yadav. It may Anganwadi workers and ANMs. ternity leave. However in Odisha, ers have died during this month-long rang bells and beat utensils when “We are beating utensils and and protest through this way against be noted here that in his last ‘Mann “Throughout the year, the women contractual women workers or protest but the Central government Modi was speaking during the ringing bells to mark our protests the farm laws. Ki Baat’ address November 29, the of the state are seen standing on the those who are outsourced by the gov- is adamant and shows no concerns. weekly programme. against the controversial laws of The event was organised in dif- PM had spoken about the farm laws roads and asking for their rights. ernment are deprived of mater- The ‘Naba Nirman Krushak The outfit also organised the the Union government,” Sesadev ferent blocks and panchayats across and iterated their advantages. He has Be it ASHA workers, Anganwadi nity leave. Why isn’t the government Sangathan’ also opposed the con- protests across the state. This comes Nanda, state convenor of the out- the state. Supporting farmers’ used several platforms to reiterate workers or ANMs,” she said. “Can’t working on this?” she asked. troversial farm laws during the after the ‘Sanyukta Kisan Morcha’, fit, said. He added that his outfit protest, members of ‘Azaad Hind the advantages of the agri laws. the CM see their protests? During She added, “The recent Pari mur- ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech of Prime the national union formed to protest has around 7 lakh members across Bahini’ also participated in bang- Protesting farmers, on the other Covid times, these women helped der case also exposes the deterio- Minister Narendra Modi Sunday. against the legislations, called for the state and would rise to the oc- ing utensils as a mark of protest hand, have demanded the repeal the government to fight against rating law and order situation in The farmers’ outfit members a nationwide stir. casion to mark their presence felt against Central government’s farm of the three laws. the pandemic. Is the government the state.”

3rd UK returnee POLITICKLE by MANJUL is Covid-19 +ve Another 4 lives lost to Covid 303 MORE PEOPLE TEST POSITIVE FOR THE INFECTION IN THE LAST 24 HOURS POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: Another PNN & AGENCIES traveller, who recently returned IN NUMBERS from the United Kingdom (UK), has Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: Odisha’s One fatality each was registered in tested positive for Covid-19, the Covid-19 tally Sunday mounted to Khurda, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Bhubaneswar Municipal 3,28,504 after 303 more people tested Sundargarh Corporation, Sunday said. positive for the infection, while The newly detected Covid-19 four more fatalities pushed the toll Khurda and Kendrapara reported the positive is the father of a 4-year- to 1,861, a senior Health and Family maximum number of new cases at 31 old who had earlier tested posi- Welfare (H&FW) department offi- each, followed by Sundargarh at 30 tive for the coronavirus, informed cial said. Over 68 lakh samples have been BMC Commissioner Prem Of the 303 cases, 172 were re- Kandhamal, Malkangiri and examined for Covid-19 in the Chandra Chaudhary. ported from various quarantine Rayagada have not registered any coastal state so far As per the BMC Commissioner, centres, and 131 detected during new patient. around 20 persons have returned contact tracing. Taking to Twitter, the H&FW de- died due to co-morbidities. to the Capital city from the UK. Khurda and Kendrapara reported partment said, “Regret to inform Over 68 lakh samples have been “We have got the list of the re- the maximum number of new cases about the demise of four Covid pos- examined for Covid-19 in the coastal turnees and are in constant touch at 31 each, followed by Sundargarh itive patients while under treat- state so far, the official added. with them.” However, it’s still at 30. Five districts—Boudh, ment in hospitals.” Meanwhile, another 319 Covid uncertain whether the UK re- Gajapati, Koraput, Puri and One fatality each was registered patients recovered in Odisha, tak- turnees are infected by the newly Subarnapur—recorded just one in Khurda, Kalahandi, Nuapada ing the total recoveries in the coastal detected mutant strain of the case each. and Sundargarh, the official said. state to 3,24,068, the H&FW de- virus or not. Since Saturday, Kalahandi, As many as 53 Covid-19 patients partment tweeted. Fire drill at Cuttack rly station Law & order situation under control: DGP

PREMISE: A fire breaks out at the RRI building of the station around 11 am POST NEWS NETWORK Similarly, 34 kgs of brown sugar has been seized by the state police POST NEWS NETWORK tion manager. Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: Director this year. As per the mock drill, around General of Police Abhay Sunday The DGP also thanked the state Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Dec 27: 10 railway employees, working in- said that the law and order situation government for creating more than The Railway Protection Force side the RRI building, were trapped in the state is under control while 900 posts of civil police and setting (RPF) of Khurda Road Division inside their offices due to the fire. inaugurating the 62nd Senior Police up of around 200 new police sta- Sunday conducted a mock drill at Fire brigade officials led by Officers’ Conference-2020 virtually. tions and outposts in Odisha. Cuttack railway station to check assistant fire officer Abani Kumar The conference is scheduled to He urged senior police officials the alertness and preparedness Swain reached the spot and continue for four days. The DGP to treat the victims of crimes with of the authorities concerned to doused the flames by using two also claimed that Odisha Police empathy and take prompt action deal with emergency situation fire engines. handled the Covid-19 situation with against the accused. like fire incidents. The fire brigade officials also compassion and empathy. The DGP addresses the senior police officials OP PHOTO The DGP also stressed on 5T feed- As part of the mock drill, there rescued the trapped railway em- The DGP revealed that 47 police back to assess the level of satis- was a report that a fire broke out ployees and sent to hospital through personnel succumbed to Covid-19 to take five districts— Abhay stressed on 5T Police laid down faction regarding the police be- at the route relay interlocking (RRI) ambulances. The rescue operation in the line of duty while more than Angul, Boudh, their lives.” havior. He asked police officials to building of Cuttack railway sta- took half an hour. 900 personnel have donated plasma Deogarh, Nayagarh feedback to assess the He praised the po- listen to the grievances of women tion around 11 am. Later, the fire brigade person- after recovering from the virus in- and Sambalpur—out level of satisfaction lice officials for con- and children with priority. On being informed, RPF offi- nel also demonstrated techniques fection. Speaking on the Left-wing of the SRE. In 2020, 17 ducting successful Senior police officials were also cials led by inspector Pravin to extinguish fire caused due to extremism, the DGP said, hardcore Maoists regarding police drives against drugs advised to expedite investigation Kumar rushed to the spot with leak in cooking gas cylinder. “Sustainable progress has been no- have been neutral- trade and extortion. process for better conviction. The The drill in progress behaviour buckets and fire extinguishers to Railway employees, passengers ticed LWE situation. The incidents ized, 32 Maoists have DGP also revealed conference also stressed upon ca- douse the flames. to the fire brigade office, ambu- and common people witnessed of LWE violence have declined. We been arrested and 21 have surren- that around 1,200 quintals of ganja pacity building to deal with rising The incident was also informed lance services, GRP and the sta- the mock drill. have written to government of India dered. Two brave hearts from Odisha have been seized by the state police. cases of cybercrime in Odisha. LINGARAJ TEMPLE REOPENS AFTER 9 MONTHS

PNN & AGENCIES ple to ensure smooth darshan and proper implementation of the Covid- Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: Shree 19 norms. Lingaraj Temple reopened for devo- Meanwhile, the district adminis- tees Sunday after remaining closed tration in Puri allowed the people for almost nine months due to Covid- working in the Holy City to visit 19 pandemic, officials said. Srimandir with strict adherence to Servitors and their family mem- the Covid-19 guidelines. Similarly, bers were allowed entry into the old- people staying in rented accommo- est shrine of the state Capital on dations in Puri city were also al- the first day. They will be allowed to lowed to visit the 12th century shrine. pray inside the temple till December “People who are working in Puri 31, while the general public from and those staying in rented accom- outside the state Capital will be al- modations in the Holy city can visit lowed from January 6. Srimandir by producing their iden- The residents of Bhubaneswar tity proofs and other valid docu- can have darshan of the Lord from ments,” said Puri Collector Balwant January 3. Singh. The Puri district adminis- The 11th century shrine is a unique tration had earlier allowed the locals place in India where both Lord Shiva Healthcare personnel conduct thermal screening of the of the Holy City to visit the 12th

and Lord Vishnu are worshipped Visitors walk out of the temple after paying obeisance OP PHOTOS century shrine from December 26

k y m devotees before entering the temple, Sunday c together making it a ‘Hari-Har’ peeth. to December 31. The officials said the temple was sible big congregation due to the Covid-19 guidelines, has, meanwhile, test camps near the temple to en- As per the schedule, the residents sanitised a day before allowing the New Year. clarified that the devotees having able the devotees to get their Covid- of ward no. 4, 13, 16, 18 and 20 in devotees to offer prayer in the shine. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Covid-19 negative report will only be 19 tests before getting entry into the Puri visited Srimandir Sunday, said The temple will remain closed for Corporation (BMC), which has made allowed to enter the temple. shrine. The authorities have also an official of the Shree Jagannath devotees January 1 and 2 due to pos- arrangement for adherence to the The BMC has put up temporary put up barricades outside the tem- Temple Administration (SJAT). P4 MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR power post

FOCUS HIGHWAYS & FARMERS The supreme state of human

love is...the unity of one soul in

k y m two bodies. c SRI AUROBINDO CORPORATE LAND-GRAB!

armers across the country ple. Each toll road has become have a lot more on their synonymous with unending loot. plate than just the ongo- The DND – or the Noida toll bridge Disenchanted farmers Fing agitation. They are los- lost the toll status at the inter- ing more to roads and highways vention of the court as it had re- rime Minister Narendra Modi sought to kill two targets – the ongoing or expressways than the mere covered more than it had invested farmers’ agitation and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee - with MSP guarantee they are de- on construction and maintenance P one swipe in his much awaited interaction with farmers at a virtual manding or repeal of the farm in three years. Wonder that has not event on 25 December. The exercise, however, showed a deplorable lack of laws. The 10 new expressways pro- become the standard for awarding urgency on the part of the Union government to end the stalemate in the farm- posed around the country and in- future such roads. Now the licence ers’ agitation. He appeared to have turned the virtual meeting into an elec- dustrial corridors would be cre- for toll collection is being given for tion campaign for the BJP in Bengal which is going to polls a few months ating land sharks by acquisition 30 to 36 years – more than a gen- from now. PM Modi was more focused on hitting out at Bengal CM Mamata of at least 25 per cent of more eration. One such emerging mo- Banerjee rather than finding ways out of the farmers’ impasse. BJP lead- farmlands than required for each nopoly belongs to an influential ership has been accusing the Opposition of ‘misleading’ the farmers. PM Modi project and it can lead to enor- politician and many others also too followed the same route. mous disaster and financial mess. have similar connections in every PM Modi announced the release of the next installment of PMKSN Former Prime Minister Atal region. (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) amounting to Rs 18,000 crore to 9 Behari Vajpayee’s Golden Minister for Road Transport & crore small and marginal farmers. This big amount boils down to a pittance Shivaji Sarkar Quadrilateral project was for a Highways Nitin Gadkri says India as the scheme’s allotted money of Rs 6,000 per annum for each farmer is a specific purpose— bolstering the Former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee’s Golden has now the second largest road net- measly Rs 500 per month. The announcement had all the usual theatrics as- country’s infrastructure. But sadly Quadrilateral project was for a specific work of expressways and high- sociated with the PM’s style of functioning. But, on the all-important issue THE TOLL ROADS it has degraded into a land-grab- ways. It is expanding at 30 km of of the farm laws, he merely repeated the government’s readiness to talk things ARE NOT bing movement. The rouge of in- purpose— bolstering the country’s road building a day. But he ignores over with the farmers. There was not a word on the farmers’ demand for re- frastructure building is virtually infrastructure. But sadly it has degraded the World Bank (WB) report of peal of the laws. Nor did he explain the government’s position on the MASTERPIECES a sham if the Agra-Noida JP February 2020 on Roads in India Supreme Court’s suggestion of putting the laws on hold till a solution to the OF INDIAN Infratech Yamuna Expressway into a land-grabbing movement that says the country has one of the imbroglio is found. Though the farmers have agreed to resume talks with (YE) is taken as a test case. It has worst roads and has the highest the government, they have made it clear they want the modalities for repealing CIVILIZATION. 3500 acre of the 6177 acre acquired road crashes killing 1.5 lakh peo- the laws to be worked out. THE NATIONAL unutilised – 56.6 per cent. The 165 into Rs 6,500 crore debt and to set- them with “rich” benefits. It does ple a year and injuring or maim- The government finds itself in the grip of the worst crisis so far in its anx- km road itself as per calculations tle the tangle the National Buildings not assess the fact that the loss it ing more than five times. The WB iety to help its friends in the corporate world itching to open the agriculture HIGHWAYS needed no more than 4500 acre. Construction Corporation Ltd has caused to farm production, says it costs the economy between market which, they have realised now, holds a huge financial potential in In fact, the project conceptualised (NBCC) is roped in. How much greenery and increased pollution three to five per cent of GDP. India. Exploiting farmers is only collateral damage for the corporates. This ACROSS THE by the UP government in 2001 the public sector has lost for res- in the NCR fall in quality of life of So for corporate greed the coun- government has weathered previous crises by either shifting the focus from COUNTRY ARE emerged as the model for grab- cuing the prime acquirers and farm families. try is building unsafe roads and the contentious issues to the Congress-led Opposition or whipping up com- bing people’s land for private prof- some others like Amrapali needs It’s also a wonder why after a few people are being saddled with huge munal and anti-Pakistan hysteria. But this strategy is not working with the INSTANCES OF its. All subsequent road projects to be assessed. It is also a case of years of the start of the project costs and increasing insurance farmers who can’t be swayed by communal rhetoric nor will people in gen- HOW BAD virtually have emulated it to cre- where thousands of home seekers NBCC has to step in. The project premium. What started as loss to eral accept the label that the agitating farmers are all Khalistanis. To wrig- ate a new zamindari, a fear ex- have lost their life’s savings amount- is virtually financially, ecologi- farmers has engulfed the entire so- gle out of the mess, the Union government has been resorting to denigrat- POTHOLED pressed at a national discussion at ing to thousands of crore. cally and socially an example of ciety and the profits of the per- ing the farmers and trying to break their unity. But both attempts have till ROADS HAVE Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on The NBCC in turn has told PSU how a company can botch up a petrators are increasing. Greed date failed to yield any result. freeing urban and rural ceilings banks to raise about Rs 2,000 crore simple issue for its greed. JP is not only driving out the farmer The reason for which the agitating farmers have not been divided is very BEEN LEVIED in 1994. against the expressway and provide Infratech has 3500 acre of the 6177 but also poor workers around him simple. Their demand has only one single point. That point is uncondi- Now on December 21, 2020, YE half of the amount (Rs 1,000 crore) acre acquired unutilised. This is who had been subsisting on farm tional and total withdrawal of the three controversial farm bills. This has TOLL TO industrial development author- to the state-owned company, which now being told to NBCC to acquire activities. The country needs to left no elbow space for the government to carry out any divisive tricks such FLEECE PEOPLE ity (Yeida) CEO Arun Vir Singh would utilise the fund for upfront and manage. Is the public sector study the phenomenon and act to as accepting chosen demands of different groups. This singular demand has says it has notified 256,862 hectares payment and kick-start con- a hospital to rescue a private com- prevent the situation from fur- definitely been cleverly thought out by the farmer leadership out of sheer (6.3 lakh acre) for development struction. The NBCC will not repay pany that has caused untold ther aggravating. experience of watching the Modi government play out various theatrics dur- and has acquired 12,481 hectares the loans in cash but would give 100 human, financial and ecological The loss of arable land for a ing past agitations. This is probably the only people’s movement that has man- (30841 acre) for various develop- per cent equity to lenders (banks). hazard at a stone’s throw from the scramble of “bad development” aged to trickle down to the grass roots against the present government. It mental projects – all of that is So it is people’s deposits that are national capital? can be socially and politically is, therefore, imperative for the Centre to not make these farm laws an issue agriculture or wetland – in Gautam being put to speculative risks with The toll roads are not master- disastrous. The mad game for ac- of prestige. Buddh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura uncertain chances of return. pieces of Indian civilization. The quisition of fertile land must The image of PM Modi as a strong and resolute leader will not get watered and Agra. There is a myth in western UP national highways to Chandigarh, stop and the government has to down if the farmers’ demand is met. Rather, Modi’s image will be further The project also busts the myth that the compensation, peanuts Jaipur, Aligarh and hosts of oth- look back to have a holistic agri- bolstered as a true democrat who governs with compassion. Apart from the that the public sector is ineffi- as per market valuation, has im- ers across the country are in- culture and growth (not opportunity of gaining further support from the farmers which will far ex- cient. As huge tract of land is ac- proved quality of life of farmer stances of how bad potholed roads development) policy. ceed the 38 per cent voter base that the BJP enjoys today, it will also create quired by JP Infratech and it gets families as the project displaced have been levied toll to fleece peo- INFA a favourable image internationally for Modi. To think that the PMKSN money will win over other farmers nationwide is far from truth. It must also be kept in mind and this has been proven by history that disenchantment among farmers affects social well being which in turn creates economic crises. India being an agricultural economy, this may spell doom. SPECTRUM SYSTEM WISDOM CORNER Corruption is the problem, not merely GST You cannot find peace by avoiding life. VIRGINIA WOOLF The shortest answer is doing the thing. had expressed concerns five spectors. The use of same e-way proactively audit an office. We The difficulty in empowering ERNEST HEMINGWAY years ago that black economy bill to transport three consignments know that a common strategy independent oversight is that the Freedom lies in being bold. I will increase in size after GST can only be checked by questioning adopted by civil servants is to sit empowerment also leads people to ROBERT FROST implementation. The earlier system the driver. The under-pricing of on a file until their palms are raise questions about the policies required a black marketeer to ne- goods can only be controlled by an greased. An auditor can uncover and actions of the government it- gotiate with three inspectors of ex- officer comparing the price with this by examining the time taken self—not just corrupt officials. It is cise, sales tax and octroi. The GST similar goods available in market. for disposal of files on a particular for this reason that the govern- WORDSWORTH system requires him to make set- The government will have to con- desk. Such an audit, however, would ments, unlike that envisaged by ting with only one inspector thus trol corruption of the tax bureau- be fruitful only if it is undertaken the founding fathers of the US making it easier to undertake black cracy. It has implemented a number by an external agency and not by Constitution, are reluctant to im- Whelmed transactions. of good measures in this direction. the officials of the Comptroller prove representation of people; in- he verb whelm does exist, though you might search for some time Businesses are engaging in such The most effective has been to re- and Auditor General of India that stitute corruption audits; empower Tbefore you find examples in modern prose. That’s excluding transactions because GST officials tire corrupt officials. However, IAS have been merrily overlooking cor- the press, civil society and judici- fantasy and historical fiction, of course — when SM Stirling wrote in are corrupt. A parallel black econ- officers are not willing to identify rupt practices. ary; or require external evalua- On the Oceans of Eternity, “Whelm not our ships with Your anger, but omy has come into being. The busi- the corrupt among them. Professor Errol D’Souza of Indian tion of officers. On the contrary, gov- give us swift voyaging and good winds, full nets and victory,” his Bharat nessperson buys raw material, elec- We will have to think differently. Institute of Management, ernments want to suppress the choice of whelm was deliberately archaic, to help convey to his Jhunjhunwala tricity and labour; the transporter Professor John Joseph Wallis of Ahmedabad says the role of the voice of these independent players. readers the sense of being in another time and place. On the other shifts the goods; and the shopkeeper the University of Maryland says press and civil society is crucial in The government cannot repair hand, to come across “It was a late-arriving crowd that saw the sells those goods—all do this in that less bureaucratic corruption controlling corruption. I would the system on its own from top- Hurricanes whelm the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night,” which THE GOVERNMENT black, outside the books. The gov- in the US owes itself to the concern add the judiciary. These organisa- down actions such as retiring cor- appeared in The News & Record of North Carolina back in 1998, is to ernment made the e-way bill system of the founding fathers with “rep- tions can flag corruption. The rupt officials. No wonder, one sen- be brought up short, wondering if the word’s a misprint. But it was WILL HAVE to be able to check whether tax has resentation, access, equity and fair- People’s Union for Civil Liberties, ior Minister in the UP government once common. It started as a medieval English sea term meaning to TO CONTROL been paid on goods during transit. ness.” The framers of the US for example, exposes high-handed confided to me, “What to do? We capsize — it’s related to the even older whelve, to overturn. Around This has been circumvented. The Constitution wanted to empower the actions taken by the police. have dismissed and suspended 1513, Robert Fabyan used it in The Newe Cronycles of Englande and of CORRUPTION OF e-way bill between Delhi and people against the tyranny of the The Fifth Pay Commission had many police officers. But they just Fraunce: “By the mysgydynge of the sterysman, he was set vpon the THE TAX Ghaziabad provides a window of 24 government. An article in “World said that its recommendations for do not behave.” He should have pylys of the brydge, and the barge whelmyd” (in modern spelling “By hours. Businesspersons transport Development” reviewed the anti-cor- increase in salaries of government sought the help of People's Union the misguidance of the steersman, he was set upon the piles of the BUREAUCRACY 3 or 4 consignments on the same e- ruption experiences with a focus on employees should be implemented of Civil Liberties. Systemic reform bridge, and the barge whelmed”). It could also mean to turn a hollow way bill within that time. Secondly, civil servants. It found that anti-cor- only with instituting an external can succeed only if the govern- vessel upside down to cover something; in 1842 the Florist’s Journal they are under-valuing the goods. ruption organisations are not ef- evaluation of Class ‘A’ officers. The ment acts from the top and the wrote that “Pansies that were planted out in the autumn, should be A Hawaii Chappal is billed at Rs 50 fective while “corruption audit” common thread in all these sug- public acts from the bottom. The protected by whelming a small pot over each plant.” It also came to and GST is paid on Rs 50 while the is effective. The underlying prem- gestions is the empowerment of choice before the government, mean, as an extension of the capsizing sense, being covered by water actual price is Rs 200. The seller ise is that corruption takes place by independent persons—improving therefore, is either to live with cor- or drowning. Sir Charles Lyall used it that way in his Principles of takes Rs 150 in cash from the buyer cooperation between the civil ser- access of people; corruption audit; ruption and lose its power alto- Geology (1830): “Marsh land ... has at last been overflowed, and and saves tax. vant and the businessperson. Anti- empowering the press, civil society gether; or to allow people to ques- thousands of the inhabitants whelmed in the waves.” One might once Black transactions cannot be corruption organisations can know and judiciary; or external evalua- tion its policies and maybe survive. have talked about the whelm of the tide, which covers the shore as it controlled by reliance on techno- of corruption only when there tion of officers. These are funda- rises. But a writer can’t use any of these senses any more, unless he’s logical solutions such as e-way bills. arises a dispute between the giver mentally different than the top- The writer is a deliberately using an archaism for effect, or is showing off his The purchase and sale of goods in and taker of bribe. Audit, on the down measures such as retiring former Professor of knowledge of language, or is perhaps archly trying to invent a new cash can only be checked by in- other hand, involves an official to corrupt officials. Economics at IIM, Bangalore. word, not knowing that whelm exists.

Just justice Ensure women’s health LOL Sir, The 1992 Sister Abhaya case of Kottayam, Kerala would not have culminated in conviction Sir, The state-owned Oil India Limited has but for the courts. Courts at various levels in Kerala, that were loathe to go by “reputed” in- introduced a community-based scheme ‘OIL PICKING A etters vestigative agencies’ cursory closure reports, ensured a proper investigation took place in Shakti’ to promote menstrual health and a case riddled with passion, deceit, dishonesty and influence. Courts took over, for some time, hygiene management among women of vul- PUNISHMENT again. the responsibility of monitoring the investigations. The death of young Sister Abhaya, nerable communities so as to reduce ma- Finally, Satan TOL THE EDITOR who was studying in Class 12 of a convent, was passed off as a ‘suicide’ though a homicidal ternal and infant mortality rates. The scheme his guy dies and is sent to Hell. shows him the Readers of Orissa POST angle was pointed out by some experts. Pulls and pressures made sure that the local police will increase the livelihood opportunities TSatan meets him and shows him third and final room. This are most welcome to contribute letters ‘confirm’ the suicide theory till the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was asked to come as well as the health and hygiene manage- the doors to three rooms and says he time there are people in there with (200 words), articles and in by a court. Although eventually the CBI found out a foul play, the identities of the per- ment of women. A comic book based on sci- columns (between 750-1250 must choose one of the rooms to cow manure up to their knees words). Contributors are petrators of the dastardly murder were shrouded in mystery, and the courts’ quest for jus- entific facts about the stigma associated spend eternity in. drinking cups of tea and eating cakes. requested to send their tice resulted in the arrest and prosecution of a priest and a nun who were recently sentenced with menstruation has also been released So Satan opens the first door. In the So the guy says, “I’ll choose this contact numbers and full to life imprisonment by a special CBI court at Thiruvananthapuram. The beleaguered CBI, which would be distributed at schools, col-

room there are people standing in room.” Satan says O.K. The guy is postal address/email ID. They may also for once, did not flounder at the end. The CBI court judge succinctly noted that there was leges, and at the community level. This is a

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c cow manure up to their necks. The standing in there eating his cake and and suggestions, preferably by email, no way the young girl, going by the statements of those who knew her, could have ended her worthwhile initiative to provide health and guy says: “No, please show me the drinking his tea thinking, “Well, it to: [email protected] own life. Caught in the sexual act, the priest and the nun, the court said, murdered Abhaya hygiene-related information, and facilities next room.” could be worse,” when the door and made it look like a suicide. Never ending investigation and lengthy prosecution did not to women. Rural women of India need such Satan shows him the next room and opens. Satan pops his head around, deprive justice to the deceased Abhaya, and her family members who were waiting for the efforts to ensure their good health. this has people with cow manure up and says “O.K. tea-break is over. Back B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, outcome for all these 28 long years. to their noses. And so he says no on your heads!” Bhubaneswar-751010 Ganapathi Bhat, AKOLA (MAHARASHTRA) Amit Singh Kushwaha, SATNA (MP) P5 MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR state

80 per cent of pvt schools lack NOCs FUN TIME

k y m c POST NEWS NETWORK binding on the private schools here as they never give admission to Kendrapara, Dec 27: Students poor students in their schools. studying in over 80 per cent of the The state education department private schools in this district have is merging the schools having less been deprived of appearing in an- than 20 students on their rolls with nual scholarship examinations as the nearest schools. However, this these schools have been operating rule seems to be not binding on without no-objection certificates madrasas in this district. (NOCs), a report said. It is alleged the authorities in Over 30 madrasas have been al- most of the schools inflate student legedly committing fraud by si- attendance records to avoid merger phoning off government funds District education officer Sanjiv Kumar Singh said a of their schools. This way the au- without investing the money in probe has been ordered into the lack of NOCs by thorities try to gobble up the funds education of students or infra- available to them. Moreover, most of structure development. This has various private schools the schools are being run by a sin- pushed the future of the students gle teacher. Residents have demanded to the brink. This speaks about the sorry state ning without NOCs. As a result, the government to intervene and di- This is indicative of the com- of affairs in the education system the students studying in these rect a probe by the mass education mercialisation of education where due to lack of scrutiny and check- schools have been debarred from ap- department. District education officer the authorities of these private up by the education department. pearing in the annual scholarship Sanjiv Kumar Singh said a probe schools put up attractive adver- Guardians Amarbar Biswal, examinations. has been ordered into the lack of tisements in the form of hoard- Pradip Kumar Sahu, Sk Ehasan The state government rule has NOCs by various private schools ings and billboards to lure the par- said that a total of 154 private provision of admission of 25 poor while a similar probe will be un- ents and guardians for admission schools are operating in the dis- students in these private schools. dertaken against the madrasas after of their wards in these schools. trict and 80 per cent of them are run- However, the rule seems to be not the reopening of the schools. Children playing amid paddy stocks at a paddy procurement centre in Bargarh OP PHOTO Undertrial Maoist Passing under stationary dies in Malkangiri train turns fatal for woman 4 years on, bridge remains half-built POST NEWS NETWORK POST NEWS NETWORK have brought the attention of POST NEWS NETWORK Source said Sophia and Roshan Athmallik MLA to the issue as Malkangiri, Dec 27: An under- had been staying in a live-in rela- Boinda, Dec 27: Four years have well. The villagers alleged that trial Maoist at Malkangiri sub- Jharsuguda, Dec 27: Passing tionship in Brajarajnagar. passed since the work on a bridge they have so far only received as- jail in the district died under mys- under a stationary train at a rail sta- The couple had been at a relative’s over Rainali rivulet near Ranibandh surances. terious circumstances, Sunday. tion proved fatal for a woman here. house at Budhapada in Bagdehi village under Athmallik block in “The government has sanctioned The deceased has been identi- The goods train ran over the area under Laikera tehsil. Sunday Angul district started, but the proj- money for the bridge. We are yet to fied as Danu Galori. According woman, killing her on the spot and morning, they reached Bagdehi ect is yet to be completed. understand as to what has shelved to a source, the police had arrested injuring her partner critically at railway station to board a train to While the bridge’s construction the construction work. The ad- Galori two months ago during a Bagdehi railway station in go to Brajarajnagar. has been limited to supporting pil- ministrative inertia is only to be combing operation. After that he Jharsuguda district Sunday. There was a stationary goods lars, the prospects of development blamed for this,” alleged Bibhu was lodged in the Malkangiri sub- The deceased was identified as train at platform no-4. To go to the of seven villages under Thakurgarh Prasad Senapati and some other jail as an undertrial prisoner. Sophia Mahanand (20) and the in- platform from where their train and Maimura panchayats have villagers. However, he was found in an in- jured man as Roshan Mahanand leaves, they, in order to save time, been affected. Echoing the same, Maimura jured state Saturday evening and (22). Roshan is undergoing treatment chose to crawl under the stationary Hundreds of villagers are forced sarpanch Satyananda Rout said was admitted to the District at the Jharsuguda district head- goods train to reach the other side. to commute on concrete electric the development of seven villages Headquarters Hospital. quarters hospital. Hardly did they know then that poles laid out across the rivulet, largely depends on the bridge. Due to serious injuries in var- the goods train was just about to putting their lives at risk. Presently, the villagers are facing ious parts of his bodies, he breathed leave the station. The government has been giving a lot of difficulties in getting con- his last Sunday while undergo- Roshan was partly outside the priority to improve communica- Hatashimili and Ranibandh vil- the rainy season, it is always a struction material to their villages. ing treatment at the hospital. track and partly under the train but tion facility in tribal-dominated lages of Thakurgarh panchayat, risky affair to cross the swelling The villagers have alleged that The doctors said that there were Sophia was fully under the train remote areas by constructing Gopapur, Kansab, Rampur and rivulet. Parents often do not allow the bridgework has been left mid- deep cut marks behind the neck of when the train started to roll, trap- bridges. The government had green- Jhatikibahal villages of Maimura their children to attend classes in way through as the money meant the deceased. The reason behind ping both under it. signalled the construction of a panchayat thought their days of schools on the other side of the for the project has been siphoned the death was yet to be ascertained. Sophia was crushed under the bridge over Rainali rivulet hardship was short-lived. They rivulet. off. They said they would resort to The police have sent the body for wheels while Roshan was severely December 21, 2016. had started dreaming of all sorts The villagers have already taken mass agitation if the construction post-mortem. A further investi- injured. For this, Rs 10,00,000 was allocated of developmental activities in their up the matter with the government work is not started at the earliest. gation into the case has been He was immediately rescued to the Western Odisha Development villages. But, their dreams have officials and political leaders, but Block development officer, Sanjay launched by the district police. and rushed to the hospital. One Council and the construction work remained unfulfilled. to no avail. They have also informed Acharya, said the construction being informed, the Government on the bridge started with the then In order to be able to travel to the collector, the block develop- work had to be left midway as the Railway Police reached the spot, re- MLA Sanjeeb Sahu laying the foun- other places, the villagers have laid ment officer and Sambalpur MP sanctioned money fell short. Later, Farmer trampled to covered the body and launched dation stone for the project. out electric poles across the rivulet of their suffering due to the ab- iron rods were found to have been a probe. Then, the inhabitants of and are commuting on them. In death, minor critical sence of a bridge. Similarly, they stolen away from the bridge. in elephant attack Man held for killing 2-yr-old Man dies due Bhanjanagar to get `25cr POST NEWS NETWORK to ‘cold wave’ for healthcare overhaul Bhanjanagar, Dec 27: A farmer was trampled to death while a daughter after tiff with wife POST NEWS NETWORK minor boy was rendered critical in an elephant attack near a cashew POST NEWS NETWORK On the other hand, Jashoda had Jashoda’s relatives, who were Kesinga/Bhawanipatna, Dec orchard at Nuapalli under Galeri frequently tried to solve the dispute present during the incident, 27: A 51-year-old man died due to forest range in Ganjam district, Ambabhona, Dec 27: A man was between the couple. But no solu- dragged Ramesh out of his house suspected cold wave at new bus Sunday afternoon. arrested Sunday for allegedly tion came out after the interven- and thrashed him. stand area in Bhawanipatna town, The deceased was identified as killing his two-year-old daughter tion of Jashoda’s mother, follow- On being informed by the vil- the police said Sunday. Sukriya Naik, 55, of Badangi after a quarrel with his wife in ing which Jashoda and her mother lagers, the police reached the spot The incident triggered panic in Nuapalli village. The injured minor Kapasira village under decided to leave Ramesh. and arrested the accused. the area as all business establish- is Ganesh Goud of Galeri, 14. The Ambabhona police limits in Sunday morning Jashoda took The body of the minor girl has ments remained shut, Sunday. The incident has triggered panic in Bargarh district. her two-year-old daughter in her been sent for post-mortem. deceased was identified as Ghasiram the area. Forest officials tried to re- The accused Ramesh Satnami arms and tried to leave the house. A police official said that a case Putel of Talpalipada in Bolangir cover the body but failed as the suspected his wife Jashoda of hav- But Ramesh snatched the baby was registered at the Ambabhona town. He was begging for alms in elephant herd has surrounded the ing an extramarital affair and this from his wife’s hand and in anger, police station in connection with the town for the last two months. POST NEWS NETWORK up. Ambulance will be provided body. Forest officials tried to drive led to frequent fights between the threw the baby to the ground, the incident and the man has been with funds to be made available away the elephants but in vain. couple, the police said. causing her death on the spot. arrested. Preliminary inquiries Bhanjanagar, Dec 27: The health- from MPLAD fund while Rs 5 lakh The injured minor was rescued suggested that care sector will see a major over- will be made available from and shifted to Bhanjanagar hos- haul in Bhanjanagar. The gov- MLALAD fund for a drinking water pital after primary treatment. DFO Ghasiram might have ernment has decided to invest Rs facility, sanitation and setting up Abhaya Kumar Dalei, ACF 2 dead, 18 hurt as minibus hits road divider died of cold wave 17.90 crore for setting up of a spe- of high mast lights on the hospi- Sudarshan Badi, forest ranger cial hi-tech women and infant ward tal premises. Umakant Das reached spot and POST NEWS NETWORK lost control over the wheels fol- as he did not have on the premises of the Bhanjanagar As the number of patients turn- started an investigation. lowing which the vehicle dashed clothes for himself sub-divisional hospital. Besides, ing up for the hospital has been in- Reports said a herd of 17 ele- Rourkela, Dec 27: In a tragic against the road divider. Rs 7 more crore will be spent for the creasing over the years, dialysis and phants had stay put in a cashew or- mishap, at least two people were On being informed by locals, Police sent the body for post- upgradation of infrastructure and physiotherapy facilities will be chard and was guarding a new- killed on the spot and over 18 oth- Raghunathpali police immediately mortem to a hospital. Preliminary facilities of the sub-divisional hos- put in place, it was learnt. born elephant since Saturday night. ers sustained severe injuries in the reached the spot and rescued the in- inquiries suggested that Ghasiram pital. Medical Superintendent Dr The forest officials had alerted the wee hours of Sunday after a minibus jured. Later, they were rushed to the might have died of cold wave grip- This was revealed by state Forest Sitansu Shekhar Satpathy pointed villagers from Saturday not to ven- rammed into a road divider near government hospital in Rourkela. ping the area as he did not have and Environment Minister Bikram out various problems of the ture into the area due to the pres- Balughat area on NH-143 under Riya Martha was critical. She was Police have seized the minibus winter clothes to cover himself. Keshari Arukh at a meeting of the hospital. ence of the elephants. However, Raghunathpali police limits in sent to Burla hospital. named ‘Maa Tarini’. A case has His son Bhagaban Putel arrived in Bhanjanagar Sub-divisional Rogi On the occasion, the minister as ill fate would have it Naik and Sundargarh district. Reports said the ill-fated vehi- been registered by the police in Bhawanipatna and received the Kalyan Samiti Saturday. inaugurated a solid waste man- Goud were passing by that way The deceased were identified as cle was heading towards Rourkela this connection and a probe has body from the police after a pho- The minister also said that a agement plant near the fish spawn this afternoon when the elephant Kartik Mahakud and Suni Kuspatta. from Lathikata area with about 20 been initiated, while the bodies tograph of Ghasiram went viral new building for the medical staff production centre. The plant was attacked them. The condition of a six-year-old girl occupants. Driver of the minibus were sent for post-mortem. on social media. and a new bicycle stand will be set set up at a cost of Rs 1.03 crore. NO FEAR FOR COVID Akhandalamani reopens today, Biraja tomorrow

POST NEWS NETWORK n Bhadrak Sub-collector January 3 between 7 am and 5 pm, Pitambar Samal say, the he added. Bhadrak/Jajpur, Dec 27: After re- temple will reopen for servitors The sub-collector has urged the maining closed for nine months, the and their family members Dec devotees to adhere to the Covid- famous Akhandalamani shrine at 28 and 29. People of four 19 guidelines strictly. Covid pro- Aradi in Bhadrak district will re- panchayats around the Aradi tocols like use of face mask, hand open from Monday amid strict Temple will be allowed darshan sanitising and social distancing Covid-19 protocols, while the Biraja Dec 30 and 31 have been made mandatory for the temple in Jajpur will reopen from devotees before making entry into n December 29. The temple of Goddess Biraja the shrine. is all set to welcome devotees The servitors and their family Similarly, the servitors have from December 29. The ancient members will get the opportunity shrine, which has remained been instructed to show their iden- to catch a glimpse of the Lord in shut since March due to the tity cards before entering the tem- first two days at Aradi following coronavirus pandemic, will ple premises, Samal added. which the shrine will be thrown reopen following sharp decline The temple of Goddess Biraja is open for local residents. in the Covid-19 cases in the all set to welcome devotees from

According to Bhadrak Sub-col- December 29. The ancient shrine,

k y m district, Jajpur Collector c lector Pitambar Samal, December Chakravarti Singh Rathore said which has remained shut since 28 and 29, the temple will reopen March due to the coronavirus pan- for servitors and their family mem- shan December 30 and 31. Finally, and 2 in view of the New demic, will reopen following sharp bers and residents of around four the temple will be thrown open Year rush. decline in the Covid-19 cases in panchayats in the vicinity of the for the public from January 3 after All devotees will be allowed to the district, Jajpur Collector Throwing Covid safety norms to the winds, tourists throng Gopalpur sea beach on the eve of New Year day OP PHOTO Aradi Temple will be allowed dar- two days of closure on January 1 have darshan of the Lord from Chakravarti Singh Rathore said.

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m c MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR ODISHA’S OWN GULLY BOY uleshwar Tandi from Odisha’s restaurants in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, DKalahandi district, also known as has now nearly four lakhs views of his Dule Rocker, rose to fame after his video on YouTube and has been covered rap video, Telling The Truth, went by several news portals. Several viral, making even Hindi film industry celebrities including Vishal Dadlani and sit up and take notice. Tandi was among Swara Bhasker continue to shower those migrant workers who returned to praise on him on social media. The tribal his hometown walking. But soon he youth is also being likened to the realised there would be little help character portrayed by top actor coming his way from the government. Ranveer Singh That’s when he decided to voice his in the 2019 DOWN B-TOWN MEMORY LANE opinion about the miseries of the Hindi film mirgrants and their struggles Gully following the nationwide Boy. From controversial deaths to actors’ involvement in drugs and from super success of newbies to shocking lockdown in the form of rap. The 27-year-old rap sensation who used to demises of stalwarts, the entertainment world witnessed several incidents that grabbed eyeballs in 2020. wipe tables in hotels and Split Wide Open Orissa POST takes a look at all that made good and bad noises over the last 12 months in showbiz Tribal Singing Sensation The journey of young tribal girl Namita Melka from Chintaguda village in Koraput district to the New Recording Studio in Silver City Cuttack to achieve her dream was ill a few months ago people vouched for their compatibility not easy. This was possible only for actress Varsha Priyadarshini. Highly impressed Tand they were the best ever star couple. But come August, it by Namita’s resonant voice, the actress wrote on her Twitter handle, came to light that all was not well, in fact things were worst “ Talent should not be hidden. I would like to be a small part in her journey to between actor and MP Anubhav Mohanty and his wife actress NEW INNINGS help her & inspire her to achieve her dreams & be successful & set an Varsha Priyadarshini. In a shocking turnaround, Varsha filed a The Good, The Bad example for all the youth talent who wish to fulfill their own dreams.” case in the court of SDJM, Cuttack, August 7 against her 2020 has been a year of celebrity weddings. Here is list Living up to her commitment, the actress facilitated the recording of husband under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence a devotional song sung by Namita in Cuttack. Soon after, the Act. Earlier, Anubhav had filed a divorce suit July 6 at the of celebs who surprised us by tying the knot this year state government announced that the singing Patiala House Court, Delhi. Varsha, in her petition, had sensation will be getting the opportunity to demanded a compensation of Rs 13 crore, Rs 50,000 per and The Ugly pursue her future studies with music at month for maintenance, Rs20,000 per month for house Bhubaneswar. rent and Rs 2 crore for loss of earning and medical Kajal expenses from Anubhav. Varsha also moved Odisha or the film industry 2020 started on death probe was being handled. State Commission for Women (OSCW) over the matter. Aggarwal a normal note. Films released as More and more film folk expressed Taking the issue seriously, the panel has issued notice The Singham Fscheduled. But unexpected spike in their unsolicited opinions on the Rajput to the BJD’s Kendrapara MP and his parents to appear actress got married Covid cases proved to be a catastrophe. and Ranaut but public sympathy was before the commission December 29. Besides, Varsha to beau Gautam Covid-19 may have struck in 2019 with these two. has filled multiple police complaints against Anubhav Kitchlu October 30 but the impact started to be felt The TV channels made a marathon TOP 5 INDIAN within a very short period. at Taj Hotel, In news for all the around March '20. After that, things reality show of the Rajput and Kangana Mumbai. The WEB SERIES couple hosted low have gone steadily downhill. issues, with their usual for and against key pre-wedding The year had just a few films panellists who had little to do with the wrong reasons The outgoing 2020 turned out to be a game- Odisha festivities at home with staying power at the box of- present-day affairs of the film changing year for digital OTT platforms. Due to due to the fice, out of about 45 films that industry. lockdown, the viewership of premium OTT too has a Sonu Sood pandemic. released in 2020. A few films that However, what has rocked the film As we leave the dreaded 2020 behind and start a platforms saw a massive surge. Here is a look at the list of the top five Indian web series of 2020 did well were Tanhaji: The industry is the accusations of usage new chapter in a few days from now, here's a film star intervening to offer assistance to migrant look at a few celebrities who made news this based on their IMDB ratings A workers, arranging transport, hospitalisation, ration Unsung Warrior, Baaghi 3 and of drugs and the drug parties. A lot and finance for people, and leading a people’s movement Street Dancer 3D. of stars and some filmmakers are year for all the wrong reasons during the Covid-19 lockdown? This may sound like a reference The year will also go into still being investigated. For the film Scam 1992: The Harshad to Sonu Sood, but Odia star Sabyasachi Mishra has led a similar record for some major tragedies. industry, otherwise always taken for campaign in Odisha. In the last three months, the engineer-turned- Diptirekha Rhea Chakraborty Mehta Story The most controversial being granted, which was in the process of actor has arranged the arrival of hundreds of Odias in around 35 he actress grabbed headlines this year after the demise ational Award- Padhi the unnatural deaths of youth cultivating a goodwill with govern- buses, and many more by special trains, from states like Rajasthan, of actor Sushant Singh Rajput whom she was dating. The winning director The popular Odia T N Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala. But heartthrob, Sushant Singh ments at the Centre as well as some Hansal Mehta made playback singer actress was accused of abetment to suicide by the late the actor’s assistance to people hasn’t been limited to transport. He Rajput and his associate, Disha states, these drug reports were a set- his OTT debut with started her new actor's family. The case gained a massive momentum on has also delivered medical relief to people through Salian. Controversy domi- back. this web series. The innings of life as she social media leading to the CBI taking over the case from hospitalisations, which is how the campaign began, and thriller web drama tied the knot nated the news media, cre- the Mumbai Police. The case was later taken up by the monetary assistance to migrants and others who were stuck is based on December 13. She ated some political storms in various parts of the country in the early phases of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Narcotics Control Bureau Debashis Basu and married Soumya and remains a subject of de- lockdown. Mishra did all of this through his little-known (NCB) as well. The NCB arrested Rhea and her brother in Sucheta Dalal’s book The Scam: Who Won, Who Lost, Ranjan Satapathy of trust, Smile Please, which was formed just a year bate even now. Other than September for alleged role in a drug case related to Rajput's Who Got Away. It reports the story of one of the Khurda district in ago to provide a platform to differently-abled that, fans also mourned death. Rhea was released on bail after spending a month in biggest financial scams in the Indian stock market. presence of family youths for a career in acting. the deaths of Rishi Kapoor prison. Ever since the actress has not been spotted in the public eye. members at a hotel in Bhubaneswar. and Irrfan. Panchayat The other controversy was of the demolition of Kangana Ranaut tarring Jitendra Kumar, Raghuveer Yadav, and the high-end Mumbai he Gangster actress, in the past year, had S Neena Gupta, Panchayat is a Year of Amlan Das property of Kangana Tslammed many of her peers and film industry comic-drama series that show- The son of veteran PRATIK GANDHI Ranaut in, what was said members for different reasons. First, she accused cases the journey of an engi- MAANVI GAGROO actor Mihir Das to be the result of cross- Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra of running a ‘movie neering graduate. The simplici- e has to be one of underdogs married his childhood he was loved for her portrayal of ing swords with the pow- mafia’ in the industry and sparked the nepotism debate again in the ty and relatable storyline make the best addi- friend Bhumika in H Sthe affable Goggle in Shubh aftermath of Sushant’s unfortunate death. She also asked Ranveer this light-hearted series a tions to the Hindi Cuttack February 7. ers that be. Ranaut was Mangal Zyada Savdhaan, but it was Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and more celebs to take drug tests. must-watch with family. entertainment her performance as Siddhi in sea- The wedding very vocal on the way Kangana went on to compared Mumbai to ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir' space after his Far removed from son two of Four More Shots Please! ceremony took place the Sushant performance in that helped her gain a massive fan- as per the Arya Samaj Singh and within no time, a controversy erupted on social media and off it. Hansal Mehta's biog- the dazzle of dom and spotlighted her acting skills. rituals in the presence Rajput Special Ops raphical drama, Scam of their family bloodline, this has n action-thriller series directed 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story. The show members and close Kanika Kapoor Deepika, Rakul, by Neeraj Pandey managed to has made his career graph soar. Pratik was been a year when SHARAD KELKAR friends. A making his mark on the Gujarati screen and hen the Shraddha and Sara keep the viewers hooked to their the underdogs t’s interesting how he stole some stage when the Harshad Mehta bio-series COVID- seats. Special Ops starred Kay Kay of Akshay Kumar’s thunder in W mid a Menon as Raw agent Himmat Singh happened. made news in the I 19 crisis the film Laxmii. It was his charac- suspected who traces a pattern in terror first hit A world of showbiz. ter as the original transgender drug angle in attacks over the years and draws JITENDRA KUMAR that was more talked about. Hindi film A big reason for Sushant's death the conclusion that one person is Sharad also delivered his best as industry, behind all the attacks. e always had a niche fan base thanks to case, the NCB also suspected a drug Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the film popular singer Kanika his Viral Fever sketches, but 2020 proved this trend is the link in the film industry. The NCB then H Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. Kapoor was amongst the to be the game changer. He courted fame advent of OTT, a started to probe both the cases first to be tested positive Bandish Bandits with his portrayal of Ayushmann Khurrana’s together. As part of its investigation, domain that for the virus. It was alleged on-screen gay lover in Shubh Mangal Zyada AHANA KUMRA the NCB summoned Deepika Padukone, his web series, Saavdhan. But the show that made him a Kanika broke quarantine creates a level Rakul Preet Singh, Sara Ali Khan and Tbased on Indian household name was he started the year with Marzi, which rules and attended large navigates the fading line between Shraddha Kapoor among others. While classical music, took Panchayat, a satirical playing ground for S gatherings in Lucknow power, deception, and trust. She then Deepika and Rakul were summoned on the audience by a web series where he all. Here are a few despite symptoms. The surprise. This roman- played a big city boy turned into a zombie for Betaal. She will economic Ladakh the basis of alleged chats that surfaced ctor Sonu Sood singer received a lot of flak tic drama with mes- who ends up as secre- names that stole be ending the year on a hilarious note, in shutdown reached their villages to send Chinese online, Sara and Shraddha were showed the world on social media and had merising musical tary in the gram pan- Rohan Sippy’s thoroughly enjoyable sit- A and hometowns safely. back home the show, coming that what Akshay Kumar Sushant's co-stars in Kedarnath and experience requires a special mention in a list domi- chayat of a remote com Sandwiched Forever. International passengers, safely.” When limited the comments on did in Airlift was very much Chhichhore. It was also reported that nated by crime thrillers. village. including students desperate to Sanjay Gupta her Instagram account. out of nowhere possible off-screen too. Sara and Sushant briefly dated. get home, were also put on showed interest Hindi film industry is charity- chartered planes to facilitate in buying rights friendly, but even by its Mirzapur Season 2 their return to India. Suddenly, to Sonu’s life for Jhilik Bhattacharjee standards, Sonu Sood’s deeds Sonu was the biggest saviour a biopic, Based on the horrific 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder are Homeric. Dubbed a migrant TOP 5 GROSSING HINDI FILMS he most awaited Indian web The top actress tied the knot with BJD and good Samaritan in town. Twitteratis Netflix’s Delhi Crime became the first Indian web-series to messiah, he stole our hearts for Tseries of 2020 Mirzapur season 2 Maiden Int’l leader and Sukinda MLA Pritiranjan Today, he’s a meme magnet. joked, “Akshay RANK MOVIE NAME GLOBAL COLLECTIONS (RS IN CR.) win an International Emmy Award. The series was directed generously sending help and was finally released in October. The Gharai. The actress made the revelation There’s an SS joke for anyone Kumar will play by Richie Mehta and has magnificent Shefali Shah playing hope during the migrant workers’ action-packed crime thriller drama by sharing a marriage photo on her (damsels included) waiting to Sonu Sood.” the role of Deputy Commissioner of Police who has been crisis in the wake of the 1 Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior 367.65 has all the raw and intense ele- Emmy for Instagram profile March 12. Hailing from be rescued. One man even Expect Airlift tasked with finding the culprits of the heinous crime as nationwide lockdown. Screen 2 Baaghi 3 137.05 ments to entertain and attract more West Bengal, Jhilik made her debut in reached out to Sood to be II to drop on well as has an extremely talented Adil Hussain in a baddie but real-life hero, his 3 Street Dancer 3D 97 viewers. With the immense global Odia film industry with the movie Target reunited with his sweetheart. an OTT Indian series supporting role. efforts saw him arrange special 4 Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan 86.3 popularity, Amazon Prime Video has in 2013. During the Indo-China border platform soon. flights and busses to ensure renewed Mirzapur for season 3. conflict, a well-known columnist 5 Malang 84.5 those stranded due to suggested, “Send Sonu Sood to

Known for his perform- Sunanda Patnaik A pioneer of modern the- Manmohan Mohapatra The veteran Odia film One of the most Chhichhore actor The American actor who SEAN CONNERY ance in films such as atre movement in director and cinematographer DEEPA SAHU versatile actors of SAROJ KHAN Sushant Singh Rajput immortalised his screen Hakim Babu, the National Odisha, the noted play- also known as Raju Mishra IN MEMORIAM Indian Screen, Irrfan allegedly commited character King T’Challa in School of Drama alumnus wright and lyricist passed away November 2 at Khan breathed his last suicide in Mumbai Black Panther died at the BIJAY passed away September passed away at a private his residence in Jatani area of on April 29 in Mumbai’s June 14. The 34-year- age of 43 after a four-year 13 following Covid com- hospital April 26. The Khurda district. He was 72. FROM AJIT DAS, BIJAY MOHANTY Kokilaben Dhirubhai old actor’s last film battle with colon cancer MOHANTY plications. A dedicated prestigious Jayadev Mishra received several Ambani Hospital, after Dil Bechara had a August 28. He reprised the A legend in his own theatre personality, Das awardee was 83 at the awards including Jayadev IN ODISHA TO SUSHANT SINGH a long battle with digital release after role in spinoffs Captain rights, the Chilika Tire (71) also acted in more time of his death. Samman in 2014 for his cancer at a very young his death. America: Civil War and actor died at a private hos- than 60 Odia films. immense contributions to RAJPUT, IRRFAN KHAN, SP age. He was 53. Avengers: Infinity War. pital in Bhubaneswar July Odia cinema. 20 due to heart ailment. He was 70. The veteran actor BALASUBRAHMANYAM, RISHI featured in more than RISHI 200 movies in a career KAPOOR, THE INDIAN An eminent Indian classical singer, The legendary filmmak- Popular for her per- Fondly known as SPB KAPOOR spanning over 40 The ace Legendary British star, who had carved a special identity er, known for his new formance in several or Balu, the famous years. choreographer who epitomised author The evergreen romantic in Odia music world, passed away wave cinema in 1970s music videos, the ENTERTAINMENT playback singer passed away in Ian Fleming’s suave 007 hero of Hindi film January 19 following a prolonged and early ’80s, passed ‘album queen’ died passed away at the Mumbai July 3, agent in seven James industry passed away in illness. She was 85. The Odisha away at a private hospi- July 27 following a age of 74, September INDUSTRY LOST SOME OF ITS following a cardiac Bond movies died at the Mumbai April 30, following a government has decided to tal in Bhubaneswar battle with cancer. 25 following covid

arrest. She was 71. age of 90 October 31. recurrence of cancer.

k y k y institute Sunanda Samman for She was suffering complications. January 13. He was 69. GREATS IN 2020. A LOOK AT THE Connery won an Oscar for He was 67. eminent musicians and also set up from third stage of In a career spanning He holds a Guinness

The FTII alumnus from supporting actor for his

m c m c Guruma Sunanda Patnaik Chair at uterus cancer for six forty years, she World Record for Odisha had the rare dis- turn as a tough Irish cop Utkal University of Culture for years. NOTABLE EXITS choreographed singing over tinction of winning eight in Brian De Palma’s The higher studies and research in nearly 2000 songs. 40,000 songs. AJIT DAS BIJAY MISHRA national awards for his RAJ GOPAL MISHRA IRRFAN KHAN CHADWICK BOSEMAN Untouchables. classical music. films . P8 PM TO FLAG OFF FIRST MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR Farmers are protesting for DRIVERLESS TRAIN TODAY their survival. These laws will Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag snatch away their land. I off the country’s first ever fully-automated appeal with folded hands to driverless train service on the Magenta the Centre to please repeal Line of the Delhi Metro Monday that will

y national the three agri laws herald a new era of enhanced mobility

k y m ARVIND KEJRIWAL | DELHI CHIEF MINISTER driven by cutting-edge technology c

of the day uote FARMERS BEAT ‘THALIS’ Terror plot to ‘Not a good sign’: The BJP attack temple government under Modi in Pooch foiled has given a new DURING ‘MANN KI BAAT’ JD(U) on BJP’s identity to the region which is now PRESS TRUST OF INDIA experiencing a new AGENCIES thrust in development Jammu, Dec 27: The Jammu and Chandigarh, Dec 27: Farmers Kashmir Police Sunday said it AMIT SHAH | UNION HOME MINISTER Arunachal jolt Sunday beat ‘thalis’ at a few places has arrested three Pakistan-linked in Punjab and Haryana during militant associates and recovered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's six grenades from them, foiling a PRESS TRUST OF INDIA PM-HM’s 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme as terror plot to attack a temple in the shameful part of their protest against the border district of Poonch and dis- Patna, Dec 27: The JD(U) Sunday DISINFORMATION campaign on Bengal Centre's new agri laws. turb communal harmony. expressed anguish Over en masse CAUGHT red- While addressing a press con- Poonch Senior Superintendent exodus of its MLAs to the BJP in handed by their own ference December 20 at Delhi’s of Police Ramesh Kumar Angral Arunachal Pradesh, saying it is Central Statistical Singhu border, farmer leaders had said the arrested persons were "not a good sign of alliance politics", Orgn! Chart EXPOSES how India asked people protesting against the Baat’. We are registering this protest the country to bang utensils for planning to carry out a grenade at- while pitching for coalitioin dharma growth rates hit bottom under duo, laws to beat utensils during the because the prime minister only coronavirus,” the BKU leader Jagjeet tack on a temple at the behest of followed during Atal Bihari while growth under MamataB programme, the same way the prime says what he has to without lis- Singh Dalewala had said at the their Pakistani handler to disturb Vajpayees time. soared in Bengal: GDP, Industry, minister had asked them in March tening to the voice of the people,” press conference. peace and communal amity in The party's annoyance over the Services, Agri. So, apologise to to beat ‘thalis’ (steel plates). Chaduni said during the protest. He When the Prime Minister will the district. episode was expressed by its sec- people of Bengal Modi had asked people to ex- said feedback has been received speak, “we appeal to the people of The officer told reporters in retary general K C Tyagi after its headquarters here. Meanwhile, AMIT MITRA | BENGAL FINANCE MINISTER press gratitude towards those at from protesting farmers that toll col- the entire country to bang uten- Poonch that the ploy was revealed national executive meeting here. He, Rajya Sabha member Ramchandra the forefront of combating the coro- lection on highways in Haryana sils in your houses throughout the after Special Operations Group however, made it clear that the de- Prasad Singh better known by navirus and extending essential should be halted till the Centre ac- duration of his programme to (SOG) of the local police along velopments of Arunchal Pradesh the initial RCP Singh, a close con- services by giving a five-minute cepts the demands of the agitat- drown out his Mann Ki Baat", he had with troops of the 49 Rashtriya will have no bearing on Bihars pol- fidant of Bihar Chief Minister Dear Nadda ji, standing ovation by clapping, beat- ing farmers. said. Farmers are protesting against Rifles detained two brothers -- itics as there is "no dispute" in its Nitish Kumar, was on Sunday before ing plates or ringing bells. Farmers Mustafa Iqbal Khan and Murtaza alliance government here. misleading the Thousands of farmers, mainly the Farmers (Empowerment and chosen as the new president of farmers, you should beat ‘thalis’ during protests at from Punjab and Haryana, are Protection) Agreement of Price Iqbal of Galhuta village -- from Kumar is heading NDA gov- JD (U). have known that Amritsar, Ferozepur, Sangrur, protesting against the laws since the Assurance and Farm Services Act, their vehicle near Basooni in ernment in Bihar having JD(U), Kumar had proposed the name there is no MSP on Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Tarn last week of November at various 2020, the Farmers Produce Trade Mendhar sector at around 8 pm BJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha of Singh for the top post, which potatoes. And we Taran and Gurdaspur districts in border points of Delhi and de- and Commerce (Promotion and Saturday. and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) was then approved by other mem- also want reforms in the agriculture Punjab and Rohtak and Jind dis- manding that the legislations be Facilitation) Act, 2020, and the He said their interrogation was as its constituents. After depar- bers during the partys national ex- sector, but the question here is the tricts in Haryana, among other repealed. “We went to many toll Essential Commodities conducted at the 49 Rashtriya ture of six MLAs, the JD(U) is now ecutive and national way the life of farmers has been places in the two states. barriers and farmers who are (Amendment) Act, 2020. Rifles Battalion headquarters, left with one legislator in the north- council meeting. Stating that attacked with the three black laws “The common people too are protesting there said no toll should The three farm laws, enacted in Basooni, and it was found that eastern state. party leader had told home min-

RANDEEP SURJEWALA | CONGRESS CHIEF with farmers in their agitation be charged from people till the gov- September, have been projected by Mustafa had received a call from "The party has expressed its ister Amit Shah and BJP chief J SPOKESPERSON against the farm laws,” said a pro- ernment accepts our demands,” the government as major reforms a Pakistani number and was di- deep anguish, displeasure, protest P Nadda that they would not find tester in Amritsar as he beat a the BKU leader said. in the agriculture sector that will rected to execute the on Arunchal Pradesh development. an opposition who could created ‘thali’ with a spoon and raised ‘Jai Intensifying their agitation remove middlemen and allow farm- grenade attack. It is not a good sign for alliance any sort of trouble for the gov- Kisan’ slogan. At many places, against the Centre’s new agri laws, ers to sell anywhere in the country. "On being questioned further, he politics," Tyagi told reporters. ernment and hence they may be SHORT TAKES farmers, who were joined by peo- farmers December 20 had also an- However, the protesting farmers admitted to have been tasked with "The coalition partners should included in the Arunachal cabi- ple from other sections of society, nounced that they will halt toll col- have expressed apprehension that throwing a grenade at a temple follow 'Atal Dharma' while running net, Tyagi said that "instead of raised slogans against the BJP-led lection on highways in Haryana the new laws would pave the way in Ari village. A video on how to alliance government, Tyagi said. accommodating them (JDU MLAs) ED summons government at the Centre. from December 25 to 27. “From for eliminating the safety cushion use a grenade was also found in his He pointed to the former PM Atal into the cabinet, they (BJP) in- Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union December 25 to 27 all toll booths of Minimum Support Price and do phone," the SSP said. Bihari Vajpayee successfully ran cluded them in their party". Sanjay Raut’s wife (BKU) chief Gurnam Singh in Haryana will not be allowed by away with the mandis, leaving them The SSP said it came to light that a coalition government of 23 part- Referring to Nitish Kumars New Delhi: The ED has Chaduni went to the Makrauli toll us to collect toll, we will halt them at the mercy of big corporates. The Mustafa was involved in militant ners where there were no con- speech delivered at the partys summoned Varsha Raut, wife plaza in Rohtak district along with from doing so. Centre has repeatedly asserted that activities, and on his confession two tradictions among them (allies). meeting, Tyagi said that Kumar of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, a group of farmers to protest against On December 27, our prime min- these mechanisms will remain. of his associates -- Mohammad He was sharing information about did not want to become the CM for questioning in the PMC the legislations. They beat 'thalis' ister will say his ‘Mann ki baat’ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Yaseen and Rayees Ahmad of the decisions taken at partys na- after the assembly results were de- Bank money laundering case with shoes during the prime min- and we want to appeal to the peo- Sunday said attempts to "mislead" Dabbi village of Balakote near tional executive and national clared, the decision which he December 29, officials said ister’s montly radio broadcast. “We ple to beat ‘thalis’ during his address, farmers on recent agriculture laws the Line of Control (LoC) -- were council meeting held at Karpoori (Kumar) had conveyed to both Sunday. Varsha Raut has are here to oppose Modi’s ‘Mann Ki the same way the PM had asked will not succeed. also apprehended. Thakur Sabhagar at partys state his party and ally BJP. been asked to appear before the federal agency in Mumbai. This is the third summons issued to her after IMD forecasts she skipped the earlier two Four eclipses in 2021, Hyd set to emerge as global on health grounds, they said. cold wave in north India next week two to be visible in India Sunil Kothari PRESS TRUST OF INDIA This year, there hub for nCoV vaccine in 2021 passes away by 101.6 per cent during this New Delhi, Dec 27: Several places were two solar and astronomical event," he said. New Delhi: Padma Shri dance in north India, including Uttar A total lunar eclipse occurs PRESS TRUST OF INDIA lowing vaccine makers to export. historian and critic Sunil Pradesh and Punjab, recorded four lunar eclipses when the earth comes between "All these vaccine makers, ex- Kothari passed away Sunday their minimum temperature below the sun and the moon. Gupt Hyderabad, Dec 27: As the world cept Bharat Biotech, are having morning at a Delhi hospital the five-degree Celsius mark PRESS TRUST OF INDIA said the annular solar eclipse is set to brace for a new year amid development or manufacturing tie after he suffered a cardiac Sunday, with the India June 10 will not be visible in the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is ups with foreign companies. We arrest a month after testing Meteorological Department fore- Indore, Dec 27: There will India, and in this event, the poised to emerge as a 'saviour' from do not know the agreement details positive for coronavirus. He casting severe cold wave in parts four eclipses in 2021, includ- moon will come between the the killer virus, with as many as five as to what quantity will be exported was 87. "He had tested of the region later this week and ing one total solar eclipse and sun and earth, leading to the sun vaccine manufacturing firms based from India. However, the Indian positive for COVID-19 almost warning of dense fog. one total lunar eclipse, but only getting covered 94.3 per cent here racing to bring out an antidote. Government has the final say in a month back and was not in Though the mercury rose two will be visible from India, and being seen as a 'ring of The vaccine development process this regard," Bhaskar said. a good condition," Vidha Lal, slightly in Delhi due to a Ujjain-based Jiwaji fire'. He said the partial lunar by Bharat Biotech, Biological E Telangana Director of Public a family friend and herself a Western Disturbance, the de- Observatory's eclipse, Ltd and Aurobindo Pharma are ufacturing facilities of Bharat Health G Srinivas Rao said though dancer, told PTI. Born December 20, 1933 in partment said the relief will be Superintendent November 19, currently in various stages, while Biotech and BE establishes the fact the companies are located here, Mumbai, Kothari qualified as short-lived as cold and dry Dr can be seen from Dr Reddy's and Hetero have tie ups that the city will be in the forefront the state will not get preference in a Chartered Accountant northerly and northwesterly Rajendraprakash Arunachal for manufacturing the vaccine. in making and supplying vaccines vaccine allocation as it will be de- before turning to the study of winds from the western Himalayas Gupt said Sunday. Pradesh and Some of these companies have also for COVID-19 which is rocking the cided by the Centre. The state has Indian dance forms. are likely to bring the He told PTI that some parts of drawn up plans to scale up their vac- world with over 77 million cases no role in vaccine allocation. It will minimum temperature in north the first of these Assam for a very cine manufacturing capacities. and nearly two million deaths as be decided by the centre only. They India down by three to five degrees events will be May short period. Besides vaccine makers, the of now. will devise a method to allot the Celsius. "Cold wave to severe cold 26, and will be "At the peak International Airport here has also Udaya Bhaskar, director general number of doses and states will 7 killed in Assam wave conditions are likely in iso- seen in parts of of this event, stepped up the cold-chain infra- ofPharmexcil, a pharma exports get accordingly," the official told road mishap lated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, coastal Odisha 97.9 per cent of the moon will structure for vaccine transportation. promotion body under the depart- PTI. The citys prominence accen- Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and north and in the north-eastern states, be seen covered by the earth's GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo ment of commerce, said as there is tuated after Prime Minister Dhubri (Assam): Seven Rajasthan from December 28-29. except Sikkim, as the moon is shadow. The total solar eclipse (GHAC is in talks with various stake- no policy in place with regard to Narendra Modi visited a facility people were killed and 20 Ground frost and dense fog is likely visible earlier in these places December 4, the last of 2021, holders towards meeting specific COVID-19 vaccine exports to other of Bharat Biotechat Genome valley others injured after a in isolated pockets in the region," than other parts of the country. will, however, not be visible requirements of export and import countries, it can be assumed that the here November 28 and reviewed the passenger bus collided head- the India Meteorological "The earth will cover the moon from India," he added. of COVID-19 vaccines. A recent visit centre may ensure that domestic re- progress of Covaxin, a vaccine can- on with a truck on National Highway-17 in Assam's Department (IMD) said. of over 60 envoys to vaccine man- quirement is fulfilled before al- didate for COVID-19. Kokrajhar district Sunday, police said. The accident happened at Chataguri near Panbari area under the Soon he sent the chill in the otherwise high alert to identify the places to store a setback. It is learnt that the JS level officer, BJP’s big win jurisdiction of Bogribari warm weather in the sprawling lawns at 10 the vaccine and those who will be Arun Goel hired in April 2019 to usher in a police station. Janpath. Hooda said he is fighting a lonely handling the entire operations to new working culture in the government, has in Arunachal battle in Haryana against the BJP which vaccinate priority category people. quit in disgust. Goel had joined the Kuru had pumped in Rs 100 crores to win the However, the government is maintaining Commerce Ministry last year. Goel is among he BJP has not stopped after its Bihar Baroda Assembly seat in a bitter –fought strict secrecy in this regard. But according that first batch of nine persons with domain Twin. It went on to make a big mark in Rajini discharged byelection. There were people who were to all indications, India is working on twin knowledge under the much touted mega Hyderabad multiplying its stellar Kolumn conspiring to defeat the Congress. Yet strategies; import some quantity from administrative reform plan. Officially, no one performance in the Municipal polls from hospital he was able to defeat the BJP against all Pfizer vaccine also and allow Seerum's in the government is willing to comment. there. As if this was not enough, it shocked the Congress by capturing Hyderabad: Superstar odds and the might of state and Central Astrozeneca for massive use too. Both Though the PM wanted to hire as many as Panchayat and municipal polls in Rajinikanth was Sunday governments. Hooda did not stop there have applied to the Drug Controller 50 such domain experts in 2020 riding on the Arunachal Pradesh without a vote being discharged from a hospital and went on to say that had he been General of India (DCGI) for an emergency success of the nine Joint Secretary level cast. The party defeated the Congress in here, where he was treated made the leader of the party in Haryana use clearance earlier this month. The DCGI direct recruitment. But the plan didn’t Hooda stuns 2016 in Arunachal Pradesh and never for blood pressure fluctuation, three months prior to State Assembly sought some additional data from Pfizer, succeed due to the pandemic. The scheme looked back. The BJP has won 96 of the after his condition improved, the conclave polls last year, the Congress would have Seerum Institute, Pune & Bharat Biotech, had come under Opposition criticism. But Dr 242 zilla parishad posts and 5,410 of the authorities said. “His blood won the state. Hyderabad. Pfizer vaccine is being given in Jitendra Singh, a Minister in the PMO, ormer Haryana Chief Minister 8,196 gram panchayat posts pressure has been stabilised USA, UK and other countries on a large defended it saying a new policy to recruit Bhupinder Singh Hooda is a soft spoken uncontested. This apart, it also won five and he is feeling much better.” F scale. Pfizer has also made it clear that it lateral entrants was formulated to bring in person and rarely talks tough. But he was will provide the vaccine only to the the best of the talent from whichever source of the 58 corporator seats under the perhaps the only one among the dissidents Fast-track vaccine government and not to any private available. He said that the process was Itanagar Municipal Corporation. The to stun the conclave of 19 leaders that was clearances company. With regard to the Bharat conducted through the Union Public Service results for the uncontested seats also Jawan shoots self held at the residence of Congress Biotech's Covaxin is concerned, the DCGI Commission and for ten posts of Joint reveal the free fall of the Congress, in president Sonia Gandhi. Ghulam Nabi here is a strong possibility that the UK wants it to complete the Phase-II & Phase- Secretary, more than 6000 applications the frontier state which had once been Jammu: A Border Security Azad, Anand Sharma, Prithviraj Chavan is expected to authorise the Oxford III trials quickly and submit the data. came. However, only nine were selected. its bastion. After the results, the BJP Force (BSF) jawan allegedly T and many other letter writers who spoke vaccine early next week under the Secondly; successive governments recruited radiated positivity, with the Chief shot himself dead with his at the meeting, were not as aggressive as Emergency Authorization Use (EAU) lateral entrants in the past including Dr Minister, Pema Khandu, hailing the service rifle at a camp in Hooda was. Rather, some of them were probably by December 28-29 paving the victory as 'historic' and crediting it to y Manmohan Singh in 1972 who became Jammu and Kashmir's speaking in a rather conciliatory and way for India to use the same vaccine. Modi proposes, Finance Secretary in 1976, Vijay L. Kelkar as the intelligence of the voters and the

Poonch district Sunday,

k y m milder tone. When Hooda’s turn came, he Serum Institute is manufacturing Secretary in the Petroleum ministry in 1994, unprecedented development work going c officials said. Constable PK officer disposes didn’t mince his words. He began with an Astrazeneca-Oxford under the head of Bimal Jalan as Finance Secretary in 1991, on in the state under the BJP-led Dass, posted in 168th emotional note saying that he came to Covid shield and has provided all the data rime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious Rakesh Mohan as Economic Affairs government. In contrast, senior battalion, was on sentry duty Delhi when he was only six months old and to the Indian authorities. All the state experiment of hiring domain experts secretary in 2004 and Ram Vinay Shahi Congress leaders refuse to 'looking when he shot himself with his P saw only Congress in his entire political governments have already been put on directly at the Joint Secretary level suffered Secretary in the Ministry of Power in 2002. within' till now. rifle at Uchad camp in career. But this was only the beginning. Mendhar area, they said. UTTAR PRADESH MAHARASHTRA P9

MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m Govt pushed back investments: Sena AKHILESH ACCUSES GOVT c PRESS TRUST OF INDIA but has funds to win elections, top- ple governments and form new Mumbai, Dec 27: Shiv Sena MP ones. The country's debt burden OF HURTING DEMOCRACY Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the amount is more than the national Modi government may have pushed revenue. If our prime minister can PRESS TRUST OF INDIA back Chinese investments, but it sleep peacefully in such a situa- hasn't been able to push back tion, he should be praised," the Lucknow, Dec 27: Samajwadi Chinese soldiers who intruded into Rajya Sabha member said. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Sunday Indian territory. "People lost their lives due to the accused the BJP-led state govern- The BJP rubbished the Rajya pandemic, but the Parliament lost ment of hurting the “foundation of Sabha member's claim, published its soul. Farmers are protesting democracy” by dissolving village in his weekly column Rokhthok in against three agriculture laws, but panchayats without conducting the Sena mouthpiece the government ignored their sen- elections for them. Saamana. "It is their timents and instead raised emo- Yadav’s allegation prompted a re- single-point agenda We tional issues like the Ram temple buttal from UP BJP vice-president to target the were unable to in Ayodhya," he said. and party's in-charge of panchayat Modi govern- push back Chinese The future of India's parlia- elections Vijay Bahadur Pathak who ment," soldiers, but we pushed mentary democracy came under said Yadav had been the state's chief Maharashtra back Chinese investments. Upadhye said he people by indulging in politicking, threat this year, he said. Prominent minister and should know that the BJP chief Instead of shutting was yet to come there would be a break-up of states personalities have informed Modi panchayat elections could not have tation. How will this government UP government is committed to spokesperson investments, we should across an article by the way USSR disintegrated," he that instead of building a new been held amid the Covid-19. run Uttar Pradesh?" Yadav said in holding elections within six months Keshav have pushed back Chinese Raut where he does said. Parliament complex at a cost of Pathak also expressed the UP a tweet in Hindi on Sunday. for which preparations are already Upadhye said. soldiers from Ladakh not cast aspersions "The fact that states where the `1,000 crore, that money should be government's commitment to hold- "The BJP must not hurt the foun- going on," said Pathak. "We were un- on the Modi govern- BJP is not in power are also part of spent on improving the healthcare ing the panchayat elections within dation of democracy," the former UP He also said that those who are able to push back SANJAY RAUT I ment. "Anyway the the country is being forgotten," facilities, he added. six months. chief minister added in his tweet. accusing the government of not SHIV SENA MP Chinese soldiers, public doesn't Raut said. "Funds are being collected from "The BJP government in Uttar Rebutting Yadav's claims, Pathak holding the elections for these “small- but we pushed back take such claims Claiming that the US govern- people for the Ram temple in Pradesh has dissolved the village told PTI, “Akhilesh Yadav had been est units of public representation” Chinese investments," Raut's seriously," he added. ment's coronavirus relief package Ayodhya. If a similar crowd-fund- panchayats without conducting the the chief minister of UP. He should had actually crushed them for their article said. Raut also wrote that the rela- provides `85,000 per month for each ing activity is carried out for the new fresh elections for them. Major elec- know that elections should have been own vested interests."The BJP has "Instead of shutting investments, tionship between states and the citizen, Raut bemoaned that such Parliament complex, even `one tions are being conducted, but the conducted at the stipulated time.” faith in democratic values," Pathak we should have pushed back Chinese Centre is getting sour. "If those in a relief package was missing in lakh would not be collected as such government has been finding it- “He should also know that the said. The Uttar Pradesh has a total soldiers from Ladakh," the Sena power at the Centre don't realise that India. buildings have become useless for self unable to hold elections of the elections have been delayed be- of 58,758 'gram panchayats' and as MP said. they are doing disservice to the "The Centre doesn't have money, people," he said. smallest units of public represen- cause of the anti-Covid protocol. The many panchayat heads. Boycott farm laws TAJ TOURISTS Irani targets Congress over farmers’ welfare supporters, says SP PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Rae Bareli, Dec 27: Union minister Smriti Irani Sunday hit out at the Congress over the issues of farm- ers' welfare and cow protection. Irani's attack on the Congress came days after the Opposition party had decided to take out 'Gai Bachao, Kisan Bachao (save cow, save farmers)' marches in different districts of Bundelkhand region to highlight alleged mismanage- ment in 'gaushalas' (cow shelters). "Those who had themselves grabbed land of farmers and have Irani’s attack on the still not vacated, those who through their office-bearers had killed cows Congress came days in a gruesome manner in Kerala after the Opposition and publicised it, do you think the PRESS TRUST OF INDIA "Giving them water and hookah people of Uttar Pradesh are con- party had decided to should also be stopped. They should fused and will forgive these peo- take out ‘Gai Bachao, Ballia, Dec 27: Senior Samajwadi be stopped from entering the vil- ple," Irani told reporters here. Party leader Ram Govind lages," he told the gathering. She said the people of UP know Kisan Bachao (save cow, Chaudhary on Sunday called on Enacted in September, the three how much work her Bharatiya save farmers)’ marches farmers in his constituency Bansdih farm laws have been projected by Tourists visit Taj Mahal amid coronavirus pandemic, in Agra, Sunday PTI Janata Party (BJP) has done on here not to allow political leaders the central government as major re- the protection of cows. who are supporting the Centre's forms in the agriculture sector "The people of UP also know meat to people in Kerala to protest agricultural reforms to enter their that will remove the middlemen how Congress office-bearers in against the Centre's ban on pur- villages. and allow farmers to sell their pro- I am placed under house arrest: Lallu Kerala had organised a festival of chase of cattle from animal markets The leader of opposition in the duce anywhere in the country. killing cows. I am saying with full for slaughter. Uttar Pradesh Assembly was speak- However, protesting farmers responsibility that after killing The minister, who represents ing at a programme organised in have expressed apprehension PRESS TRUST OF INDIA "This undemocratic (BJP) gov- cows, these people got encourage- Amethi in Lok Sabha, on Sunday Bisuali village. that these laws would pave the ernment is hell-bent on unleash- ment from the Congress high com- heard the 'Mann ki Baat' radio ad- Thousands of farmers from way for eliminating the safety Lucknow, Dec 27: Uttar Pradesh ing atrocities. It wants to muzzle our mand. The people very well know dress of Prime Minister Narendra different states, including Uttar cushion of minimum support Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu voices. I have brought the ashes of the truth of the Congress party," she Modi at Hajipur village. She also in- Pradesh, have been camping at price (MSP) and do away with Sunday alleged the state govern- cows from Lalitpur and will im- said in an apparent reference to teracted with women, listened to Delhi's borders for a month now mandis that ensure income, ment has deployed armed police merse them in Mandakini river in the Congress's youth wing workers their grievances, and assured them to demand the repeal of the leaving them at the mercy of outside his residence here to stop Chitrakoot." slaughtering a cow and serving its of addressing their problems. Farmers (Empowerment and big corporates. him from going to Jhansi, a day He said PAC (Provincial Armed Protection) Agreement of Price Earlier, the Centre again reached after he was arrested briefly by the Constabulary) personnel brought Assurance and Farm Services out to the farmers protesting against state police for taking out a march in three trucks have been deployed Act, Farmers Produce Trade the agricultural laws, asking them allegedly without permission. after a few hours, police had said. outside his residence in Lucknow. ALLIANCE WITH SENA and Commerce (Promotion and to set the date for the next rounds He accused the BJP-led govern- The Congress had also alleged "Why is the government afraid Facilitation) Act, and the of talks. ment of "muzzling" the voice of Saturday that Lallu was untraceable if we just want to save the cows Essential Commodities Congress leader Rahul Gandhi truth and trying to halt democratic for some time after his arrest. and the farmers, and take out a (Amendment) Act. met President Ram Nath Kovind protests. Lallu told PTI Sunday, "Yesterday, peaceful march," he asked. ONLY IN MAHA: CONG The Samajwadi Party has come and told him that the new agri- The police said the force has I was arrested in Lalitpur, and then "We cannot see cows and farm- out in support of agitating cultural laws were “anti-farmer”. been deployed outside Lallu's res- released. However, the police took ers die. The government should PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Maharashtra," he said. farmers. He also hit out at the Narendra idence as they got a "message from me to Chhatarpur in Madhya tell us a particular day when we can A day after Sanjay Raut said It held demonstrations in vari- Modi-led government, saying India the District Magistrate of Jhansi Pradesh, and when my not reach- raise our voice against them and Mumbai, Dec 27: Senior Congress that NCP chief Sharad Pawar also ous parts of Uttar Pradesh earlier was now an “imaginary democ- that Ajay Kumar Lallu should not ing Lucknow started trending on hold demonstrations," he said. leader Ashok Chavan Sunday said enjoys support across parties like this month to back the farmers' racy”. be allowed to come to Jhansi". Twitter, I was brought to Lucknow Meanwhile, UP Congress that the Shiv Sena was not part of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, demand. The Delhi Police, meanwhile, Lallu and over 50 party workers in a hurried manner. I reached my spokesperson Ashok Singh said, the United Progressive Alliance Chavan said it was not proper for Chaudhary said political leaders detained a delegation of Congress were arrested in Lalitpur on residence in Lucknow at 2.00 am." "Why it took the police so much (UPA) and the tie-up between the the Uddhav Thackeray-led party who are supporting the new farm party leaders, including Priyanka Saturday after they tried to take He also said, "Today (Sunday), I time to bring Ajay Kumar Lallu two parties is limited to to comment on the UPA leader- laws should not be greeted Gandhi, while they were trying out the ‘Gai Bachao, Kisan Bachao was scheduled to go to Jhansi, but from Jhansi to Lucknow. The police Maharashtra, a day after Sena MP ship. with 'Ram-Ram', 'pranaam' and to march to the Rashtrapati (save cow, save farers)' march with- there is police deployed outside my were unable to tell us the location Sanjay Raut called for expansion "Sharad Pawar himself has de- 'dua-salaam'. Bhavan. out permission, but were released house." of our leader." of the Congress-led bloc. nied the speculation that he will be Speaking to reporters here, the the next chairperson of the UPA. state PWD Minister also said that UPA allies trust the leadership of it was not proper on part of the Sonia Gandhi. So there is no need Sena to comment on the leader- to discuss the issue," Chavan said. G N Saibaba ‘denied’ woollen cap, other items in jail ship of the UPA. On Saturday, Raut told reporters The Shiv Sena heads the Maha that the UPA needs to expand to take PRESS TRUST OF INDIA he needs as part of his physio- Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government on the "dictatorial" Union gov- OME OF THE THINGS THAT therapy, the lawyer said. in Maharashtra, of which the NCP ernment. Nagpur, Dec 27: The lawyer of for- STHE AUTHORITIES REFUSED "Similarly, a shampoo bottle, a and the Congress are constituents. "All opposition parties should mer Delhi University professor G TO HAND OVER TO HIM WERE woollen cap (monkey cap), a napkin, "Shiv Sena is yet to become a come together against the dicta- N Saibaba, who is serving life term THREE BOOKS, A PACK OF 200 a handkerchief, a towel and a white part of the UPA. Our alliance with torial attitude of the Central gov- in Nagpur Central Prison for Maoist PAGES OF BLANK WHITE PAPERS T-shirt were refused by the jail au- the Sena in Maharashtra is based ernment. A weak opposition is bad links, Sunday alleged that the jail thorities. In all, there were 34 items, on a Common Minimum for democracy," the Rajya Sabha THER ITEMS INCLUDED A authorities refused to accept a but only 13 were accepted," Sarode Programme (CMP) and limited to MP had said. ONOTE PAD, COPY OF ‘INDIA woollen cap and several other items TODAY’ MAGAZINE, A WRIST added. that his family sent for him. WEIGHT CUFF OF 1 KG THAT HE He said he has e-mailed a letter A senior official of the jail, how- NEEDS AS PART OF HIS to the Superintendent of the jail ever, said that although they have PHYSIOTHERAPY about refusal to accept these things. accepted all the necessary things that "I am yet to receive a reply form Saibaba requires, they cannot allow I went to the jail with all the mate- him," Sarode said. everything inside. rial along with the list of items. I When contacted, Superintendent Saibaba is wheelchair-bound tried to hand over these things to the of Nagpur prison Anup Kumre said with 90 per cent physical disabili- authorities. However, the jail staff that all the necessary things re- ties. In 2017, a court in Maharashtra's refused to accept several things, quired by Saibaba or any other jail Gadchiroli had convicted him and which neither pose any security inmates were allowed and given to four others for Maoist links and threat nor pose any danger of them as per the jail manual.

indulging in activities amounting the prison authorities accepted brought from outside. Subsequently, COVID-19 spread," he said. "We accept all the necessary things

k y m c to waging war against the country. only 13 items when he went there he made a list of the things and Some of the things that the au- as well as things required as he Since his conviction, Saibaba three days back to hand them over. submitted an application to the jail thorities refused to hand over to (Saibaba) has health issues," he said. has been lodged in the Nagpur jail. "A month back, Prof Saibaba authorities so that his family could him were three books, a pack of "We always accept the things which Talking to PTI, Saibaba's lawyer had consulted with the jail au- send these articles," Sarode said. 200 pages of blank white papers, a are necessary and are essential for Aakash Sarode said that of the 34 thorities about the essential things "Accordingly, his family sent note pad, copy of 'India Today' mag- him. However, we cannot allow every- different things that Saibaba wanted, that he requires and which can be these things to me. On December 24, azine, a wrist weight cuff of 1 kg that thing inside," Kumre added. Due to the CHINA ORDERS ANT GROUP P10 mutual affinity MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR for cricket shared by TO RECTIFY BUSINESSES both India and Australia, Chinese regulators have ordered Ant Group, we realised the the world's largest financial technology tremendous opportunity company, to rectify its businesses and that rested within the comply with regulatory requirements amid international sporting event increased scrutiny of anti-monopoly

SCOTT MORRISON PM, AUSTRALIA

k y m | practices in the country's internet sector c of the day uote Militants attack EU KICKS OFF VACCINE ROLLOUT Pak checkpoint The most challenging areas for The rollout marks a moment of hope for a region that includes some of the world’s earliest and worst-hit virus hot spots killing 7 soldiers vaccination are conflict settings, AGENCIES — and others like the Czech mass vaccination programs ex- where outbreaks of Republic, which were spared earlier pected to begin only in January. violence hinder Warsaw, Dec 27: Medical work- in the year only to see their health Each country is deciding on its vaccinations, and areas where ers, nursing home residents and care systems near collapse in the fall. own who will get the first shots. Spain, misinformation is circulating politicians were vaccinated against It also should ease frustrations France and Germany, among others, the coronavirus across the European that were building up, especially are vowing to put the elderly and res- BENJAMIN SCHREIBER | DEPUTY CHIEF OF Union on Sunday, part of an effort in Germany, as Britain, Canada idents in nursing homes first. GLOBAL IMMUNISATION, UNICEF by the bloc's 27 nations to roll out and the United States kicked off In Italy, which has Europe's worst shots in a coordinated and equi- their inoculation programs with virus toll at over 71,000 dead, a nurse Any myth table fashion. the same vaccine weeks earlier. in Rome's Spallanzani Hospital, the cannot justify European Commission President Altogether, the EU's 27 nations main infectious diseases facility in the throwing out Ursula von der Leyen released a have recorded at least 16 million capital, will be the first in the coun- the results of the video celebrating the vaccine roll- coronavirus infections and more try to receive the vaccine, followed by PRESS TRUST OF INDIA election, nor can it out, calling it “a touching moment than 336,000 deaths — huge numbers other health personnel. justify imposing of unity” in the battle to protect that experts still agree understate Poland is also prioritising doctors, Islamabad, Dec 27: At least seven additional burdens the bloc's nearly 450 million peo- the true toll of the pandemic due to nurses and others on the front lines Pakistani soldiers were killed in on voters that will disenfranchise ple from the worst public health missed cases and limited testing. of fighting the virus. The central a terrorist attack in the country’s many Americans crisis in a century. The first shipments of the vaccine European nation was largely spared restive Balochistan province, the WENDY WEISER | HEAD OF THE DEMOCRACY As it turned out, some EU immu- where dozens of people were vacci- The rollout marks a moment of developed by Germany's BioNTech the surge that badly hit Western Army said Sunday. PROGRAM, NYU SCHOOL OF LAW nisations began a day early in nated on Saturday, including a 101-year- hope for a region that includes some and American drugmaker Pfizer Europe in the spring, but has been The militants fire-raided a Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. The old woman, said “every day that we of the world's earliest and worst-hit were limited to just under 10,000 hit by high daily infections and Frontier Corps (FC) outpost in operator of a German nursing home wait is one day too many.” virus hot spots — Italy and Spain doses in most EU countries, with its deaths this fall. Harnai region of the province Vaccine late last night, it said. During the regimens able intense exchange of fire, seven to drive high soldiers were killed, it said. levels of the COVID- The area was cordoned off and specific antibodies QATAR TO HOST escape routes blocked to appre- with glycosylation Japan halts all foreign arrivals hend the fleeing militants, while patterns favoured by the placenta for selective a large-scale search and clearance transfer to the fetus may lead to JAPAN IS ALSO SUSPENDING THE EXEMPTION OF A 14-DAY QUARANTINE operation was underway. better neonatal and infant FOR JAPANESE NATIONALS AND RESIDENT FOREIGNERS TALIBAN TALKS Such cowardly acts by inimi- protection cal elements backed by anti-state AGENCIES forces will not be allowed to sab- ANDREA EDLOW | MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE PRESS TRUST OF INDIA otage hard earned peace and pros- SPECIALIST, MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL Doha, Dec 27: The next round of perity in Balochistan, the Army Tokyo, Dec 27: Japan is barring negotiations between the Taliban said. SHORT TAKES entry of all nonresident foreign and the Afghan government will be Commenting on the attack, nationals as a precaution against held in Qatar from next month, a Prime Minister Imran Khan said a new and potentially more conta- top official said, despite President that he was saddened over the loss Protests keep up gious coronavirus variant that has Ashraf Ghani’s recent calls for of lives. spread across Britain. them to be moved home. My heartfelt condolences & against Israel PM The Foreign Ministry says the Peace talks began on September prayers go to their families, he Jerusalem: Hundreds of entry ban will start Monday and last 12 at a luxury hotel in Doha, but ne- The two “discussed the venue for said. The attack followed the killing Israelis protested against through Jan. 31. gotiations are currently on a break the next round of talks” after which of 10 terrorists by the security Prime Minister Benjamin Last week, Japan banned non-res- until January 5. Ghani announced the government’s forces five days ago in the province. Netanyahu, calling on the ident foreigners coming from Britain “The second round of talks will support for a second stage of talks with The terrorists affiliated with long-serving leader to resign and South Africa after confirming begin on January 5 in Doha,” said the Taliban, the presidency said. the Baloch nationalist outfits reg- just days after the country the new variant in seven people Faraidoon Khwazoon, spokesman Earlier in December, negotia- ularly attack the security forces in was plunged into a new over the last two days — five from for Afghanistan’s High Council for tors from both sides decided to the province. national election. The Britain who tested positive at air- National Reconciliation, which is take a break after months of often protesters have been ports and two others in Tokyo. leading the overall peace process frustrating meetings which were gathering outside on Japan is also suspending the ex- including 3,213 deaths, up 3,700 last 24 hours. The Korea Disease in the country, on Sunday. bogged down by disputes on the Saturday Netanyahu's emption of a 14-day quarantine for from the previous 24-hour period. Control and Prevention Agency says “The leadership committee of basic framework of discussions At least seven Jerusalem residence for Japanese nationals and resident Tokyo alone reported 949 cases, the additional cases took the coun- the council … decided to hold the and religious interpretations. months, slamming him for his foreigners in a short-track program setting a new record, despite calls try’s total to 56,872, with 808 deaths. talks in Doha,” he tweeted, adding Prior to going on the break, handling of the coronavirus killed in knife negotiators finally announced pandemic and saying he that began in November. The en- by experts and government offi- There were fewer tests over the that many of the countries that cannot lead the country while trants now must carry proof of a cials for people to spend a quiet” hol- weekend. Authorities are strug- had earlier volunteered to host the they were ready to proceed on attack in China under indictment for fraud, negative test 72 hours prior to de- iday season. gling to bring the latest bout under talks withdrew their offers because preliminary lists of agenda items breach of trust and accepting parture for Japan and self-isolate Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific re- control. Most cases have been found of COVID-19. when talks resumed on January bribes in three separate for two weeks after arrival. gion — South Korea will decide in the Seoul area in many places In a separate statement, the pres- 5. But Ghani and some other top corruption cases. Japan is struggling with surg- Sunday whether to enforce its tough- including medical facilities, idency tweeted that Ghani and Afghan officials immediately ing cases since November. It has est distancing rules as cases main- churches, restaurants, gyms, army Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the called for the next round of meet- confirmed a total of 217,312 cases tain an upward trend with 970 in the bases and a prison. council, held a meeting on Sunday. ings to be held in Afghanistan. GOP leaders seek vote restrictions Atlanta: Changes to the way Pearl’s murder accused MIGRANT’S WOES millions of Americans voted PRESS TRUST OF INDIA this year contributed to record turnout, but that's no to stay in jail for now Beijing, Dec 27: At least seven peo- guarantee the measures making it easier to cast ple were killed in a knife attack in ballots will stick around for PRESS TRUST OF INDIA their detention. China's northeast Liaoning future elections. Republicans Citing its sources, the Express province, officials said on Sunday. in key states that voted for Islamabad, Dec 27: Pakistan's Tribune newspaper said that the The suspect has been arrested by President-elect Joe Biden Sindh province government has provincial government will not re- the police, state-run CGTN re- already are pushing for new decided not to release British-born lease these men in view of the ported. The incident in Kaiyuan city restrictions, especially to al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Supreme Court's September 28 also left seven people injured, in- absentee voting. It's an option Sheikh and his three aides, ac- order. cluding a police officer who was in- many states expanded amid cused of kidnapping and murder- The Pakistan People's Party-led volved in the arrest of the suspect. the coronavirus outbreak that ing US journalist Daniel Pearl, in Sindh government believes that The officials confirmed the proved hugely popular. view of a Supreme Court order, the apex court's September 28 order death of seven people in the attack. according to a media report. in the case is still in the field, the The injured have been taken to In a surprise move, a two-judge sources told the daily. hospital, but their condition was Military chopper bench of the Sindh High Court on A three-judge apex court bench not immediately known. Thursday directed security agen- headed by Justice Mushir Alam, Violent crimes are rare in China crashes killing 4 cies not to keep Sheikh and other which is hearing the appeal by the as compared to many other coun- Multan: A Pakistani army accused under any sort of detention Sindh government and the fam- tries, but there has been a series helicopter on a rescue and declared all notifications of ily of the slain journalist against of knife and axe attacks in re- mission crashed overnight, the Sindh government related to the acquittal of Sheikh by the cent years. killing all four aboard, the their detention null and void. The Sindh High Court in April, on Knife attacks by disgruntled military said Sunday. The court observed that the four men's September 28 noted that till the people have been reported from dif- military said the helicopter detention was illegal. next date of hearing, the accused ferent parts of the country in the was transporting the body of The court, however, had clari- shall not be released. past few years. The attackers gen- a soldier who died after fied that the accused should not A senior government official erally target kindergarten or pri- getting trapped in an be released if there is a Supreme said the apex court order has not A migrant looks for belongings in the snow covered burnt out Lipa camp in northwestern Bosnia, near the mary schools or general public to avalanche when it crashed Court restraining order regarding been specifically recalled. border with Croatia PTI vent their anger. Saturday evening in the northern Minimarg area of Astore district due to technical reasons. The dead included the pilot, co-pilot and two soldiers. Regression, hope and change: The Middle East in 2020 WHILE SOME DEVELOPMENTS HAVE SHINED HOPE ON OSTENSIBLY UNSOLVABLE CONFLICTS, OTHER DYNAMICS HAVE EXACERBATED ISSUES ACROSS THE REGION Stimulus benefits AGENCIES March for the rebels’ last remain- a decade of a catastrophic conflict, and west of the country. The conflict for many in limbo ing stronghold, Idlib. their main concern will likely focus is increasingly becoming a burden West Palm Beach: Tel Aviv, Dec 27: The year 2020 However, President Bashar al- economically on overcoming the on international shipping, with the Unemployment benefits for has left its mark on much of the Assad continues to affirm his in- impact of stifling sanctions and Houthis increasingly attacking millions of Americans Middle East. While some develop- tention to regain control of every inch politically on the upcoming presi- Saudi oil tankers. struggling to make ends meet ments sparked a glimmer of hope of Syrian soil, including the north- dential elections and relevant ram- Meanwhile, tens of thousands of were set to lapse at midnight in ostensibly unsolvable conflicts, east areas controlled by a Kurdish- ifications,” Kabalan said. people have been killed over the Saturday night unless other dynamics have exacerbated led administration, and Idlib. The war between government past 10 years. According to the President Donald Trump signed existing issues across the region. The ceasefire between Moscow forces under President Abd-Rabbu United Nations, Yemen faces the an end-of-year COVID relief Reflections on the year for Iraq and Ankara notwithstanding, Israel Mansour Hadi and the Southern worst humanitarian crisis in decades. and spending bill that had and Iran have been published by has continued to conduct military Transitional Council (STC) con- Malnourished girl Rahmah been considered a done deal Al Jazeera in other pieces. attacks against Iran-related targets tinued in the south, while the rebel Watheeq receives treatment at Al- before his sudden objections. In the 10th year of the war, which in Syria. Houthis continue to fight the Saudi Sabeen hospital in Sanaa, Yemen Trump's refusal to sign the has not only resulted in more than [File: Hani Mohammed/AP bipartisan package as he Adding to the situation’s volatil- Arabia-led coalition and govern-

500,000 casualties but displaced an ity is the resurgence of ISIL (ISIS). ment forces in the north. Photo]Yet, international aid has

k y m demands larger COVID relief c checks and complains about estimated 13 million people – more Aided by the pandemic and the lapse of its physical caliphate in east- omy, as well as by the 2021 Syrian The Saudi Arabia-led military considerably receded compared “pork” spending could also than half of all Syrians – lasting vacuum created by the United States ern Syria. presidential elections, as former alliance has been fighting along- with previous years. In June, force a federal government progress on a resolution is still not withdrawing its forces from some The overall situation is aggra- Syrian Ambassador to Turkey Nidal side the government since 2015 an international donor confer- shutdown when money runs in sight. areas, the group launched several vated by unremitting US sanctions Kabalan told Al Jazeera. against the Iran-backed Houthis. ence fell $1bn short of the UN’s out at 12:01 Tuesday in the Turkey and Russia agreed on a attacks and continues to regain against the Syrian government that “Although Syrians cannot wait to The Houthis control the capital $2.4bn target, adding to the dev- middle of a pandemic. new ceasefire at the beginning of strength only a year after the col- have impaired the country’s econ- wrap up one of the worst years in Sanaa and large areas in the north astating situation. P11 PRICES OF TV LIKELY TO GO UP MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR The PLI applicants are working very Prices for LED TV and appliances such as furiously and with everything refrigerator, washing machines are possible at their command to fulfill expected to go up by around 10% from the targets. Many of them will be January next year on account of rise in able to complete it but not before costs of key input materials like copper,

business early financial year (FY) 2021-22 aluminium and steel and increase in ocean

k y m PANKAJ MOHINDROO | CHAIRMAN, ICEA and air freights charges c of the day uote L&T plans to hire BANKS BRACE FOR COVID-HIT 1,100 engineers Crude steel output Now that we’ve left the across biz verticals European Union, we can do grows 3.5% in Nov things a bit CORPORATES’ BAD LOAN WOES PRESS TRUST OF INDIA differently (in financial services New Delhi, Dec 27: Engineering As far as the banking sector is concerned, the outbreak of the pandemic early in and construction conglomerate RISHI SUNAK | FINANCE MINISTER, UK Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is looking 2020 largely shaped activities and operations during most part of the year to recruit close to 1,100 graduate and post graduate engineer We are PRESS TRUST OF INDIA trainees in 2021 and deploy them significantly across various business verticals, increasing the New Delhi, Dec 27: Tackling non- a top company official has said. number of electric performing assets will be a major The company, through its on- vehicles. Between challenge for the banking sector going virtual hiring process, has 2021 and 2023, we will build a quarter in the New Year as many companies, already made around 250 offers of a million more electric cars than especially in the MSME sector, may in the recent hiring season at pre- originally planned not be able to withstand the heat of mium education institutes like the coronavirus pandemic which led IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, IIT OLIVER ZIPSE | CEO, BMW to a historic contraction of the BHU, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT economy in the first half of the Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, IIT (ISM) current fiscal. Dhanbad, IIT Hyderabad and We want to Besides, muted private invest- other IITs. produce more ment impacting the corporate loan "L&T not only offers Graduate PRESS TRUST OF INDIA during November 2020, compared than 1 billion growth will be another challenge and Post Graduate Engineer to 81.191 MT in the same period doses with Pfizer that banks will have to face in the Trainees (GETs & PGETs) con- New Delhi, Dec 27: India registered last year. next year. We need coming months. Despite ample liq- performing assets) continued to tinuous learning opportunities a growth of 3.5% in crude steel The US production stood at 6.120 to distribute them to Punjab National Bank, making it over 80 countries uidity in the system, demand from mar the banking sector and the second largest Public Sector Bank production at 9.245 million tonne MT, down 13.7% from 7.088 MT. the corporate sector is very low first major shock came in March (PSB). (MT) in November, according to Japan's output slipped 5.9% to 7.264 UGUR SAHIN | CEO, BIONTECH and bankers hope that faster than with the Reserve Bank of India Similarly, Andhra Bank and World Steel Association. The coun- MT from 7.716 MT a year ago. South anticipated recovery could bring in (RBI) imposing moratorium on the Corporation Bank were merged try had produced 8.933 MT crude Korea’s steel production fell 2.4% the animal spirit as far as India then crisis-hit Yes Bank. with Mumbai-based Union Bank steel during the same month last to 5.760 MT in the month under re- SHORT TAKES Inc in concerned. By the time Yes Bank's issue was of India. Syndicate Bank was year, the global industry body said view, as compared to 5.904 MT in the Although the Indian economy resolved, the country was in the merged with Canara Bank while and a growth path but also gives in its latest report. year-ago period. witnessed a sharp recovery from grip of the outbreak of the COVID- Allahabad Bank was amalgamated them immense satisfaction to work "Crude steel production for the Germany’s crude steel output FM Logistic to 23.9% contraction in first quarter 19 pandemic leading to nationwide with Chennai-based Indian Bank. on projects that are high on the top 64 countries reporting to the World rose 14.8% to 3.376 MT as against to 7.5% contraction in the second lockdown and even the Budget ses- "The merger has nearly sta- of national or global pecking order," Steel Association (worldsteel) was 2.941 MT. Italy's crude steel pro- double capacity quarter, it is yet to lift the senti- sion of Parliament had to be cur- bilised... It happened very seam- company's chief executive and 158.261 MT in November 2020, a duction was 2.049 MT in November Mumbai: Third-party logistics ment of India Inc. For the past few tailed. lessly despite the lockdown and managing director S N 6.6% increase compared to 148.417 2020, up 3.2% from 1.986 MT a year company, FM Logistic, plans to years, private investment has been However, the government did the early positive signs of the amal- Subrahmanyan told PTI. MT in November 2019. ago. France produced 1.149 MT of double its warehousing space low while public spending has been not postpone the process of merger gamation are now also visible," In 2021, it is planning to hire "Due to the ongoing difficulties crude steel last month, 3.7% lower to 1.2 crore sq ft in three to doing the heavy lifting for the econ- of six public sector banks into four Financial Services Secretary 1,100 engineers and has already presented by the Covid-19 pan- from the year-ago period, while four years from 60 lakh sq ft at omy. anchor lenders with a view to cre- Debasish Panda told PTI. made offers to 250 IITians, he said. demic, many of this month's figures Spain's steel production stood at present as it expects demand As far as the banking sector is con- ate global-size institutions for achiev- "They now have a larger capital Every year, the company re- are estimates that may be revised 1.113 MT, a rise of 11.2% year-on- for such facilities to increase cerned, the outbreak of the pan- ing the objective of USD 5 trillion base and their capacity to lend has cruits around 1,100 plus engineers, with next month's production up- year. With members in every major in the aftermath of the demic early in 2020 largely shaped economy by March 2025. increased, and then you have com- 90 per cent of which belongs to pre- date," worldsteel said. steel-producing country, worldsteel pandemic, its MD and CEO activities and operations during Effective April 1, United Bank plementary products of the dif- mier institutes like IITs, NITs, According to the worldsteel data, represents steel producers, na- Alexandre Amine Soufiani most part of the year. of India and Oriental Bank of ferent banks that merged into the and top government engineering China registered 8% year-on-year tional and regional steel industry said. Soufiani expects sales to The legacy of rising NPAs (non- Commerce were merged with lead banks," he said. colleges, the company said. growth in steel output at 87.660 MT associations. return to pre-COVID levels by March 2021 as 90% of the business has already recovered by December. CCI to release study on Mahindra Logistics to deploy EVs for CII seeks clarity in taxation laws, Asus to add 1K telecom sector shortly last-mile delivery retail points simplification, lesser litigation New Delhi: Taiwanese tech AGENCIES major Asus is bullish on AGENCIES expanding its presence in Mumbai, Dec 27: Mahindra offline retail, adding about Logistics, which is on an ambi- New Delhi, Dec 27: CII has sug- 1,000 retail points over the tious growth path with a target of gested the government to bring next year as it witnesses achieving `10,000-crore revenue about clarity in the taxation laws, continuous strong demand in by FY26 through inorganic and simplification of procedures and re- the consumer and gaming organic routes, is planning to de- duction of litigation in the up- segments, a top company official said. The company, ploy electric vehicles (EVs) for coming Union Budget. which had 7.5% share in the last-mile delivery shortly, a top It noted that the taxation laws Indian PC segment in the company official has said. should facilitate business transi- September quarter (as per The plan comes on the heels of tions and make doing business eas- as well. that banks operating in India fa- IDC), currently has its online retailer Amazon India's ier for the industry. It further said over the last few cilitate foreign investment by products available at over move to deploy EVs for last-mile In a statement, the industry years, in order to enhance the fi- Foreign Portfolio Investments 6,000 retail points along with delivery. The company is report- body noted that Section 80JJAA nancial strength of banks, and (FPI) by acting as custodians (cash online channels. edly in touch with Mahindra provides for deduction of 30 per for the stability of the financial sec- and securities) for the FPIs in- Electric and Kinetic Green for ve- cent on emoluments paid to new tor, RBI has mandated that banks vesting in India. "Specific clarifi- hicle supplies. employees, which can be claimed should augment their NPA pro- cation should be provided so that Over 4.15 crore AGENCIES and pharmaceutical sector. Swedish furniture retailer Ikea for three years. This is available visioning. CII has suggested that banking and broking service Gupta said the market study on (through Gati Logistics), and on- up to an emolument of `25,000 per the limit prescribed under sec- providers are not held as repre- ITRs filed New Delhi, Dec 27: The the country's telecom sector, which line grocery store Bigbasket also month. tion 36(1)(viia)(a) for provision sentative assessees of their clients," Competition Commission will was initiated in January this year use EVs for last mile delivery, ac- Stressing on the need to give a for bad and doubtful debts for the it said. New Delhi: Over 4.15 crore shortly release its study on the to have a clear understanding of cording to media reports. boost to employment at higher lev- Indian banks should be increased Over the years, RBI has low- taxpayers have already filed their income tax returns (ITR) telecom sector and one of the key competition in that space, is com- Mahindra Logistics is one of els, CII has suggested raising the cap from the existing limit of 8.5% to ered the limit for recognizing an ` for assessment year 2020-21 trends that has emerged is the ver- plete and will be released shortly. the largest third-party logistics to 50,000 per month to encourage 15%. account as NPA from six months (FY2019-20) till December 26, tical integration between telcos "The key trends and observa- (3PL) service providers, special- employment in higher skilled jobs It told the Finance Ministry to 90 days. the Income Tax Department and digital solution providers, in- tions that have emerged from the izing in supply chain manage- said Sunday. As the deadline cluding OTTs and e-commerce plat- study inter-alia relate to vertical in- ment and enterprise mobility to file ITR by individuals forms. tegration in the industry between (people transport solutions, for nears, the tax department As the Competition Commission telecom operators and digital so- which it already uses EVs in China orders Ant Group to rectify businesses also urged people to file their of India (CCI) continues to step up lutions providers, including OTTs some parts of the country). ITR for assessment year (AY) its vigil to curb possible unfair (Over The Top), e-commerce plat- According to Rampraveen AGENCIES Ant executives on Saturday and in regulatory arbitrage. It also said 2020-21 early to avoid last business practices, the regulator's forms, digital payment platforms Swaminathan, the company's ordered them to formulate a recti- that the company used its market minute rush. "More than 4.15 Chairperson Ashok Kumar Gupta and other cloud-based technology managing director and chief ex- Hong Kong, Dec 27: Chinese reg- fication plan and an implementa- position to exclude rivals and hurt crore ITRs for AY 2020-21 opined that for the digital space, en- solutions," he said. ecutive, a key part of the near ulators have ordered Ant Group, the tion timetable of its business, in- the rights and interests of con- have already been filed till forcement has to be complemented In recent years, the domestic three-fold growth drive in five world's largest financial technology cluding its credit, insurance and sumers. The meeting came after December 26,” the with non-enforcement tools such as telecom sector has witnessed the exit years includes adding 2 million company, to rectify its businesses wealth management services, the Chinese regulators last month department tweeted. market studies. of some prominent players amid sq ft of warehousing annually and comply with regulatory re- regulators said in a statement halted Ant's $37 billion stock debut Currently, the watchdog is study- stiff competition and legal cases. over the next few years with each quirements amid increased scrutiny Sunday. in Shanghai and Hong Kong over ing mergers and acquisitions in According to Gupta, there is an of the yards spanning of anti-monopoly practices in the The statement said that Ant regulatory changes, and comes just MSMEs remain the digital market, including those ongoing study on mergers and ac- 4-5 lakh sq ft. country's internet sector. Group lacked a sound governance days after China announced an deals that might have escaped its quisitions in the digital market to The company has 16 million The People's Bank of China, the mechanism, defied regulatory com- anti-monopoly investigation of e- unaffected scrutiny due to lower thresholds, understand the emerging trends. sq ft space now. country's central bank, summoned pliance requirements and engaged commerce giant Alibaba Group. New Delhi: Small businesses and dealers will not be impacted by the new government rule of paying at least 1% of GST liability in ‘Indians may put off travel plans amid spread of new virus strain’ cash as only entities with annual turnover of `6 crore THE SURVEY TRIED TO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE’S PLAN TO UNDERTAKE DOMESTIC TRAVEL IN NEXT 3 MONTHS AS WITH REDUCING and above are required to follow the new rule, Finance CASE-LOADS AND COVID FATIGUE SETTING IN, MANY MORE HAVE STARTED TO TRAVEL SINCE OCTOBER Ministry sources said. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA hasn't yet allowed regular opera- more have started to travel since COVID, while 7% said they might tion of international flights, in- October, it said. travel based on coronavirus situa- UltraTech mulls Mumbai, Dec 27: Many people stead it operates transport bubbles Consumers were asked about tion. "The aggregate feedback of ` may put off their international with 23 countries, including the their situation in regard to under- consumers suggests that the new raising 1K cr travel plans due to concerns over the UK via the Vande Bharat Mission. taking international travel in the virus strain that was recently de- Mumbai: UltraTech Cement is spread of new variant of coron- However, India imposed a tem- next three months, according to tected in the UK and related flight considering to raise `1,000 avirus in some countries and pos- porary on flights from and to the UK the online platform. bans, the majority planning inter- crore by issuing non- sibility of flight bans by nations from December 23 till December 31 "Local circle received 7,820 re- national travel in the next 3 months convertible debentures like Dubai, France and Singapore, following the detection of the new sponse, of which as many as 71% are likely to hold back," the survey (NCDs) on private placement a survey has revealed. variant of the virus in the UK. consumers said that they have no revealed. basis on or after December The survey, which is based on LocalCircles has conducted a plans to undertake international When only the consumers con- 30. The Board of Directors of over 15,000 responses from over survey to understand the impact travel in the next 3 months. While sidering international travel were

the company in May this year 10,000 people from across 204 cities of this new strain of coronavirus 2 per cent said they have bookings surveyed: while keeping the 71%

k y m c had approved the raising of and conducted by online platform on international travel plans of ternational countries as fear and LocalCirles said in a release. and will likely travel, and another who had no plans to undertake travel funds, by way of issuance of LocalCircles, also revealed that as Indians in the next three months. anxiety of getting infected by this The survey also tried to under- 2 per cent saying that have bookings in next 3 months, it appears that of NCDs, foreign currency many as 42 per cent of the respon- The platform has observed an new strain as well as the possi- stand people's plan to undertake but may cancel based on COVID the 100% who were considering in- loan or rupee term loan, or in dents did not have any travel plan increase in citizens' posts sug- bility of flight bans from other domestic travel in the next three situation," it said. ternational travel, 59% of them who any other manner, in one or for domestic travel at all. gesting that many may hold back airline hubs like Dubai, Singapore, months as with reducing case-loads Also, as many as 16% said they had “plans but no bookings” will more tranches. Post lockdown, the government on their travel plans to any in- Paris, etc. Has increased, and COVID fatigue setting in, many had plans but may not travel due to likely not travel, as per the survey. P12 MONDAY | DECEMBER 28 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR sports

RAHANE’S 12TH TEST TON PUTS INDIA IN COMMAND IN 2ND TEST AGAINST AUSTRALIA

y Starc rues about

k k y y m m c Stand-in skipper stands in Aussie way missed chances c

Rahane was involved in two small but important partnerships. First he Ajinkya’s innings put on 52 runs for the fourth wicket educative for Gill with Hanuma Vihari (21). Then he put PRESS TRUST OF INDIA on 56 for the fifth wicket Melbourne, Dec 27: Young India with Rishabh batsman Shubman Gill has said Pant (29). watching Ajinkya Rahane’s ‘mag- Runs-wise, they nificent’ ton was immensely ed- may not have been ucative for him. He said he learnt huge. More importantly how not to get into a shell while fac- it demonstrated that ing a lethal bowling attack. India were willing to “This knock was all about pa- slog it out against tience, more importantly when the Australian you are playing such a high qual- pacers who ity pace attack, sometimes you were get into shell and not able to score WHAT A MISS! Travis Head floors a simple catch offered by Ajinkya Rahane getting runs. The (not in pix) as another player jumps over him PHOTO COURTESY: CRICKET AUSTRALIA some Batting at way help from the Indian Ajinkya PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the pitch. nets has been bhai Warner doubtful a confidence- SHOT OF THE DAY: Ajinkya Rahane cuts to reach his century against Australia at the MCG, Sunday Both Vihari and played, it Melbourne, Dec 27: Australian Melbourne: Star Australian Pant fell to shots booster. We have was such speedster Mitchell Starc rued the opener David Warner is still AGENCIES they could have a high quality a magnif- chances his team squandered on the struggling with his groin injury, SCOREBOARD avoided. However, the bowling attack icent second day of the Boxing Day Test. coach Justin Langer said Sunday. Melbourne, Dec 27: For any team Australians failed to and facing them knock to However he also praised rival skip- He informed that Warner is still that have been bowled out for just AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS: 195 breach the defences of helped me when watch per Ajinkya Rahane for his pres- doubtful for the third Test 36 in their last Test innings, a turn- India 1st innings: (Overnight 36/1): Mayank Agarwal lbw b Starc Rahane and Jadeja and I batted against from out- sure-absorbing century. The against India starting January 7. around is always very difficult. 0, Shubman Gill c Paine b Cummins 45, Cheteshwar Pujara c Paine b that helped in India tak- the Oz bowlers side,” Gill Australian fielders spilled a few The 34-year-old had missed the Cummins 17, Ajinkya Rahane batting 104, Hanuma Vihari c Smith b last ODI, three T20Is and the first India are no exception to the rule and ing a healthy lead of 82 SHUBHMAN GILL said dur- chances offered by Rahane as India one could foresee another collapse Lyon 21, Rishabh Pant c Paine b Starc 29, Ravindra Jadeja batting 40; runs when play ended ing a vir- took an 82-run lead by the day end. two Tests against India due to when the score read 65 for three on Extras (B-12, LB-6, NB-2, WD-1) 21, Total (for 5 wickets) 277. a tad early. tual press “It (the knock by Rahane) was the injury. “There’s no one more the second day of the second cricket FALL: 1-0, 2-61, 3-64, 4-116, 5-173. Resuming on 36 for conference. “How to see off those pretty good. He absorbed some professional and he’s (Warner) Test against Australia here Sunday Bowling: Mitchell Starc 18.3-3-61-2, Pat Cummins 22-7-71-2, Josh one, India started tough periods, he made it sure that pressure there and sort of steadied doing everything possible (to at the MCG. However, then stepped Hazlewood 21-6-44-0, Nathan Lyon 18-2-52-1, Cameron Green 12-1- cautiously before he put the loose balls away,” Gill the ship for them, at (a time) when play),” Langer told Ricky Ponting during an interview on ‘Seven’. in the pint-sized stand-in skipper 31-0. losing both their who made 45 on his debut added. they were still behind our score,” “In terms of his batting he’s Ajinkya Rahane (104 n o, 200b, 12x4) overnight bats- Gill said the team are looking Starc said at the virtual post-day flying, it’s just trying to ... He’s to rescue his side. By the end of the slip in Australia’s first over men – debutant forward to Rahane and Ravindra press conference, Sunday. “We prob- still having some trouble with his day’s play he had grown to be a STATS FACTS with the second new ball, the Shubman Gill Jadeja score some more runs. He ably could have got him out three groin and we know how dynamic Colossus among the all those pres- Rahane’s 12th Test ton came after unlucky bowler being (45) and the also pointed out batting will get or four or maybe five times, but he is. We will have to see how he ent on the field. 14 months and eight days. His 11th Mitchell Starc (2/64). He seasoned more challenging on the day three he’s run his luck there and scored runs,” Langer informed. century was against South Africa was again lucky when Cheteshwar MCG pitch. a good ton. Well done to him,” at Ranchi, October 19, 2019 Travis Head dropped a sheer Pujara (17) “On the first day, there was a bit added the left-arm pacer. dolly with Starc suffering in the space turn for (Ravichandran) Ashwin Starc admitted Australia en- sonal milestone of 250 Test wick- Starc became the 9th Australian once again. of 11 balls. and (Ravindra Jadeja) Jaddu bhai. dured a tough day. “Pretty much that ets. He said his focus is to get India bowler to get 250 Test wickets. He It must however, be re- Then the Even today we saw there was turn (frustrating day for the bowlers). The out as quickly as he can on the dismissed Rishabh Pant to reach membered that fortune Rahane for Nathan (Lyon) and as the time last ball pretty much summed up third day. the milestone favours the brave and Rahane show began goes on there will be more cracks the day. We created a few chances “I don’t think I have really been It was just not Rahane’s 12th cen- indeed played a knock full of and things and it will be more challenging for and unfortunately could not hang one for personal milestones. But I tury. It was oxygen for a side that had Ravindra Jadeja (40 n o, 104b, 1x4), determination, valour and started to the batsmen. So it is important to onto to those,” Starc pointed out. guess it is nice to take a few wick- gone into the ventilator, looking India finished the day at 277 for dogged defence. It was as if he look up for capitalise on this lead, increase it So we just got to back up tomorrow ets and I guess to be there long likely never to come out again, at five in reply to Australia’s first in- was batting with an invisible the visitors and get them all out as quickly as (Monday) and take five wickets as enough to take 250 (wickets) is very least during this tour. Riding on nings score of 195. Tricolour draped around him, once possible,” informed Gill. “So the quickly as we can,” he added. nice. It will be good to reflect on once his knock and his unbeaten sixth Rahane got a life when Steve a single-minded resolve of lift- again. more we get better for us,” Gill said. Starc was asked about his per- I am done with my career,” he said. wicket stand of 104 runs with Smith dropped him on 73 at second ing the morale of the side. ICC HONOURS Man City, Arsenal win DHONI, KOHLI ond half Tammy Abraham grabbed a late consolation goal for Chelsea. Meanwhile PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Everton moved into second spot on the points table beating bottom club Sheffield Dubai, Dec 27: The legendary United 1-0. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was Sunday named captain of ICC’s AT A GLANCE ODI and T20 International ‘Teams Man City 2 Newcastle 0 of the Decade’ while Virat Kohli was chosen skipper of the Test Arsenal 3 Chelsea 1 side. The Indians dominated the Everton 1 Sheffield 0 limited-over teams by having three and four players in the ODI and On a rainy, cold night at the Etihad T20I respectively while England Stadium, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce started have maximum number of play- with a five-man backline but there was lit- ers – four – in the Test squad. tle his side could do to keep control of City’s The 39-year-old Dhoni was one array of attacking talent. of the three Indians in the ODI The home side went ahead in the 14th ‘Team of the Decade’, the others minute when Gundogan calmly fired home being Rohit Sharma and Kohli. Ilkay Gundogan Raheem Sterling’s pass from close range after He has three other compatriots a typically patient and incisive build-up in the T20I team – Rohit, Kohli AGENCIES from Pep Guardiola’s side. and Jasprit Bumrah. Besides being With City dominant in possession through- named captain of Test team, Kohli Manchester, Dec 27: Manchester City out, it took until the sixth minute of the sec- is the only player in the world to breezed to a 2-0 home win Saturday over ond half for Newcastle to register a shot on have been voted in the teams of the Newcastle United thanks to goals in each target, but all it did was provoke the hosts decade in all the three formats. half from Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran even more, and four minutes later they In the Test team of the decade, Torres, a result that lifted them to fifth in went 2-0 up. senior spinner Ravichandran the Premier League points table. In an- A concerted attack that ebbed and flowed Ashwin is the only Indian in the other match played on the day, Arsenal across the field ended when Newcastle squad other than. Kohli. The four ended their seven-game winless streak defender Federico Fernandez could only Englishman in the Test squad are stunning Chelsea 3-1. The goals for Arsenal deflect a cross from Joao Cancelo into the James Anderson, Ben Stokes, were scored by Alexandre Lacazette, Granit path of Torres, who scored with a simple Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad. Xhaka and Bukayo Saka. Late into the sec- finish. Season’s 1st ISL Cheetahs, Panthers triumph victory for KBFC POST NEWS NETWORK PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Cuttack, December 27: The MGM Odisha T20 cricket tournament got off to a rousing Bambolim, Dec 27: Kerala Blasters start Sunday. Two matches were played on (KBFC) dished out an impressive the day at the Barabati Stadium here. In the performance as they beat first game Odisha Panthers defeated Odisha Hyderabad FC (HFC) 2-0 to secure Pumas by nine wickets while in the sec- their first win in the ongoing ISL ond Odisha Cheetahs won a seven-run here Sunday. Abdul Hakku’s header thriller against Odisha Tigers. (29th minute) put Kerala ahead In the first game, the Pumas scored 141 before Jordan Murray (88th) sealed for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 three points for Kibu Vicuna's side. overs. Except for Prayash K Singh (74, Vicuna rang in five changes to 40, 3x4, 7x6) none of the other batsmen the side that drew against SC East could get going. Pradeep K Pradhan (4/20) Bengal while Hyderabad made and Alok Sahoo (2/11) shone with the ball two changes with Liston Colaco re- for the Panthers. turning to the starting XI. In reply, Panthers reached the target of Both sides created chances in the 142 and lost only one wicket in just 15.3 first half but it was Kerala who overs. Sidhant Jena (63 n o, 39b, 5x4, 5x6) grabbed their chances. Both the and Ankit Jena (43 n o, 45b, 6x4) com- Batsmen of the Panthers team celebrate after sides fought neck-and-neck but pleted the job without much fuss. their win over the Pumas OP PHOTO Kerala got the opener just before y In the second game the Cheetahs posted the half-hour mark through a set-

154 for eight in 20 overs. Abhishek Rout (65, 45b, 7x4, 2x6) and Ayush Naik (52, 5x4, piece. They won a corner and

k k y y m m c c (58, 42b, 5x4, 3x6) and Sourav K Gouda 3x6), the Tigers lost their way in the last Facundo Pereyra whipped an inch- (39, 31b, 4x4, 1x6) batted well for the five overs and lost the match by seven runs. perfect cross for Hakku, who Cheetahs. Shekhar Maji (3/26) and Sanjoy The Tigers finished on 147 for seven in bagged his first ISL goal through Das (3/28) bowled well for the Tigers. their 20 overs. Rama C Behera (3/20) and a pin-point header. They got the sec- In spite of an opening stand of 118 Mrunmay Tripathy (3/25) bowled well ond goal when the HFC players runs between Dibyashakti Chakrabarty for the Cheetahs. pressed hard for an equaliser.

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