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FOR A CAUSE NEW MEASURES MBAPPE SHINES Actor Bhumi Pednekar has joined hands Bloggers and influencers in China will need to have Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick helps PSG thrash with UNESCO to educate girls on government approval before they can Barcelona 4-1 in their Champions League last 16 tie menstrual hygiene LEISURE | P2 publish anything INTERNATIONAL | P10 SPORTS | P12

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 317 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 12 PAGES | `4.00

IRREGULAR by MANJUL REGULAR PETROL BREACHES `100 PER LITRE MARK Fuel prices burn pockets

AGENCIES

New Delhi, Feb 17: For the first time ever, the price of petrol crossed So you will double our income by 2022. Govt to pass 6 Bills Wednesday the `100 per litre mark in But how many folds will you India. Petrol and diesel prices were in- hike fuel prices by then? creased by 25 paise per litre each ac- cording to a price notification of state- in Budget session owned fuel retailers. It meant that SHORT TAKES prices for both petrol and diesel in- POST NEWS NETWORK In view of the improve- creased for the ninth day in a row. ment in the COVID-19 situ- While branded or additive-laced Petrol and diesel prices have Bhubaneswar, Feb 17:The ation in the state, ‘Question increased for 9 days in a row 4 more bodies take petrol, which attracts higher taxes, Budget session of Odisha Hour’ will be conducted dur- had crossed the `100-mark in some Central and state taxes make up for 60% Assembly will start ing the session. It was can- MP bus toll to 51 places in states like Maharashtra, of price of petrol and 54% of diesel Thursday with Governor celled during past two ses- Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, this Ganeshi Lal’s address to the sions of the House. Bhopal: The death toll in the is the first time that regular petrol FUEL PRICES IN CITY House at 11.00am. It will be For smooth functioning of bus accident in Madhya crossed the physiological mark. conducted in two phases the House, Speaker Surya Pradesh’s Sidhi district has In Sriganganagar town of Rajasthan, ` and continue till April 9. Narayan Patro held an all gone up to 51 with the recovery PETROL 90.25 ( +0.27 ) petrol price soared to `100.13 a litre The ruling BJD plans to party meeting Wednesday. of four more bodies officials DIESEL `87.11 ( +0.27 ) informed Wednesday. Bodies of Wednesday. pass six Bills during the Patro said the Budget session 47 people, including 20 women Fuel prices differ from state to state session. will be conducted in two sit- ` and two children, were depending on the incidence of local diesel 79.95. In Mumbai, petrol was last month. The value-added tax (VAT) NEIGHBOURS SMILE The first phase of the ses- tings from 10.30am to 1.30pm recovered Tuesday after the taxes such as VAT and freight charges. being sold for `96 a litre and diesel was on petrol, after the cut, at 36 per cent sion will be held from and from 4.00pm to 6.00 pm. packed private bus skidded off Rajasthan levies the highest VAT on priced at `86.98. plus `1.5 per litre road cess is still the Country Petrol/Ltr Diesel/Ltr February 18 to 27 while the The opposition – BJP and the road and plunged into a petrol in India. The record price in Rajasthan is de- highest in India. On diesel, Rajasthan Pakistan `51.00 `52.91 second will be conducted the Congress have decided to water-filled Bansagar canal After Wednesday's price increase, spite the state government cutting VAT levies 26 per cent and `1.75 per litre March 12 to April 9. The attack the government over is- Bangladesh `76.70 `56.01 situated approximately 80 petrol in Delhi cost `89.54 per litre and on petrol and diesel by two per cent late road cess. state budget for the financial sues related Kotia dispute, kilometres away from the Sidhi In Anuppur of Madhya Pradesh, Sri Lanka `60.33 `38.97 year 2021-22 will be pre- law and order and farmers’ district headquarters. P9 regular petrol is close to breaching the Nepal `68.99 `58.33 sented, February 22. problems. MORE ON P4 `100-mark. It was being sold at 99.90 per MODI BLAMES PREDECESSORS litre Wednesday while the price of Prices equivalent to Indian rupees NEW DELHI: On a day when regular petrol crossed the `100 mark, Prime diesel stood at `90.35 per litre. common man. However, the govern- 4 die, 20 injured Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the middle class would not have been In nine straight days, prices have ment is not considering a reduction in tractor mishap burdened if the previous governments had focussed on reducing India’s energy gone up by `2.59 per litre for petrol in excise duty to cool rates. import dependence. He said India imported over 85 per cent of its oil needs in and `2.82 per litre for diesel. Central and state taxes make up for Baripada: In a tragic incident, the 2019-20 financial year and nearly 53 per cent of its gas requirement. “Can The relentless hike in prices has 60 per cent of the retail selling price of four people died while over 20 we be so import dependent? I don’t want to criticise anyone but I want to say been criticised by the opposition par- petrol and over 54 per cent of diesel. The others were injured after the (that) had we focussed on this subject earlier, our middle class would not have ties including the Congress. The op- Union Government levies `32.90 per tractor they were travelling in been burdened,” Modi asserted at a function in Tamil Nadu. position has demanded an immediate litre of excise duty on petrol and `31.80 overturned at Murunia under cut in taxes to ease the burden on the a litre on diesel. MORE ON P4, 11 Speaker Surya Narayan Patro conducting the all-party meeting Jharpojaria police limits in Mayurbhanj district Wednesday night. One person died on the #METOO MOVEMENT GETS A BOOST ` KOTIA PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS spot while three succumbed to 25 crore fine Samaleswari temple their injuries while undergoing to get `200 crore for treatment. The identities of the collected from deceased are yet to be Ramani acquitted Odisha’s plea in SC shrine development ascertained. Eyewitnesses said the tractor skidded off the road traffic violators and overturned trapping the POST NEWS NETWORK persons travelling on it. They POST NEWS NETWORK were returning to their homes in in defamation case misconceived: AP Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: As part of Barabuda from Gorumahisani Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: A total the 5T initiative, the Odisha gov- locality. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA fine amount of `25 crore has been POST NEWS NETWORK passed an order. There was no such ernment has prepared a draft plan collected from traffic rule violators undertaking in the present mat- for redevelopment of the New Delhi, Feb 17: A Delhi court in the cities of Cuttack and the state New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Feb ter,” the counsel for the Andhra Samaleswari temple in Sambalpur. Wednesday acquitted journalist capital in approximately one year. 17: The Andhra Pradesh govern- Pradesh government said. The total expenditure in the proj- MARKET WATCH Priya Ramani in MJ Akbar’s crim- This information was shared by ment has termed the contempt pe- Meanwhile the two main oppo- ect will be to the tune of `200 crore. inal defamation case against her Twin City police commissioner tition filed by Odisha against it for sition parties in the state – the BJP A detailed presentation on the INDEX VARIATION over the allegations of sexual ha- Sudhanshu Sarangi here holding panchayat elections in and the Congress have decided to draft redevelopment plan – rassment. The court said that a Wednesday. He was speaking at three villages of Kotia panchayat raise the Kotia issue in the Budget Samaleswari Temple Area SENSEX 51703.83 400.34 woman has the right to put griev- the valedictory programme of the in Koraput district as grossly mis- session of the Assembly which be- Management & Local Economy ances before any platform of her month-long ‘Traffic Awareness conceived and non-maintainable. gins Thursday. Initiatives (SAMALEI) – was made BOURSES NIFTY 15208.90 104.60 choice even after decades. October 17, 2018. He has denied all the Month’. The senior cop said that In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Congress leader Narasingha Mishra Wednesday before Chief Minister DOLLAR 73.57 `0.05 Additional Chief Metropolitan allegations of sexual harassment on the basis of CCTV footages, Court, Andhra Pradesh was also critical about Naveen Patnaik. The government Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey against the women who came for- around 350 challans are being is- submitted Wednesday Since there was no the developments in has sought suggestions from the EURO 87.63 `0.56 dismissed the complaint filed by ward during #MeToo campaign sued every day over violation of that there was no di- direction passed by Kotia panchayat. public on the draft plan. The sug- CURRENCY Akbar. He said that no charges against him. traffic rules. The numbers will rection passed by the the Supreme Court, “Andhra Pradesh gov- gestions can be mailed to devel- ` ` GOLD 46,371 528 were proved against Ramani. Ramani said it feels great to have further increase in next two to apex court in 2006. It there is therefore ernment is taking our [email protected] by SILVER `68,766 `606 The court said it is shameful that truth validated before the court. “It three months. had recorded the state- no question of land, Chhattisgarh is March 15. BULLION crimes against women are taking feels amazing, truly does. I feel vin- “Police, within one year of im- ment of both states committing contempt taking water from the The government plans to develop place in India where mega epics like dicated on behalf of all the women who plementation of stricter traffic after it dismissed the Mahanadi and West 108 acres of land around the Mahabharat and Ramayana were have ever spoken out against sexual rules, have collected `25 crore as suit filed by Odisha on AP GOVERMENT Bengal, our sand. Due Samaleswari temple as part of the written about respecting them. harassment at work place,” she said. fines from the violators in Cuttack the ground it was not to weak leadership, redevelopment programme in the WEATHER Ramani had made allegations Ramani also said the sexual ha- and Bhubaneswar. Do not ever maintainable under Article 131 of other states are looting our resources,” 2021-22 fiscal. Now the temple is BHUB CTK of sexual misconduct against Akbar rassment issue has got the attention think that you can escape after the Constitution of India. Mishra alleged in Bhubaneswar. located over an area of 12 acres. in the wake of #MeToo movement it deserves. “It was me the victim violating the traffic rules,” Sarangi “Since there was no direction “It is very sad that Andhra Pradesh MAX 32.8° 32.2° in 2018. Akbar had filed the com- who had to stand up in the court as told the gathering. passed by the Supreme Court, there conducted rural polls in our state. plaint against Ramani October 15, an accused. I thank everyone who “There are certain people who is therefore no question of com- The inefficiency of the Odisha gov- TEMP MIN 19.4° 18.0° Forecast 2018 for allegedly defaming him stood by me especially my witnesses are still not obeying the traffic mitting contempt. It is settled law ernment is responsible for this. We Humidity 61% 65% by accusing him of sexual mis- Ghazala Wahab and Niloufer rules and waiting for the cops to that an action for contempt can will raise the Kotia issue in the Mainly Rainfall Nil Nil clear sky conduct decades ago. Venkatraman who came to the court catch them. Then only they will be only be taken in respect of a breach Assembly,” leader of Opposition Akbar resigned as a Union minister and testified on my behalf,” she said. cautious,” the top cop asserted. of undertaking if the court has Pradipta Naik said. As per the proposed plan, four gates will be constructed around the temple. Devotees will enter the temple through the east gate Shabnam 1st woman to be hanged in independent India and exit through the other three gates. An office, interpretation centre and service desk for the INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE affair and wanted to get married. 2.00am, there was blood all around public will be set up the main n THE GRUESOME ACT However, the woman's family was and the bodies were cut up. The entrance of the temple. Amroha (Uttar Pradesh), Feb TOOK PLACE APRIL 15, opposed to their marriage. crime was unpardonable,” said A heritage corridor will be built 17: With the decks having been 2008 IN UP’S AMROHA Shabnam made her family mem- Shabnam’s uncle, refusing to disclose around the temple. A one kilometre cleared for the hanging of Shabnam DISTRICT bers drink milk laced with seda- his name. He asserted that he would long pedestrian stretch will be built and her paramour Salim, the stage n THE FAMILY MEMBERS tives before killing them along with not accept the body of Shabnam to facilitate easy movement of devo- is now set for the first Indian woman WERE GIVEN MILK LACED her lover. Seven members of the after her hanging. tees. Adequate facilities including to be taken to the gallows in inde- WITH SEDATIVES, THEN family, including a 10-month-old Pawan Jallad, who had executed parking space, special vending zones, pendent India. The two have been HACKED TO DEATH child, were then axed to death on the the four accused in the Nirbhaya toilets, information and donation accused of killing seven members night of horror. case in March last year, will be centres will be built. Accommodation of Shabnam’s family. n SHABNAM WILL BE THE The reaction to the multiple mur- executing Shabnam and Salim in arrangements will be made available Shabnam and Salim were con- FIRST WOMAN TO BE ders was so strong that people who Mathura jail. Incidentally, this is for devotees near the temple. y victed and awarded death sentence HANGED IN INDEPENDENT had named their daughters as the only prison which houses the A 30-metre wide walkway will

for the multiple murders by the INDIA Shabnam had changed the names India’s lone female execution room. also be developed so that devotees

k y m c Sessions Court and the Allahabad almost overnight. Pawan said that he had been can visit the Mahanadi Ghat from High Court before the Supreme It may be recalled that April 15, Meanwhile, Shabnam's uncle and asked to inspect the Mathura jail for the temple. In addition a 30 metres Court upheld the verdict. Shabnam 2008, Shabnam and her lover Saleem aunt have expressed happiness at the hanging and he is ready for the high deck will be built in the mid- had filed a mercy petition before the had wiped out the former’s entire the court verdict. “We were not at job even though the date for the dle of the walkway, from which President, which has also been family in this district of Uttar home when the carnage took place. hanging has not been set yet. It will both the Mahanadi and the tem- turned down. Pradesh. The duo was having an When we went there at around be set soon, he informed ple will be clearly visible. P2 BANDERAS IS AN ABSOLUTE KOURTNEY MAKES RELATIONSHIP WITH THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR GENTLEMAN: SALMA HAYEK TRAVIS OFFICIAL ON INSTAGRAM Hollywood diva Salma Hayek recalls how her Socialite Kourtney Kardashian Wednesday made her Desperado co-star Antonio Banderas helped her relationship with longtime friend Travis Barker official when she started sobbing on the sets of the 1995 on Instagram. She posted a picture with her hand

film during the shoot of an intimate scene. He is an entwined with musician Travis's hand. There is no y

leisure absolute gentleman, says the actress. caption with the photo, but his tattoos can be identified.

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FORTUNE FORECAST ‘Honey and I Bhumi to educate girls Exhibit of leading Indian maintain a classical artistes’ ARIES winning streak’ on menstrual hygiene Go with the flow. At least that's what Ganesha suggests where relation- Mumbai: Actress Nushrratt Bharuccha notes how rapper New Delhi: With an aim According to the UN- photographs goes live ships are concerned. You can be your Honey Singh’s songs have always been a highlight in her to raise awareness and ESCO, the global pan- assertive self some other time. Today, career as an actress, and adds that featuring in the video educate girls on menstrual demic has impacted 74 you can be large-hearted and fulfill your of his new song Saiyaan Ji has been special for her. hygiene management, UN- crore schoolgirls, and beloved's wishes, maybe even propose. Nushrratt said: “Saiyaan Ji is close to my heart as it is ESCO has joined the could severely affect Rakesh Sinha has been them. What say? my first single music video with Honey Sir. This is our #KeepGirlsInSchool mis- their return to school. Sinha also works with colours fourth song together, after Dil chori, sion, being supported by To bring to light the photographing but his first love and passion is Care ni karda and Chote chote actress Bhumi Pednekar. struggles of young performances of not just for black and white photography. TAURUS peg and with the song now The movement, girls as they reach pu- Although not having received crossing 100 Million views, we launched by feminine care berty, Whisper and dancers and musicians any training professionally he Today is a perfect day to have maintained our win- brand Whisper, begins UNESCO released develops and prints all his pho- relax and enjoy your but also that of theatre health, feels Ganesha. ning streak.” with shedding light on a film that illus- tographs by himself in his However, precaution should be the buzz- “The fact that the song the impact of 2.3 crore trates the journey and literature Darkroom. Rakesh Sinha has had word while dealing in money matters. You has become such a mas- girls dropping out of of the playful in- both solo and participated in may develop a new interest in jewellers, sive hit is an amazing school due to lack of pe- nocence of a personalities for over group exhibitions across India artists, bankers and orators. hype for us,” the ac- riod education and pro- schoolgirl with four decades including at Tansen Samaroh tress added. tection. boundless 2003 in Gwalior; Viraasat 1997 “The song is special A study reveals, even dreams com- Allahabad; Rajaya Natya Samaroh GEMINI to me as I shot for it today, 71 per cent of ado- ing to a grind- n online exhibition of 1988 Dehradun; and Rajaya Natya right after lockdown lescent girls in India re- ing halt due to archival portraits of lead- Samaroh 1990 Bareli. It is a good day for you to was lifted. That main unaware of men- the lack of pe- ing Indian classical artistes, participate in cultural A events and group activi- time, I was in the struation till they get their riod education including Kishori Amonkar, Pt. ties, predicts Ganesha. You are likely to middle of pro- first period. This affects and protec- Birju Maharaj and Pandit be an important part of some convention moting their confidence and tion. IANS Gopikrishna , taken at their live or joint venture, but don't get too bogged Chhalaang, self-esteem adversely, performances is currently open down by it. In the evening, you may take and was run- leading to 2.3 crore for view. The photographs are a fancy to fine arts, such as drawing or ning from one adolescent girls drop- taken by Lucknow-based pho- classical music. activity to an- ping out of school tographer Rakesh Sinha. other, but every year, at the Titled Aks--e--Mausiqui (Shadow somehow we onset of the of Music), this collection of her- CANCER fixed up dates puberty, it itage photographs of some of the You will take on new and worked says. most known classical musicians responsibilities, says it out - even and dancers captures the myr- Ganesha. So you will be if it meant iad moods and emotions of the busy in your task. You shooting for artiste as they immerse them- may feel exhausted due to hectic work. So it entails mental tension. 18 hours a selves in their art forms. day,” she Often intimate and personal, the recalled. bromide photographs capture for- The ac- LEO tress has Guides help other peo- Hurdang, ple choose the right Janhit path in life and to select Mein the correct alternatives. It is a good day for those who are in the Jaari and Pandit Birju Maharaj teaching or coaching professions. It is Chhorii also a progressive day for those coming working in MNC's. up. IANS

VIRGO Expenditures will be like oil spills– wasteful NUSHRRATT BHARUCCHA and dirty. But cosmic energies and positivity Kishori Amonkar are gathering wind today, and you Mumbai: The trailer of the hor- Sonakshi Sinha, Shraddha should do well to make full use of them ror comedy Roohi has crossed over Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, ever a moment in time. in your personal and professional life, 14 million views in just one day. The Aparshakti Khurana, Radhika A self-taught photographer, says Ganesha. Roohi trailer film features Rajkummar Rao, Madan, Mouni Roy and film- Rakesh Sinha has been photo- Varun Sharma and Janhvi Kapoor. maker Amar Kaushik shared graphing performances of not The trailer had been released their love for the trailer online. just dancers and musicians but LIBRA gets over Tuesday on Youtube and within 24 Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan also that of theatre and litera- Lady Luck smiles on you hours has garnered 14,123,568 have presented the film, which is ture personalities for over four today. With all the good views. According to the video directed by Hardik Mehta. decades. He has worked with all Pandit Gopi Krishna fortune on your side, it's streaming website, it also trended “The biggest win of this trailer the leading artistes in the differ- assured to be a day 14mn views at number one in India. is that everyone, right from the ent fields and has been appreciated The online exhibition is on when financial gains come your way, espe- Several top stars including film industry to true blue and acknowledged by the artistes. view from February 15-28, 2021 cially if you are in the banking business. Agreed everything is going your way today, Ayushmaann Khurrana, Kriti cinephiles are looking forward to Sinha makes it a point to pres- on the website of India in one day Sanon, Vicky Kaushal, Jacqueline catch Roohi on the big screen,” ent a set of the photographs to the International Centre but be careful not to let your emotions cloud your reasoning and slow you down. Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, producer Vijan said. IANS artistes each time he photographs (www.iicdelhi.in).

SCORPIO Keep your guards up and SUDOKU be wary today, warns Ganesha. A heat seeker PEANUTS post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, meant for someone else CROSSWORD column and box must contain the numbers may hit you in mid-flight. But all that 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. watchfulness will save you from embarrassment. Like those old fables, these experiences have a lesson in them, says Ganesha.

SAGITTARIUS Expect yourself to be hit with religious fervour. You may find yourself in the spotlight for an event or inauguration. Ganesha indicates travelling, so pack your bags for a long-distance business trip. CALVIN AND HOBBES CAPRICORN After all the drudgery you endured in a bid to reach a certain point in your career, it's time to sit back and enjoy the rewards, says Ganesha. Today, you can expect to get SOLUTIONS a transfer, a promotion, a pay hike or all the three.

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

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You need to tread cau-

k y m tiously today when it c comes to matters related to business. Do not make any decisions in haste, or it could come back to haunt you at a later date. All financial dealings will need to be carefully monitored. CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU COVID-19 TRACKER P3 SAFETY FIRST THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD Dignitaries, including state Transport World 11,01,37,899 8,49,63,641 24,32,192 Minister Padmanabh Behera, unveil Odisha’s safety mascot ‘TIA’ on the India 1,09,25,533 1,06,31,109 1,55,850 concluding day of National Road Safety Month celebrations in downtown Odisha 3,36,397 3,33,788 1,912

Bhubaneswar, Wednesday

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CM presses green button FASTag no cure for serpentine queues for 5 units worth `415Cr

streamline the investment facili- tation mechanism in the state. “We must ensure that the citizens and businesses are provided serv- ices from the government in a has- sle-free and time-bound manner. Towards this objective, the launch- ing of the mobile version of GO PLUS, the land bank information system will be helpful for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises PIPLI (MSMEs) in the state,” he added. Industries Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra said over the past few months, the state has devel- oped and enabled online registra- tion and approval systems for over INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION 30 Government to Business Naveen performed These projects are The projects include metal (G2B) services. ground-breaking likely to generate and downstream, tourism, Further, the state Single Window ceremony for 17 industrial employment textile and apparel, System GO SWIFT has been stream- units with investments opportunities for cement, plastic and food lined and now it provides over 50 worth Rs 12,895.86 crore 10,677 persons processing units services covering 18 departments through an end-to-end online mech- anism with no need for any phys- POST NEWS NETWORK downstream, tourism, textile and ical contact between the applicant apparel, cement, plastic and food pro- and the approving authority, Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: In what cessing units. Mishra said. would usher in major industrial On this occasion, the Chief The Chief Minister has inau- expansion in the state, Chief Minister said, “I am pleased that step gurated a logistic park by KTL Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday by step, we are going high with im- Logistics and Services Limited performed ground-breaking and pressive investments in the man- (Purvi Bharat) in Choudwar inauguration of 22 industrial proj- ufacturing sector, making the po- (Cuttack), five-star hotel in MANGULI ects worth Rs 13,311.53 crore. sition of our state stronger as a Bhubaneswar by Lifeline Multi- He inaugurated five industrial manufacturing hub of India.” ventures Pvt. Ltd, pellet plant ex- units with investments of Rs 415.67 “Our consistent efforts to im- pansion project of Shyam Metalics n a bid to promote digital payment, reduce waiting time and fuel consumption at the toll plazas, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has crore and laid foundation stone of prove the investment ecosystem and Energy Limited at Pandloi Imade FASTags mandatory for vehicles from February 15 midnight. Any vehicle not fitted with the tag, based on Radio Frequency Identification 17 other projects worth Rs 12,895.86 laced with our peaceful social cli- (Sambalpur), water and amuse- technology, would cough up double the toll at electronic toll gates across the country. Accordingly, all lanes at the plazas on National Highways were crore. The state government aims mate are paying off to realize our ment park by Fun Leela Water Park declared ‘FASTag lanes’ from the date. However, many toll plazas in the state seem to care a fig. Serpentine queues caused due to alleged manual to generate employment opportu- desired goal,” he said. at Lahandabud (Jharsuguda) and payment at Manguli and Pipli toll plazas on NH 16 and 316 Wednesday speak volumes of the implementation of NHAI order. Notably, FASTag is a nities for 10,677 persons through He further said the Mo Sarkar and waste plastic recycling plant by device that enables toll payments directly from the prepaid account linked to it. Motorists have to affix the tag on the windscreen of vehicles for these projects. 5T Initiatives of state government Lackeir Stilit Plastic Industry at seamless travel at toll plazas. The projects include metal and are solidly in place to effectively Rambha (Ganjam). Varsities to have ` Four of robbers’ maintenance units 200Cr Kalinga Studio facelift gets govt nod gang nabbed; POST NEWS NETWORK Chief Secy directs officials to make the studio employment intensive & transform it into a tourism and social destination booty seized Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The Higher POST NEWS NETWORK state is another opportunity for Education department Wednesday growth of the proposed modern POST NEWS NETWORK directed the Odisha State Police Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The state centre. Housing and Welfare Corporation government Wednesday decided to The meeting decided that the Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: In a major (OPHWC) for setting up of a main- redevelop the Kalinga Studio here new studio would be developed with crackdown, the Commissionerate tenance unit in each university to and transform it into a state-of-the- three main zones. Police arrested four members of take up day to day maintenance art film hub. IDCO would be the executing a robbers’ gang here, Wednesday. work of university infrastructure A high-level meeting held under agency for redevelopment. Zone-1 According to sources, police re- and facilities. the chairmanship of Chief Secretary would have the facilities like in- covered 12 gold chains weighing In the letter, Saswat Mishra, sec- Suresh Chandra Mahapatra ap- door shooting floors, shooting fa- over 80 grams and worth around retary of Higher Education de- proved a redevelopment plan of cades, central country yard, film Rs 4, 00, 000, three motorcycles partment said that as per a decision around Rs 200 crore for the pur- tech zone, commercial space and and a number of incriminating in- of state government, the OPHWC pose to develop Kalinga Studio into cafeteria. struments from their possession. has been designated as the sole ex- a tourist and social destination. Zone-2 would have outdoor shoot- ecuting agency for all infrastructure Considering the business ing facilitates, shooting locales, 12 gold chains worth maintenance works of state public prospects of Kalinga Studio in the theme-based shooting gardens, kids ` universities coming under HE de- film industry, Mahapatra directed zones, castle view, snow world and around 4 lakh and partment. Accordingly, the uni- the officials to develop it as a “mod- adventure land. The food court 3 bikes were seized versities have assigned a number ern state-of-the-art futuristic stu- FILE PHOTO boarding and lodging facilities for of infrastructure works to OPHWC dio with competitive business mod- MAKEOVER STRATEGY the film crew, space for social and Acting on a tip-off, a special in this financial year. He said an els”. wedding destinations will be in squad of the Commissionerate area which often remains neglected He also directed to make the unit Zone-1 would have facilities Zone-2 would have outdoor shooting facilitates, shooting A target has been Zone -3. Police conducted a raid and nabbed in the universities is the day-to-day employment intensive and a tourism like indoor shooting floors, locales, theme-based shooting gardens, kids zones, castle set to complete the Sharma said, “In course of its re- the looters, a police official said. maintenance of university infra- and social destination as well. The shooting facades, central view, snow world and adventure land construction and development, some old structures Several cases of loot, snatch- structure facilities. As universities Chief Secretary hoped that it would country yard, film tech landscaping of the and existing facilities would be re- ing and other criminal offences are face a lot of difficulties in keeping fetch additional revenue. zone, commercial space The food court boarding and lodging facilities for the film crew, core support area tained for maintaining its legacy.” pending against the arrested mem- the ever increasing infrastructure Development Commissioner and cafeteria space for social & wedding destinations will be in Zone -3 by December 2022 The Chief Secretary directed the bers of the gang at several police and facilities well maintained, Pradeep Kumar Jena asked the of- Industries department to go ahead stations of the Capital city, the OPHWC is requested to consider ficials concerned to work out the de- with the tender process for com- police official added. Notably, the setting up of a maintenance unit in tails of investment, employment Outlining the redevelopment pro- be developed into a modern film Rs 4 lakh per month since September pleting the base level earth work be- gang was active in Bhubaneswar the universities for the purpose. potential and revenue generation posal, Industries secretary Hemanta centre with promising future 2020. fore the monsoon. and its adjoining areas for sev- The university shall pay for the time frame for making the unit re- Sharma said, “Presently, Kalinga prospects.” Skill Development and Technical A target has been set to complete eral months. A manhunt has been expenses of running the mainte- warding and sustainable in the Studio stands on an area of around With minor repairs and renova- Education secretary Sanjay Kumar the construction and landscaping launched to arrest other mem- nance unit which will comprise of competitive world of fast chang- 26 acres. With its nostalgic heritage tions done in 2014-15, the studio is Singh said the availability of well- of the core support area by bers of the gang and find out if they manpower cost and material cost. ing technology. and profit-making track it could able to generate revenue of around trained skilled manpower in the December 2022. have links with other gangs. Start infra work for Odia varsity at Satyabadi, Works dept told POST NEWS NETWORK PROJECT IN LIMBO n Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The Higher Higher Education dept Wednesday wrote a letter to Education department Wednesday wrote Works dept again requesting it to undertake infra- a letter to Works department again re- structure development work for the proposed Odia University at Satyabadi questing it to undertake infrastructure development work for the proposed Odia n The construction work for the proposed university is University at Satyabadi in Puri district. yet to begin even though the foundation stone was Higher Education department prin- laid around two years ago cipal secretary Saswat Mishra, in a let- n It was then decided that the university would be set ter to Commissioner-cum-secretary of up on the land of Satyabadi Gopinath Deb for which Works department, said that the pro- FILE PHOTO OF FOUNDATION STONE 28.74 acre land at Phula Alasha mouza was earmarked posed architectural plan and design of the proposed Odia University in Satyabadi has not been received yet from the chief The inordinate delay in the estab- and Godavarish Mishra. engineer of Building, Government of lishment of the Odia University has in- The proposed university would offer Odisha for which further progress could vited criticisms from social activists as postgraduate courses in Odia language not be made. well as intellectuals. and promote research. Mishra also stated that the depart- The heritage cabinet of the state gov- Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid ment had earlier written October 14, 2019 ernment, formed to propagate and pre- the foundation stone for the proposed for undertaking infrastructure devel- serve the heritage and culture of Odisha university at Satyabadi 'Bakulabana' on

opment work for the proposed Odia and enrich Odia language in 2017, had the occasion of Utkalamani Gopabandhu

k y m c University at Satyabadi but no action decided to set up the university at Das's 141st birth anniversary was taken. Satyabadi where Satyabadi Vana October 9, 2018. As per reports, the construction work Vidyalaya was established by the fa- It was then decided that the university for the proposed university is yet to begin mous Panchasakha - Pandit Gopabandhu would be set up on the land of Satyabadi even though the foundation stone was laid Das, Acharya Harihar Das, Pandit Gopinath Deb for which 28.74 acre land around two years ago. Nilakantha Das, Krupasindhu Mishra at Phula Alasha mouza was earmarked. P4 THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR downtown LoP demands bus

Vax drive one of the best in country: State Aparajita ignorant of service for Kotia

k y m POST NEWS NETWORK vaccination are also very less in c the state. Majority of the reactions Odia culture, says BJD POST NEWS NETWORK Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The state had also been minor. 60 per cent of Health department Wednesday said the target of the frontline workers POST NEWS NETWORK derstand in five minutes that the Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Leader that its performance on Covid-19 vac- has been completed in the first regional director ASI, Kolkata is of Opposition in the Odisha cination is one of the best in the phase,” he said. He, however, Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The Biju the competent authority for the Assembly Pradipta Naik country. lamented that the drive was af- Janata Dal (BJD) Wednesday came drafting of Ancient Monuments Wednesday wrote a letter to Chief The department said that the fected a bit during the Odisha Bandh. down heavily on Bhubaneswar MP and Archaeological Sites and Minister Naveen Patnaik de- Centre recently took a review meet- “The Odisha Bandh had hit the Aparajita Sarangi for her recent Remains Act, 1958 (AMSAR Act). manding basic amenities for Kotia ing of the states on the performance vaccination drive a bit. We hope comments on monument bylaws. I am shocked at the misrepresen- gram panchayat in Koraput of states in the mass that the in the second round we In a written statement, the rul- tation of my statement and sheer district. vaccination drive. In will achieve 100 per cent target. We ing party said that the BJP leader falsehood by Aparajita Sarangi,” This comes after the visit of State Health Odisha the have not yet received instructions has no understanding of Odia cul- stated Mangaraj. a BJP delegation including Naik and Family performance of on when to start the vaccination ture. “The Culture director is not the to the GP. The BJP leader ex- Welfare de- vaccination drive is quite drive for the elderly,” he said. “As Aparajita Sarangi does competent authority for the draft- pressed concern citing lack of partment good. On an average, we are According to the data released by not understand Odia culture, ing of bylaws. It is the regional di- amenities in the area. In his let- director seeing 90 vaccinations per the Ministry of Health and Family maybe it’s difficult for her to ap- rector ASI, Kolkata, who has sent ter to the CM, Naik asked for a reg- Bijoy session which is the highest Welfare Wednesday, Odisha was preciate the sensitivity involved the proposal for heritage bylaws ular bus service to Kotia and Panigrahi one among the nine states to have in a religious issue that links of Odisha temples,” the senior BJD other tribal welfare services to in the country said, “The oculation drive. They good pace in the state. He said, “In achieved more than 75 per cent living deities with sevayats and leader added. win the confidence of the peo- Ministry of BIJOY PANIGRAHI | DIRECTOR, wanted to know how Odisha the performance of vacci- success in vaccinating health care devotees. Perhaps Minister The senior BJD leader said ple of the area. Health and H&FW DEPT the schedules are or- nation is quite good. On an average, workers in the first round of Pratap Sarangi, who is from that the former IAS officer- In his interaction with the Family Welfare ganised, what is the sta- we are seeing 90 vaccinations per vaccination. Odisha, will be able to under- turned politician seemed to media, he said, “I visited Kotia re- recently held a re- tus of adverse reactions re- session which is the highest in the Data claimed that in Odisha stand these sensitivities in a bet- haven’t read the AMSAR Act cently with our delegation. Kotia view meeting on the success ported in the state and other details country.” more than 85 per cent of health ter way,” BJD general secretary properly or deliberately trying panchayat has seen massive ap- of the vaccination drive in the related to the drive.” He also said that adverse reactions care workers have been vaccinated (Media Affairs) Manas Mangaraj to spread falsehood. athy from the state government. states. They tried to understand Citing data, he said that the in- are also minimal in Odisha. “The till now in the first round of said in a written statement. “It would be better if you read Around 22 km of road there is how the state is undertaking the in- oculation drive has been going in adverse reactions post Covid-19 the drive. Mangaraj also challenged the AMSAR Act and answer my non-motorable. It is difficult for Aparajita on the reading of laws re- question – who is the competent au- them to reach at the district lated to the drafting of bylaws for thority Section- 20E of the Ancient headquarter.” Khadi Bazar fair in monuments. Monuments and Archaeological He said that a lot of them do not He said that the Sites and Remains Act, 1958 understand Odia language. “The City from Feb 19 Archaeological Survey of India (AMSAR Act) which will affect government has not worked on (ASI) is directly involved in Ekamrakshetra? Don’t try to fool bringing improvement in their sit- drafting heritage bylaws. the people of Odisha by resorting uation. If the government had POST NEWS NETWORK “Anyone can read this and un- to falsehood,” he said. tried to use multi-language teach- ers and took them into confi- Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The state- dence, the situation would have level Khadi and Gramodyog fair been different. The Andhra known as ‘Khadi Bazar’ will kick- Pradesh government has been start here from February 19 and Immolation bid foiled giving them better incentives it will conclude February 28. POST NEWS NETWORK than Odisha government,” This was announced at a presser he said. by the Khadi Board where Odisha Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: A man He said, “The state govern- Khadi Gramodyog President, from Hanspal area was prevented ment has failed to engage in talks Sangram Keshari Paikray, said from immolating himself near the with the Andhra government on that the exhibition offers an ap- Assembly Wednesday afternoon. the issue. The government is propriate platform for sellers to Security personnel deployed at silent. I failed to see officials showcase and sell their products the spot foiled the suicide bid of there getting directions from the to residents of the city. the man, a fruit seller, and seized state government to go there and He also said, “Energy, Industries, the combustible liquid from his intervene. Schools, hospitals and Micro, Small &Medium possession. other facilities have not been pro- Enterprises Minister Dibya He alleged that the Mancheswar vided by the government to the Shankar Mishra and Water Police has not been listening to his tion attempts had been made by villagers. Why the people will Police and youth Congress activists clash as the latter demonstrate near Union Petroleum Minister’s residence at Resources, Information & Public complaint despite sincere pleas. citizens outside the high-security stay with you if you do not pro- Chandrasekharpur in Bhubaneswar, Wednesday, condemning the skyrocketing fuel and LPG prices Relations Minister Raghunandan OP PHOTO Notably, a series of self-immola- zone during the last session. vide them basic amenities.” Das will inaugurate the fair in the campus of Odisha Khadi and Gramodyog Board in the city. HC asks state to Ananta Narayan Jena MLA Bhubaneswar Central, Satyabrata Pradhan bats for CoE on Missing kids: Bring changes in consider premature Sahu, principal secretary Department of Micro, Small and release of lifer Medium Industries will also be Marine Biotech at ILS CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court present at the event.” approach, SCPCR tells police Wednesday suggested that the Around 60 stalls will be set up PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the backbone of Odisha’s tourism state government consider the while following Covid guidelines and allied industry, Pradhan, who premature release of a lifer, who and various weavers, organic Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Union hails from the state, said. POST NEWS NETWORK work the standard operating pro- has served 17 years in prison for turmeric and other organic prod- Petroleum Minister Dharmendra “Projects like the expansion and cedure (SOP) for dealing with case murdering his brother. A division ucts will be up for sale. Pradhan has sought the personal development of Paradip Port, IOCL Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The Odisha of a missing child issued by Crime bench of Justices SK Mishra and The key attraction of the fair will intervention of Union Science and Paradip refinery, Paradip Smart State Commission for Protection Branch October 9, 2014. The SOP can Savitri Ratho allowed the relief to be Sabai grass products. Besides Technology Minister Harsh Port city, development of Dhamra of Child Rights (OSCPCR) be more holistic to cover preventive Bunda Munda of Sundargarh who is a live demonstration of pottery Vardhan in setting up of a Centre LNG Terminal, Digha-Gopalpur Wednesday wrote a letter to Odisha measures, proactive measures for serving life imprisonment since making, Khadi making charkha of Excellence (CoE) on Marine coastal highway and development Police recommending strengthen- gathering information and regis- 2003. The HC also set aside a fine of will be available at the fair for the Biotechnology at Institute of Life of fishing harbours at Paradip and ing of police intervention on the tered FIR, building convergence `10,000 imposed on Bunda by the visitors. Colourful cultural pro- Sciences (ILS), here to preserve Balasore will unlock the true po- issue of missing children. with other Acts, schemes, pro- trial court, observing that since the grams will be presented by artistes Odisha's delicate marine tential for marine-led economic In a letter to Director General grammes and departments for the convict is in the custody for the during this 10-day long fair. ecosystem. growth in Odisha and eastern of Police (DGP) Abhay, OSCPCR The commission had rehabilitation of the recovered chil- past so many years, he need not The main aim of the fair is to In a letter to the Union science India,” the letter said. chairperson Sandhyabati Pradhan dren is also recommended by pay any fine. Bunda had reportedly rebuild the financial status of vil- and technology Mentioning said that Odisha Police has taken urged MLAs to dedicate commission in the letter. killed his brother in 2003. He was lage weavers. minister Tuesday, that PM Modi a strong and proactive approach a day for children, Building coordination among arrested and the trial court had Pradhan said, the has reiterated in handling missing children cases, the Panchayat Level Child Protection sentenced him to life involve a child from each imprisonment. Adjudicating over a state's coastline It is essential to invest in that such in- due to which a number of children Committees formed as per criminal appeal, the HC constantly State registers 75 provides employ- preservation of delicate dustrial eco- have been rescued in last few GP in governance and Integrated Child Protection Scheme maintained that the lower court ment to millions marine ecosystems such as nomic growth months. “This we appreciate very make the constituencies (ICPS) and Ama Police Samiti to cre- has not committed any error by fresh Covid cases and has been at the nesting sites of endangered must be bal- much. However, there is need to ate awareness on the safety and se- convicting the accused and the centre of Prime Olive Ridley turtles and anced with eco- continue this spirit and also bring child-friendly curity of the children and also prosecution has proved the case PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Minister Narendra mangrove ecosystems while logical conser- some changes in the approach,” track the children in a day to beyond any doubt. Observing that Modi's vision for a developing novel vation, the said Pradhan. work out case-specific strategy to day basis. this is a fit case where the state Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Odisha's marine-led Blue approaches using marine Union minister She recommended a few points track and rescue. The progress can Earlier, the commission had government should exercise its Covid-19 caseload Wednesday Economy. biotechnology said, “It is es- for consideration and necessary be reviewed on a monthly basis. urged MLAs to dedicate a day for discretion for a premature release surged to 3,36,397 after 75 more Blue Economy sential to invest action such as directions to be is- All these cases must be registered children, involve a child from each of the convict, it said, “State may people tested positive for the virus, covers all ocean- DHARMENDRA PRADHAN | UNION in the preser- sued to all police stations to pri- in the website. GP in governance and make the take up the case and examine if he PETROLEUM MINISTER a Health and Family Welfare related activities, vation of deli- oritise the missing cases of children, Apart from this, review and re- constituencies child-friendly. is entitled to be so released or not.” (H&FW) department official said. including direct cate marine The 75 new cases were detected and indirect supporting activities ecosystems such as nesting sites in 17 of the state's 30 districts, required for functioning of the sec- of the endangered Olive Ridley tur- CLOTHES FOR THE NEEDY with 46 cases reported from dif- tor, while adjusting the costs of en- tles and mangrove ecosystems ferent quarantine centres, while vironmental damage and ecologi- while developing novel approaches the remaining 29 are local cal imbalance caused due to using marine biotechnology.” contact cases. exploitation of ocean resources ILS, Bhubaneswar, has been Sundargarh district reported for consumption. undertaking scientific research BMC to roll out ‘Wheel of Kindness’ the highest of 11 new cases. Noting that Odisha’s long and in this area with a proven body beautiful coastline has been one of publications and patents POST NEWS NETWORK sort out clothes for men and women. formation, education and commu- of the hallmarks of the state for cen- which have led to favourable The vehicle will have A bus will later be converted into nication activities for mobilising cit- turies, Pradhan said, it provides sus- outcomes for the management of Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Aiming shelves for display of a special vehicle that will act as izen cooperation. Collection and CLASSIFIED tenance and employment to millions local bio-resources, eco-conser- for an organised distribution of shopping centre,” informed BMC distribution will be continued round who are engaged in pisciculture vation efforts and optimal marine used clothes to the needy, the clothes along with Commissioner, Prem Chandra the week and exact timing of touch- AFFIDAVITAFFIDAVIT and fishing, travel and tourism, resource utilisation, Pradhan Bhubaneswar Municipal trial facility which Chaudhary. ing communities in different points and trade and logistics. said. Corporation (BMC), Wednesday, Required infrastructure will be in the day will be fixed,” said By virtue of an affidavit World-famous sites like Puri "Therefore, I seek your personal stated that it will launch a special will attract the provided by BMC to the selected Suvendu Kumar Sahoo, deputy before the Notary Public, Jagannath temple, Konark Sun intervention in facilitating a CoE vehicle under the banner ‘Wheel of intended user in a agency for a scientific processing commissioner, Sanitation. temple, Chilika Lake and on Marine Biotechnology at ILS, Kindness’ that will bridge the gap and packaging, the BMC It can be mentioned that earlier Sambalpur, I Gourav Deep, Bhitarkanika National Park form Bhubaneswar," he said. between donors and receivers. dignified manner Commissioner added. Moreover, in January, the BMC had announced S/o Bideshi Deep, At- The civic authority in this re- the vehicle will have shelves for that it will be banning distribution Bandhalipada, P.O./P.S.- gard had invited Request for display of clothes along with trial of clothes and food to people living Loisingha, Dist.- Balangir Proposal (RFP) in December last packaging and inventory manage- facility which will attract the in- in the streets without prior per- do hereby declare that I year. Four Non-Profit Organisations ment centre location has also been tended user in a dignified manner. mission of the civic authority. The have changed my name (NPOs) had responded to the pro- zeroed in at Madhusudan Nagar. Different collection and distribution move had come after the BMC said from Garib Deep to posal out of which one was selected. “We have initiated this idea to points will be chalked out through- that it aims to make the capital city Gourav Deep. Henceforth, Following which, NPO Vikash, was properly organise the system of out the city for smooth function- beggar free. However, it had cited then given the responsibility for donating the used or old clothes. ing of the activity. homeless people’s reluctance to I shall be known as collection, washing and distribution From now on those who want to “BMC will start the community move to shelter homes as an im- Gourav Deep for all of the usable clothes in the state cap- donate the clothes can do it through mobilisation process soon. The se- pediment to the cause amidst con-

purposes. ital. Moreover, a central washing, BMC. The NPO will wash, iron and lected agency will undertake in- stant supply of free food and clothes.

k y m c P5 THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR state

PRE-POLL GROUNDWORK AHEAD OF CIVIC BODY POLLS SI SUSPENDED ROAD SAFETY

OVER TORTURE

k y m OF MINOR BOY c BJP’s ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ to POST NEWS NETWORK Rourkela, Feb 17: Rourkela SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamu suspended a police sub-inspector (SI) of Udit Nagar police station in Steel City take on BJD’s digital drive on charge of brutal torture of a minor in custody in connection with a mobile phone theft case. POST NEWS NETWORK The suspended SI was identified as Manas Ranjan Nayak. Berhampur, Feb 17: The poll sched- Reports said the SI had picked ule for urban civic bodies in the state up the minor boy from has not been declared, but the rul- Gopabandhu Palli area on charge ing party and the opposition BJP of a mobile phone theft December have apparently drawn up their 26, and detained him in the po- electioneering strategies to woo lice station for probe. The minor, voters in Ganjam district. Members an orphan, lives with his grand- of both the parties have become Counter strategies mother in the area. active on the field. Her grandmother Bimala Police personnel along with folk artistes creating awareness on road safety in Kodala area of Ganjam OP PHOTO The youth wing of the BJD has he youth wing of he BJP party leaders and workers are Badaik alleged in the police station aimed at reaching out to the people T the BJD aims to Torganizing ‘Cha Khatis’ with local people that Nayak had brutally beaten by way of a digital drive. Such cam- reach out to people by at different places including Aska Road First up her grandson and even ad- paign will highlight a host of de- way of a digital drive. Gate and various places in Gosaninuagaon ministered him electric shock in velopmental and welfare measures The campaign will police custody. The matter came to and activities being implemented highlight a host of the fore after the woman ap- Admin worried over fringe by the state government. developmental and n 2014 civic body polls in the BeMC, the BJD proached BJP leader Pramila Ahead of this campaign, the BJD welfare measures and Ihad won in 24 wards, Congress in 15 wards Dash. The child welfare commit- youth wing has formed commit- activities being and one independent while the BJP failed to tee was asked to conduct a probe implemented by the tees in all wards of the Berhampur open its account. to establish the veracity of the al- villages leaning towards AP state government Municipal Corporation. legations. Meanwhile, a youth gathering POST NEWS NETWORK district administration by was held at the residence of MLA personal and civic body problems In the BeMC area, there are 200 Galigabada Anganwadi worker and Bikram Kumar Panda which urged in various areas. SHGs with male members and 1,600 Pottangi, Feb 17: The district ad- some officials of ICDS. party works to make this campaign The BJP leaders are seen as- SHGs with women members. Each ministration of Koraput and the The administration is now on a success. Party workers at the suring people of taking up their SHG has at least 10 members. block administration of Pottangi its toes over such development. A grassroots are being sensitised issues with the administration for Women SHGs have been roped in have drawn flak from various quar- team of officials comprising tehsil- about the digital campaign. redressal. Development activities various civic body works like toi- ters after Andhra Pradesh held pan- FILE PHOTO dar Haripada Mandal, IIC Bijayraj On the other hand, the BJP has in urban areas have been more in let maintenance, wall painting on chayat elections at Ganjeipadar, The administration Majhi and revenue inspector drawn up its strategy to counter focus now. This indicates that the the official buildings, Aahaar cen- Taking suo moto cognisance of Fagunasineri and Fatusineri vil- Mundagadia Dambaru talked to the ruling party’s move. The saffron government is going to announce tres. SHG members are paid good media reports, the Odisha Human lages. Amid allegations of the ad- investigating the issue villagers of Galigabada. party has already set a “Chai Pe the poll schedules for the civic bod- remunerations. Rights Commission (OHRC) di- ministrative negligence to the fringe came to know that Villagers admitted that only 20 Charcha” campaign in motion in all ies soon. For various civic body works, rected the Rourkela SP to probe the villages and villagers leaning to- of them have participated in the AP 40 wards of the BeMC. Officials and ruling party lead- the BeMC has been provided crores matter and submit a report by wards the neighbouring state, the Galigabad villagers had panchayat polls in Sarki panchayat, The party leaders and workers are ers have been routinely conducting of rupees in the first phase. February 15. administration is worried about it. reached Sariki panchayat but in fact it was leant that about organizing ‘Cha Khatis’ with local reviews on the progress of devel- Political circles observed that Notably, the minor found the Another fact has come to the fore on Feb-12 night and 60 people of the village took part in people at different places including opment works in urban bodies in SHGs will pay a crucial role in the mobile phone lying on the road that people of Galigabada under the voting. Former Nuagan Aska Road First Gate and various Ganjam. MLAs and BeMC com- coming civic body polls. They also while passing near a temple in the Nuagan panchayat, eight km from voted for the Sariki sarpanch Sitru Pangi revealed be- places in Gosaninuagaon. missioners are visiting wards to discuss on the strategies of the Timber Colony in December last the block headquarters, have exer- sarpanch nominee fore the officials in this regard. The BJP leaders while sharing take stock of the progress of de- BJP to counter it. year. He took the phone to a person cised their franchise in panchayat Meanwhile, the AP government tea with people are sensitizing peo- velopment. Notably, in 2014 civic body polls named Sanju and asked him to un- election at Sariki panchayat, which lagers had reached Sariki pan- had engaged two volunteers to woo ple to various welfare schemes, Besides, the BJD is likely to play in the BeMC, the BJD had won in lock the phone. However, Sanju ex- is under Salur block of AP. chayat at night of February 12 and villagers for panchayat polls. The projects and financial contribution women card in the forthcoming 24 wards, Congress in 15 wards and pressed his desire to purchase the The administration has started gave their votes to the Sariki two – Samuru Khara and Pradip of the central government at ‘cha civic body elections. SHGs are now one independent while the BJP phone following which the minor investigation into the matter and sarpanch nominee. Pangi – are absconding after the khatis’. They also get to know of the in focus. failed to open its account. sold the phone to him at Rs 1, 500. came to know that Galigabad vil- The matter was alerted to the administrative investigation. Kuchinda chilli powder to be Biju Setu project hangs fire as Wedding party falls off marketed at national level bridge; 2 die, 6 critical POST NEWS NETWORK locals wade through river water POST NEWS NETWORK an accident on the bridge. Sambalpur, Feb 17: Red chilli POST NEWS NETWORK It fell off the bridge. powder produced in Kuchinda sub- Bijepur, Feb 17: Two peo- Two of them died on the division of Sambalpur district will Jhumpura, Feb 17: The state ple of a wedding party died spot while six critically be marketed at the national level, government lays stress on rural after the auto-rickdaw they wounded were hospitalized a report said. connectivity in riparian areas were traveling in fell off by local police. According to the report, chilli is It was decided that chilli powder through the Biju Setu Yojana. Ranj river bridge near farmed on a large scale in Kuchinda will be packed in packets and sold Crores of rupees are spent for the Sarandapalli of Bargarh sub-division, but marketing of the in local and different markets. bridges across these rivers. But, one district Wednesday. Six produce has always been a problem The above stakeholders have such project is nowhere near com- others were critically for farmers. talked to a private company to buy pletion even four years after its injured. Now, their perennial concern the chili powder and market it out- construction in remote hilly area The deceased were for marketing will be over soon. side the state. like Jhumpura of Keonjhar dis- identified as Jadu Mirig ITDA, RMC, district agriculture Initially, chill will be cultivated trict, a report said. (46) of Rohinia and department, horticulture depart- in 166 hectares in the first phase According to the report, thou- Ghanashyam Meher (30) ment, Odisha Livelihood Mission while 210 members of SHGs have sands of people living in Malda and of Melechhamunda. and ORMAS have come together been roped into this farming. Basantpur panchayats under According to police, and initiated joint efforts to mar- ORMAS Director Srimant Hota Jumpura block and Phuljhar pan- Meher had gone to ket the chilli powder. said 10 producers’ groups have chayat under Bansapani block have An outlay of `9.11 crore lamented. Rohinia to attend a wed- A godown and a chilli process- been formed for the management been suffering commuting woes in was made while the rural People along with bicycles and ding party of his ma- ing unit have been set up at Kulang of the chill unit while 5 FPOs have the absence of a bridge across the bikes are often seen wading through ternal uncle. at a cost of Rs 20 lakh. Chilil farm- been constituted. Baitarani. They have to wade through development dept floated river water. He was retuning with ers have been trained in farming In the current year, chilli has river water when a diversion road a tender for the bridge People of Patakudar and his relatives in an auto and harvest. Chilli powder pro- been grown on 4786 hectares in gets washed away. Basantpur had approached the rural rickshaw at Tuesday duction has started here on an ex- Kuchinda area and 35,000 tonnes of Taking the commuting plight of project. It was started development department to com- night. The vehicle faced perimental basis. chilli are expected to be produced. the people into account, the state April 5, 2016 and slated plete the bridge several times in the government wanted to set up the to be completed by past, but nothing has been done to bridge in 2016 under the Biju Setu resume its work. ` Yojana. An outlay of Rs 9.11 crore was April 4, 2018 Asked about its stalled work, ex- Baripada UCB to refund over 68 cr made. The rural development de- ecutive engineer of the rural de- Baripada: The Baripada Urban Cooperative Bank (BUCB) whose license was can- partment floated a tender for the by the contractor. velopment division in Keonjhar, celled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2014 will refund around Rs 68 crore to its bridge project. It was started April “A diversion road has been built Benudhar Lenka, said the work was depositors. According to sources, hopes of over 76,000 depositors ran high after the 5, 2016 and was to be completed by through the river and people com- stalled over issues related to forest Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) directed the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS) Baripada in writing for smooth disbursement of April 4, 2018. mute on it with difficulties. In rainy while the contractor has abandoned money to depositors of BUCB. The DRCS was also directed to ensure strict execution Locals said four years have passed season, the diversion road in the the work. The contractor has been of order of the Orissa High Court in this regard which had directed the liquidator in since its construction was under- riverbed gets washed away, leaving served a notice. Steps will be taken September last year to disburse the money within next eight weeks. taken, but it has been abandoned people in difficulties,” locals to resume its work, he added. Mating of horseshoe crabs starts in Gahirmatha

POST NEWS NETWORK tecting disease in the blood of hu- ENDANGERED SPECIES mans and in preparing medicines for Mahakalapara, Feb 17: Mating dreaded diseases like cancer. of endangered horseshoe crabs has THE MATING OF THESE CRABS The mating of these crabs usually started in the Gahirmatha marine USUALLY TAKES PLACE ON NEW takes place on new moon night and sanctuary in Kendrapara district, MOON NIGHT AND FULL MOON full moon night when hoards of a report said Wednesday. These NIGHT WHEN HOARDS OF CRABS crabs could be seen moving towards crabs are found in large numbers in COULD BE SEEN MOVING sea beaches. The Gahirmatha sanc- the Gahirmatha sanctuary of TOWARDS SEA BEACHES. THE tuary is a safe breeding place for GAHIRMATHA SANCTUARY IS A Mahakalapara block, Hukitola Island these crabs. SAFE BREEDING PLACE FOR THESE in the Bhitarkanika sanctuary, CRABS However, the forest officials seem Madali sea mouth, Launchghola, to be oblivious of their protection as mangrove forests as well as rivers THEIR BLOOD CONTAINS COPPER these creatures die in large numbers and creeks flowing in the Mahanadi WHILE THEY USE A CHEMICAL after coming contact with big trawlers, delta region. With the change in CALLED HEMOCYANIN TO CARRY fishing boats and fishing nets. weather condition in the state, pairs OXYGEN THROUGH THEIR BLOOD. Their carcasses could be seen of crabs could be seen mating. THEIR BLOOD IS BLUE IN COLOUR lying on the beaches after being These crabs are very alert in na- DUE TO THE COPPER PRESENT IN washed ashore. These crabs also ture and do not mind attacking their HEMOCYANIN travel thousands of miles from enemies with their pointed pincers Pacific and Indian Oceans to Odisha at the slightest provocations. THEIR BLOOD CONTAINS AMEBOCYTES, WHICH PLAYS A SIMILAR ROLE TO THAT OF THE WHITE BLOOD CELLS OF coast while two of their types are Reports said that horseshoe crabs THE VERTEBRATES IN DEFENDING THE ORGANISMS AGAINST PATHOGENS. THE CHEMICAL PRESENT IN THEIR BLOOD found in the marshy mangrove for-

have been living on the planet even HELPS IN DETECTING DISEASE IN THE BLOOD OF HUMANS AND IN PREPARING MEDICINES FOR DREADED est and sand-cast areas on the state’s

k y m c before the advent of dinosaurs. A DISEASES LIKE CANCER coast. medical analysis in 2019 said horse- Samarendra Mahali, an envi- shoe crabs have been here for more fossil. Their blood contains copper blood is blue in colour due to the cop- the white blood cells of the verte- ronmentalist, said awareness pro- than 30 crore years and survived instead of iron while they use a per present in hemocyanin. brates in defending the organisms gramme for protection and conser- four mass extinctions for which chemical called hemocyanin to carry Their blood contains amebocytes, against pathogens. The chemical vation of this endangered marine they have been classified as a living oxygen through their blood. Their which plays a similar role to that of present in their blood helps in de- creatures will be taken up soon. P6 THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR power post

FOCUS FARM LAWS We must march on with the quiet

certitude that what has to be

k y m done will be done. c THE MOTHER A GLOBAL PROBLEM

ndia’s three new farm laws, en- Clearly, in some cases it is not. acted in September 2020 with The southern US state of Louisiana little public or parliamentary enacted a law in 1859 giving peo- The meat paradox Idebate, have attracted enor- ple of colour the “freedom” vol- mous global interest. Prime untarily to opt in to slavery, a prac- n India most animal welfare people are vegetarians. We, in People for Minister Narendra Modi’s gov- tice often described as Animals, insist on that. After all, you cannot want to look after animals ernment described the measures “warranteeism.” Today, countries Iand then eat them. But most meat eaters, whether they are animal peo- as a gift to farmers, but farmers in such as China give workers the ple or not, have a hesitant relationship with the idea of killing animals for several Indian states, led by small- option of working in export-pro- food. They enjoy the taste of meat, but shy away from making the connec- holders in Punjab and Haryana, cessing zones in exchange for basic tion that animals have been harmed grievously in the process. have refused to accept them. labour rights. No one is forcing This moral conflict is referred to, in psychological terms, as the ‘meat par- Sustained and highly polarising anyone to work under these con- adox’. A meat eater will eat caviar, but he will refuse to listen to someone protests have followed. ditions, goes the specious argu- telling him that this has been made from eggs gotten from slitting the stom- The situation in India is un- ment: it is just an extra option. ach of a live pregnant fish. The carnivorous individual simply does not want fortunate, but it is not unique. Most people would deplore these to feel responsible for his actions. Meat eaters and sellers try and resolve Agriculture is an intricate issue additional choices. On the other this dilemma by adopting the strategy of mentally dissociating meat from that raises important questions hand, government suppression of its animal origins. For instance, ever since hordes of young people have started Kaushik Basu not just for India but for all individual freedom often has its ori- shunning meat, the meat companies and their allies in the government, and economies struggling to strike a bal- gins in knee-jerk objections. nutraceutical industry, have deliberately switched to calling it ‘protein’. This ance between the market and Fortunately, as I show in my book is an interesting manipulation of words and a last ditch attempt to influ- the state. Beyond the Invisible Hand, we ence consumer behaviour. AGRICULTURE IS I had long felt that India’s ex- The Indian government should repeal its can apply to these real-world con- For centuries meat has been a part of people's diet in many cultures. Global isting farm laws needed chang- texts a sophisticated argument meat eating rose hugely in the 20th century, caused by urbanisation and de- AN INTRICATE ing, and that the country’s food new farm laws and, through a careful rooted in the work of the philoso- velopments in production technology. And, most importantly, the strategies ISSUE THAT grain market needed to be more deliberative process, craft legislation that pher Derek Parfit. used by the meat industry to dissociate the harming of animals from the open. The new laws, among other This goes back to the ancient flesh on the plate. Researchers say, “These strategies can be direct and ex- RAISES things, permit farmers to sell grain stands the test of reason and can benefit Greek “sorites paradox.” According plicit, such as denial of animals’ pain, moral status, or intelligence, endorsement IMPORTANT outside designated state-regulated poor farmers and consumers most of all to a common formulation, if n of a hierarchy in which humans are placed above non-human animals.” The areas called mandis in states where grains of sand do not make a heap, French are taught, for instance, that animals cannot think. QUESTIONS NOT they previously were not allowed then surely n+1 grains of sand Added to this is the justification of meat consumption based on spuri- JUST FOR INDIA to do so. The government appears lion), and India ($11 billion). But prohibit the farmer from seeking cannot constitute a heap, either. The ous nutritional grounds. Doctors and dieticians, who are unwitting tools to be giving farmers more choice. different countries give these sub- redress in a regular court. The paradox arises from the fact that of the “nutritional science” industry, put their BUT FOR ALL Why should anyone object to that? sidies in different ways. legislation further helps big busi- if we start with nothing and keep stamp on this shameless hard sell. The most im- Then I read the fine print of the Indian farmers currently have the ness by removing restrictions on adding one grain of sand at a time, portant of all these strategies, and the one that ECONOMIES legislation. With their uncanny right to sell their products, mainly stockpiling food grain that were put we will eventually make a heap. has a profound effect on meat consumption, is STRUGGLING TO grassroots intuition, the farmers wheat and rice, to the government in place to discourage firms from Similarly, each individual de- the dissociation of meat from its animal origins. had realised something that many for a guaranteed minimum sup- artificially raising prices. cision to give up basic rights in ex- Important studies have been done on this (Kunst STRIKE A economists, including me, had port price (MSP) that is set peri- I believe big corporations are change for a job in an export-pro- & Hohle, 2016; Rothgerber, 2013; Tian, Hilton & BALANCE missed. odically each year. The MSP system needed in agricultural markets. cessing zone may enhance that Becker, 2016; Foer, 2009; Joy, 2011; Singer, 1995). If the government permitted runs largely on trust. Policymakers And I think the Indian govern- person’s welfare. But when lots The meat eater actively employs dissociation as BETWEEN THE farmers to sell their products out- can effectively dismantle it by set- ment’s new laws would have been of people do it, all workers may be a coping strategy to regulate his conscience, Maneka Gandhi MARKET AND side the mandi, the farmers would ting the price so low that no farmer more acceptable had policymak- worse off. and simply stops associating meat with ani- surely benefit, even if the market will want to sell, or by not provid- ers shown sensitivity to the need In short, what we need is not mals. Studies have found THE STATE outside the mandi was unregu- ing accessible product collection for antitrust enforcement to level market fundamentalism, but a In earlier hunter-gatherer and agricultural lated. With all else remaining con- centres. In many parts of India the playing field for the millions market that functions freely, within societies, people killed or saw animals killed for that people prefer, or stant, they would simply be gain- today, for example, farmers are told of farmers who would be pitted the broad parameters set by well- their table. But from the mid-19th century the actively choose, to ing an additional option. But belief they can sell their grain at a certain against a few large firms. Even crafted laws. The Indian govern- eater has been separated from the meat pro- in the ceteris paribus condition – price, but there is nowhere in their in the supposed free-market bas- ment should repeal its new farm duction unit. Singer (1995) says that getting buy and eat meat that that all other conditions will remain vicinity to sell it. tion of the US, prominent legal laws and, through a careful de- meat from shops, or restaurants, is the last step does not remind them unchanged – requires farmers to If the government dismantles scholars such as Eric Posner, liberative process, craft legisla- of a gruesome process in which everything, of the animal origins trust the government. They clearly the MSP system instead of re- Suresh Naidu, Glen Weyl, and tion that stands the test of rea- but the finished product, is concealed. The don’t – and, on closer examina- forming it, millions of farmers Cass Sunstein have expressed con- son and can benefit poor farmers process: the loading of animals into overcrowded tion, with good reason. will be forced to sell their products cern about the need for antitrust and consumers most of all. trucks, the dragging into killing chambers, the killing, beheading, remov- Farmers the world over receive to four or five big agribusiness laws to regulate monopsonies, like ing of skin, cleaning of blood, removal of intestines and cutting the meat government subsidies. In 2019, corporations. And this is precisely big corporate buyers. The writer is a former Chief into pieces, is all secret and the eater is left with neatly packed, ready-to-cook China spent an estimated $185.9 bil- what the fine print of the new India’s farm-law debate thus Economist of the World Bank pieces with few reminders of the animal. No heads, bones, tails, feet. The lion on farm subsidies, followed by laws reveals. prompts a related question: Is pro- and Chief Economic Adviser industry manipulates the mind of the consumer so that he does not think the European Union ($101.3 bil- If a corporation violates a con- viding more choice always to the Government of India. of the once living and intelligent animal. lion), the United States ($48.9 bil- tract with a farmer, the new laws desirable? ©PROJECT SYNDICATE The language is changed concealing the animal. Pig becomes pork, sausage, ham, bacon, cows become beef and calves become veal, goat be- comes mutton and hens become chicken and white meat. And now all of them have become protein. SPECTRUM ENVIRONMENT Then come rituals and traditions which remove any kind of moral doubt. People often partake in rituals and traditions without reflecting on their rationale or consequences. Thanksgiving is turkey, Fridays is fish. In India all rituals were vegetarian. Now, many weddings serve meat. Animal sac- rifice to the gods is part of this ritual. Studies have found that people prefer, or actively choose, to buy and eat Getting the social cost of carbon right meat that does not remind them of the animal origins (Holm, 2018; Te Velde et al, 2002). But Evans and Miele (2012), who investigated consumers’ interactions resident Joe Biden deserves future damage from emitting an will be worth next year (and the year commission that we co-chaired em- with animal food products, show that the fast pace of food shopping, the pres- congratulations for commit- extra unit of carbon. after) compared to today. The Obama phasized in its 2017 report, the entation of animal foods, and the euphemisms used instead of the animal Pting the US to rejoin global ef- Unfortunately, implementing administration used an annual dis- more successful these policies are (e.g., pork, beef and mutton) reduced consumers’ ability to reflect upon the forts to combat climate change. this technique well is extraordi- count rate of 3%, implying that to in curbing CO2 emissions, the animal origins of the food they were buying. But America and the world must narily difficult. The problem was save $1 in 50 years, we would be will- lower the carbon price could be Kunst & Hohle (2016) demonstrated how the process of presenting and respond to the challenge efficiently. the Obama administration's use ing to spend only 22 cents today; to in the future. But the likely SCC preparing meat, and deliberately turning it from animal to product, led to Nicholas Stern & Here, Biden's January 20 execu- of integrated assessment models, save $1 in 100 years, we would be would be closer to $100 per ton by less disgust and empathy for the killed animal and higher intentions to eat Joseph E. Stiglitz tive order establishing an which, as the name suggests, in- willing to spend less than five cents. 2030 than the $50 per ton estimated meat. If the animal-meat link was made obvious – by displaying the lamb Interagency Working Group on the tegrate economics and environ- There is no ethical justification by the Obama administration (with for instance, or putting the word cow instead of beef on the menu – the con- Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases mental sciences to calculate the for giving so little weight to future a 3% discount rate). An SCC at sumer avoided eating it and went for a vegetarian alternative. This is an SPENDING MONEY is an especially important step. course of the economy and climate generations' welfare. But there is the upper end of the $50-100 range important finding: by interrupting the mental dissociation, meat eating im- The group’s task is to devise a bet- over the next century or more. not even an economic rationale we suggested in 2017 is entirely mediately went down. This explains how, during Covid, the pictures of the TODAY ON ter estimate for the dollar cost to so- Integrating economics and the en- once we take risk into account. appropriate, given that the Paris Chinese eating animals in Wuhan's markets actually put off thousands of CLIMATE ACTION IS ciety (and the planet) of each tonne vironment makes eminent sense, Spending money today on cli- agreement's targets have rightly be- carnivores and meat sale went down. In experiments by Zickfeld et al of carbon dioxide or other green- but the devil is in the details. These mate action is like buying an in- come more ambitious – a 1.5°C (2018) and Piazza et al (2018) it was seen that showing the pictures of ani- LIKE BUYING AN house gases emitted into the at- models have shown themselves to surance policy, because it reduces the limit on warming and net-zero mals, especially young animals, reduce people's willingness to eat meat. INSURANCE mosphere. The number, referred be unreliable, generating widely risk of future climate disasters. So, emissions by 2050. Do gender differences exist when it comes to not thinking about the meat to as the social cost of carbon (SCC), varying ranges of estimates that are risk translates into a lower discount These may seem like technical one eats? In Kubberød and colleagues’ (2002) study on disgust and meat con- POLICY, BECAUSE gives policymakers and govern- highly sensitive to particular as- rate and a higher carbon price. matters best left to the experts. But sumption, substantial differences emerged between females and males. IT REDUCES THE ment agencies a basis for evaluat- sumptions. Now that the Biden adminis- too many experts have not suffi- Men were more aware of the origins of different types of meat, yet did not ing the benefits of public projects Another problem with the Obama tration has committed itself to the ciently accounted for the scale of cli- consider the origins when consuming it. Women reported that they did not RISK OF FUTURE and regulations designed to curb methodology is that it disadvan- international goal of limiting global mate risks, the well-being of fu- want to associate the meat they ate with a living animal, and that reminders CO2 emissions – or of any project taged future generations. Much of warming to 1.5-2°C, it should em- ture generations, and the would make them uncomfortable and sometimes even unable to eat CLIMATE or regulation that might indirectly the benefit of curbing emissions brace a second, more reliable way opportunities for climate action the meat. DISASTERS affect emissions. now lies in avoiding the risk of to calculate the SCC. It is simply the given the right incentives. What are the other dissociation techniques that companies and soci- If the working group settles on a dangerous climate change decades price at which we will be able to re- The Biden administration must eties use to make people eat meat. For men, the advertising is direct: low number, many emission-curb- in the future. That means we have duce emissions enough to prevent put a high enough price on carbon Masculinity, the inevitable fate of animals, the generational traditions of ing projects and regulations won’t to ask how much we care about the world from heating up pollution to encourage the scale their family. For women it is far more indirect: Just simply hiding the go ahead, because their price tags our children and grandchildren. dangerously. and urgency of action needed to source of the meat and giving the animal victim a cute name to prevent dis- will exceed the estimated climate ben- If the answer is “not a lot,” then we This is the price that will en- meet the commitments it has made gust and avoidance. efits. So, it is vital to get the num- need not do too much. But if we do courage the low-carbon invest- to Americans and the rest of the Kubberød et al (2002) compared groups from rural and urban areas but ber right – and by right, we mean care about them, that has to be re- ments and innovations we need, world. The future of our planet de- found little evidence for differences between these groups. Moreover, both higher than it has been in the past. flected appropriately in our cal- and help to make our cities less pends on it. urban and rural consumers in the study agreed that meat packaging and Broadly speaking, there are two culations. congested and polluted. Many other Nicholas Stern is a former presentation functioned to conceal the link between the meat and the once ways to figure out this cost. One Formally, the Obama-era method- complementary policies will be Chief Economist of the World living animal. Both groups of respondents also stated that if pictures of tied method, employed by President ology addressed this issue by mak- necessary, including government Bank. Joseph E. Stiglitz is a up pigs, or pigs in stalls, would be presented on packaging of pork meat, or Barack Obama's administration, ing assumptions about discounting, investments and regulations. As Nobel laureate in Economics. pictures of caged hens on egg cartons, they would not purchase the prod- is to attempt to estimate directly the showing how much less a dollar the international carbon-pricing ©PROJECT SYNDICATE uct in question. Are people who are sensitive to disruptions of the dissociation process (or, in plain English, open to learning the truth about the lies they tell themselves) more likely to become vegetarians? Probably. Everyone has a conscience. The meat industry has tried to make you bury it. We, in the Border dispute Too many UTs Global climate concerns animal welfare world, should try to make it active again. To join the animal welfare movement contact [email protected], Sir, Andhra Pradesh’s claim Sir, There were 29 states and seven Sir, There have been various pop-up messages one can eas- www.peopleforanimalsindia.org over Kotia village in UTs in India when Article 370 ily get from Google about the ongoing fight against climate etters Koraput district is similar was abrogated and the state of crisis. Flooding, drought, wildfire and increased temperature to the Chinese claim of J&K was bifurcated into two UTs. are some of the issues that are raised in the wake of the cli- WORDSWORTH Indian land as theirs. I am With the merger of Dadra & Nagar mate crisis. But in the midst of the entire hullabaloo, what TOL THE EDITOR hopeful that this problem Haveli and Daman & Diu, there are we should do first is to protect agriculture sector from all those Readers of Orissa POST will be solved with the 28 states and eight UTs now. The crises in order to keep our food production safe and sound. Maloik are most welcome to contribute letters Supreme Court’s inter- UT of Pondicherry is divided into Now, here comes one more important voice to fight the cli- (200 words), articles and vention. In some cases it is four districts, each one having a mate disaster. And that is of Bill Gates. A benevolent and hum- columns (between 750-1250 t’s the gesture you make with the index and little fingers while words). Contributors are the neglect of the area that separate identity and surrounded ble philanthropist, Gates has come up with his pen and pen- Iholding down the other two with the thumb. In the music world it requested to send their has led people to get in- by Tamil Nadu and Andhra cil literally. He has written a book titled “How To Avoid A Climate indicates that the gesturer is rocking with enthusiasm and is contact numbers and full clined towards the neigh- Pradesh. These four districts can Disaster.” In fact, Gates had been an enduring inspiration dur-

encouraging others to join in. It’s associated particularly with the late postal address/email ID. They may also bouring state. However, an be merged with TN or AP. This will ing our college days. Since he has been inspiring many gen-

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath and other bands, who borrowed the and suggestions, preferably by email, alert media has brought save administrative cost of our erations at the world stage through his knowledge and sim- gesture and name from his Italian-born US immigrant grandmother. It’s to: [email protected] the issue to the fore. The country. A similar exercise may plicity, Gates is going to be heard in the climate fight. His sincere from Italian malocchio, the evil eye, a look from an individual which Kotia issue will be resolved be done with Dadra & Nagar efforts at releasing a book on the climate disaster deserve adu- superstitious peoples in many cultures down the ages have believed soon. Haveli and Daman & Diu. lation and are noteworthy because books are the best way to could cause injury or bad luck for the person whom it’s directed at. The B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, Sunil Pradhan, carry forward such serious messages. Italian word just means “bad eye” (mal occhio). Bhubaneswar-751010 NUAPADA Gopal Mittal, BHUBANESWAR P Senthil Saravana Durai, MUMBAI UTTAR PRADESH ASSAM P7

THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m Watching porn? Beware, Cong rakes up CAA issue in poll-bound Assam c

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA CONTENTIOUS ISSUE UP cops ‘keeping an eye’ Guwahati, Feb 17: Following Rahul Gandhi's emphatic assertion that the ddressing his first public rally in poll-bound Congress will not implement AAssam at Sivasagar Sunday, Rahul Gandhi Citizenship (Amendment) Act if had declared that his party will protect every voted to power in Assam, the state principle of the Assam Accord and will never on internet search data unit of the party Wednesday urged implement the CAA if voted to power in the state cadres to collect 'Gamochas' (Assamese scarf) with messages ssam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said against the Act. Athat issues of CAA, NRC and unemployment are no more poll issues in the state The gamochas (traditional white and red woven cloth offered as an ho- he Congress which has formed a Grand nour in Assam) collected as part of TAlliance with AIUDF and four other parties the anti-CAA campaign will be dis- against the BJP for the state polls has signalled played at the martyrs’ memorial to that it would rake up the CAA issue prominently commemorate the protestors against in the Assembly elections the Act who sacrificed their lives that ive persons were killed in police firing in the the party proposes to set up in Fstate in December 2019 during violent protests Guwahati if voted to power in the against the CAA that seeks to grant Indian upcoming assembly elections. citizenship to non-Muslim religious minorities “I request all Assamese to share from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan gamochas with a message on why you do not want the CAA in the state. You INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE reach out to people to prevent may sign the gamocha and send it is devising programmes to make the Gandhi and other leaders were has signalled that it would rake up campaign committee Pradyut crimes against women. to us through courier or hand it contentious citizenship law an im- seen wearing 'gamocha' where sym- the CAA issue prominently in the Bordoloi said that people of the Lucknow, Feb 17: The police in She said that a company has over to any party worker when they portant election issue. bolically the CAA word was crossed, Assam assembly elections. state will not forget the bruise that Uttar Pradesh will now been hired to keep an eye visit you,” said party's manifesto Polls to 126-member Assam as- giving a message against the con- PCC chief Bora said that CAA BJP has given to Assamese ethos ‘keep an eye’ on peo- on what is being searched committee chairman Gaurav Gogoi sembly are expected in March- April troversial law. shall be rooted out and the sacrifices through its divisive and commu- ple’s internet search Basically, on the internet by at a meeting in Bihpuria. this year. The legislation had gen- Assam minister Himanta Biswa made for saving "Assamese pride" nal politics. data to monitor it is meant to using data. The party's state unit president erated strong protests in Assam Sarma has said that issues of will be immortalised. “Assam, this is your tryst to be- those looking up study the analytics “Basically, it is Ripun Bora said “We have our ears and elsewhere. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, The Congress Legislature party come a part of history! A gamocha pornographic of the internet. If a meant to study the on the ground and expect that the Five persons were killed in police National Register of Citizens (NRC) leader in the assembly Debabrata in your name with a message against content. person watches analytics of the in- party will get at least 50 lakh gamo- firing in the state in December 2019 and unemployment are no more Saikia said that the dark days of CAA will find a place at the grand The ‘UP pornography, the ternet. If a person chas from across the state and all during violent protests against the poll issues in the state. BJPs oppression of Assamese peo- memorial site to be built in Women Powerline analytics team will get watches pornogra- of them will be displayed at the up- Act that seeks to grant Indian cit- But, the Congress which has ple are about to end and "we will Guwahati. As requested by 1090’ will be alerted the information phy, the analytics coming memorial.” izenship to non-Muslim religious mi- formed a Grand Alliance with make sure that CAA is not imple- Congress, hurry up & send your if a person searches NEERA RAWAT I ADG team will get the in- After Rahul Gandhi's no CAA norities from Bangladesh, Pakistan AIUDF and four other parties mented in Assam". gamocha to Assam Congress of- for pornographic ma- formation,” she call, the Assam unit of the Congress and Afghanistan. against the BJP for the state polls, The chairman of the Congress fice,” Bordoloi tweeted. terial on the internet and added. following the alerts, the police Those who search for team will reach out to the person pornography will receive an alert to prevent ‘crime against women’. message and the information will The project, which had previ- be saved with the police as well. “The Two journalists arrested for UP aviation sector ously been conducted in six dis- internet data will inform the 1090 tricts, had received good response team if a person is searching for from the public. porn. The team will then send Additional Director General ‘awareness messages’ to the person,” ‘maligning’ Assam minister set to take wings (ADG) Neera Rawat said that in she said. Uttar Pradesh has about view of the increasing use of the 11.6 million internet users as per internet, the powerline 1090 would estimates. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA UNTILL THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO, THE STATE HAD ONLY TWO ACTIVE AIRPORTS; NOW IT HAS 7, Guwahati, Feb 17: Two journal- ists were arrested and three others WHILE 17 OTHER AIRPORTS ARE BEING DEVELOPED detained Wednesday for their al- ‘God declared dead’ leged attempt to malign Assam INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after they shared a photo of him Lucknow, Feb 17: The aviation BOOST TO to grab temple land along with his daughter with a sector is set to take wings in Uttar TOURISM "salacious intent", police said. Pradesh as Chief Minister Yogi The minister's wife had filed a Adityanath has linked develop- IRPORTS AT PRAYAGRAJ, INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Sushil Kumar Tripathi filed a com- complaint with the Dispur police sta- ment of tourism and religious cen- AKANPUR, HINDON AND plaint with Naib-Tehsildar in 2016. tion here under the POCSO Act, tres to aviation. BAREILLY ARE READY FOR Lucknow, Feb 17: In a bizarre The case travelled from the Naib- following which the Guwahati City After initiating construction of PASSENGER AIRCRAFT AND case of land grab in Uttar Pradesh, Tehsildar's office to the district mag- Police began probing the case. a full-fledged airport in Ayodhya to AZAMGARH, ALIGARH, the deity of a temple was 'declared istrate, and to the deputy chief min- Taufiquddin Ahmad, Editor-in- enable landing of large aircraft CHITRAKOOT, MORADABAD, SONBHADRA, SHRAVASTI, dead' in the mutation documents of ister's office but without any results. Chief of local news website and to boost religious tourism, the AYODHYA, KUSHINAGAR AND the land deed title of a temple in It has now emerged that multi- 'Pratibimba Live', and its News been noticing this recently," he said. of residence who use any of the so- Chief Minister has now issued di- SAHARANPUR (SARSWAN) ARE Lucknow. The temple is said to be ple mutations of the land have Editor Iqbal were arrested for in- Sarma said that the photograph cial media platforms to maliciously rectives to accelerate the expan- UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND 100 years old, its land is spread taken place in a fraudulent manner. vestigation into the "conspiracy", posted with a malafide intent was use such platforms for furthering this sion of the airstrip and construc- WILL BE OPERATIONAL SOON over 7,000 sq mt and run by a trust Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh while three other employees were disturbing and "we could not sleep conspiracy," Singh added. tion work of the airport terminal registered in the name of Lord Sharma, who recently ordered a detained, Guwahati City Police the whole night". The website had shared a photo at Chitrakoot, the place where Lord NCE ALL THE 17 AIRPORTS Krishna-Ram. It is in Kushmaura probe into the matter by SDM Commissioner Munna Prasad Additional Director General of of the minister hugging his daugh- Ram is believed to have spent part OBECOME FUNCTIONAL, Haluvapur in Mohanlalganj area. Prafulla Tripathi, said that the in- Gupta told PTI. Police (Law and Order) GP Singh ter, following which it went viral on of his 14 years in exile. THE STATE WILL GET A At some point in time, a man vestigation revealed that some- The three employees who were said that the police will take strong social media. The airport at Chitrakoot, situ- CONNECTIVITY BOOST, Gaya Prasad was added to the land body had forged the documents in detained are being interrogated to action against all such attempts The website later apologised for ated on the border of Madhya UPSWING IN TOURISM, record documents as the father of the name of the man, who originally ascertain their involvement in the under stringent provisions of the not mentioning that the girl in the Pradesh and amidst the EMPLOYMENT GENERATION THAT WILL ADD TO THE Lord Krishna-Ram. When consoli- registered the trust. The forgery was case, he said. POCSO Act, he said. photo was the minister's daughter Vindhyachal mountain range, will STATE'S DEVELOPMENT dation of land records took place in done to grab temple land of around The minister told reporters here They were arrested on the basis and blamed others for sharing it be developed as the most beautiful 1987, Lord Krishna-Ram was de- 7,300 square metres. that this was a clear case of polit- of a case registered with the Dispur with the intent to defame Sarma. airport of the country. The air- clared 'dead'. Subsequently, the trust According to SDM Sadar Prafulla ical conspiracy but to "stoop so low police station under IPC Section The news outlet received back- port, undergoing expansion, is ex- Under the Regional Connectivity was transferred to Gaya Prasad as Kumar Tripathi, the investigation and not spare even my minor daugh- 509 (intending to insult the modesty lash for the intent to share the pected to be functional soon. Scheme, the state government has his property. In 1991, Gaya Prasad was established that both, the temple and ter, reflects a very low mentality". of any woman), and Sections 14 photo in such a way with Sarma The development of Chitrakoot plans to develop airports at Meerut, declared dead. The trust passed on land, were registered in the name "I have been attacked on all fronts and 21 of the Protection of Children retweeting it and mentioning that airport will not only spur religious Jhansi and Ghazipur for the ar- to his brothers identified as Ramnath of Lord Krishna-Rama in the past. by my opponents but when they from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, it was him and his daughter. tourism in the state but will also rival of passenger flights. Flights and Haridwar. Twenty-five years Tripathi said the temple's land failed to create any impact, they he said. Police said they are investigating serve as a major push to the from Bareilly and Pantnagar will later, the matter came to light when was being described as barren land have adopted a different strategy to "Action shall be taken against all the matter to identify those behind Bundelkhand region. also be starting to Prayagraj. the temple's original trustee named, of the local gram sabha. malign my character and I have persons irrespective of their place the post going viral. The 296-km Bundelkhand The projects undertaken by the Expressway, which is also under con- government to boost regional con- struction, starts from Chitrakoot, nectivity are supervised directly by which is one of the six nodes of the Chief Minister and Civil the defence corridor. Aviation Secretary Surendra Singh. Despite pandemic, Kaziranga attracts 1.11L tourists According to a government It is noteworthy that till three-and- spokesman, the airport in a-half years ago, the state had only INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE horns in international markets. Chitrakoot is being developed as a two active airports. However, with “Around 70 cases including 17 table-top airport. The runway of constant efforts of the Yogi gov- Guwahati, Feb 17: The Covid-19 rhino related cases were registered the airport is located on an ele- ernment, seven airports includ- pandemic and the ensuing lock- since last year and around 100 peo- vated terrain amid the Vindhya ing the ones in Lucknow, Agra, down could not dampen the spirit ple, including 38 in rhino related Range and is being expanded and Varanasi and Gorakhpur are now of 1.11 lakh tourists, including 175 cases, were arrested in connection it will encompass nature at its best. functioning smoothly. foreigners, from visiting the UN- with poaching of animals and other The airport, built on approxi- The government is also work- ESCO world heritage site Kaziranga related crimes,” Sivakumar said. mately 260 acres of land, will be ex- ing on developing 17 other airports National Park and Tiger Reserve Set up in 1908, the KNP & TR, one panded with a 1,475-metre-long and in the state. As a result, airports at (KNP & TR), considered as one of of India's seven UNESCO world her- 23-metre-wide runway. Prayagraj, Kanpur, Hindon and the best conserved wildlife reserves itage sites in the natural and envi- It will also be equipped with a Bareilly are ready for passenger in the country. ronment category since 1985, is home new terminal, apron, air traffic aircraft and Azamgarh, Aligarh, The authorities of KNP & TR, to more than 2,400 one-horned Indian controller and a car parking. To Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Sonbhadra, extending across Assam's five dis- rhinoceros, approximately two third ensure the development work pro- Shravasti, Ayodhya, Kushinagar trcts -- Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, of the total world population. Besides gresses rapidly with no interrup- and Saharanpur (Sarswan) are Biswanath and Karbi Anglong -- rhinos, the KNP & TR has 121 tigers, tions, the government has issued under construction and will be op- along the Arunachal Pradesh bor- 1,089 elephants and huge numbers a sum of Rs 50 crore out of the al- erational soon. der, expected 1.25 lakh tourists to visit of Asiatic buffalo, swamp deer, wild located amount of Rs 92 crore for “Once all the 17 airports become the park in the current season. boar, hog deer, porcupine and other this project. functional, the state will get a con- KNP & TR Director Karmashree endangered animals and snakes. Prayagraj and Kanpur are ex- nectivity boost, upswing in tourism, P. Sivakumar said the park and the Like previous years, the floods in pected to be the first cities to be con- employment generation that will tiger reserve was closed for three Assam (from June to September nected with air services from add to the state's development,” months last year -- March to May - last year) badly hit KNP & TR, when Chitrakoot. the spokesman said. - and then the four-month-long (June (2018-19). Over 19,040 foreign tourists community development work of India. "People from all over the 18 rhinos and 135 other wild ani- to September) annual flood havoc had visited the park in the two fi- would be undertaken," he added. world give utmost importance to mals died due to the deluge. inundating around 95 per cent of the nancial years -- 2019-20 and 2018-19. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, this universal property of mother Sivakumar said that 172 wild an- 1,302 sq km KNP & TR areas. The Indian Forest Service offi- Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi earth. Kaziranga not only protects imals were rescued from the flood "In the current financial year cer said that a French government and Chief Minister Sarbananda rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife, waters last year. In 2019, 263 ani- (2020-21) so far, 1.11 lakh tourists, in- delegation led by Barbara Pompili, Sonowal have separately appreciated but also carries the identity of mals, including many endangered cluding 175 foreigners, have visited Minister of France for Ecological the authorities for taming the rhino Assamese people. It must be well pro- rhinos, were killed in the floods KNP & TR and we have earned rev- Transition, had visited Kaziranga last poaching racket and taking other tected for future generations," while 169 animals were rescued. enues worth over Rs 2.06 crore. We month to take stock of the work conservation efforts, besides re- Lahkar told IANS. "All-out efforts are being made, expect that over 1.25 lakh tourists being carried out under a forest and moving illegal encroachments. In a major breakthrough, a no- including construction of high-

would visit the park this fiscal," biodiversity conservation project Environmentalist and wildlife torious rhino poacher and smuggler

k y m land, to take care of the animals in c Sivakumar told IANS over phone. funded by the French government. expert Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, who of rhino horns, Jobi Gadi alias the national park to protect them During 2019-20, 1.74 lakh tourists "The first phase of the French gov- received the prestigious IUCN Autho Gadi, was arrested from during the floods and other calami- had visited the KNP & TR and the rev- ernment sponsored project has been (International Union for Arunachal Pradesh's Naharlagun ties," he said. During the latest enues earned stood at Rs 4.83 crore completed. The works for building Conservation of Nature) Heritage last week. Gadi has, since 2011, been Census, the number of waterfowls against 1.76 lakh tourists and revenues highlands and other infrastructure Hero Award, said that KNP & TR is associated with poaching of rhi- in KNP & TR increased by 173 per of Rs 4.83 crore in the previous year were finished. In the second phase, a nature's wonder and great pride nos in Kaziranga and selling their cent to 93,491. The present LOW VACCINATION P8 government is THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR attacking small and medium TURNOUT IN GOA businessmen because it only Goa Health Minister Vishwajit wants one or two corporate Rane Wednesday blamed entities to control every 'casual' attitude for the low business in this country turnout for the first two phases y RAHUL GANDHI | FORMER CONGRESS of the Covid-19 vaccination

national PRESIDENT

k y m drive in the state c

of the day uote FARMERS TO HOLD Temporary relief for Nikita Jacob Having the PRESS TRUST OF INDIA to make any observations on mer- warrants against them. vaccine does its of the case. According to the Delhi police, the not mean that Mumbai, Feb 17: The Bombay "The applicant is granted tran- we should be two along with arrested accused complacent. In fact, ‘RAIL ROKO’ TODAY High Court on Wednesday granted sit anticipatory bail for a period of Disha Ravi, an activist from all the preventive transit anticipatory bail to advo- three weeks to enable her to ap- Bangalore, were allegedly involved measures must be cate Nikita Jacob, a suspect in a proach the court concerned in in preparing the document and followed by all of us now and in the case registered by Delhi police in Delhi," Justice Naik said. The were in direct touch with "pro- near future, as well. Considering connection with the "toolkit" shared court said if Jacob is arrested in Khalistani elements". The Delhi po- this, it is praiseworthy that IRCS is by climate activist Greta Thunberg the three-week period, then she lice Monday alleged that Ravi continuing the distribution of over the ongoing farmers' protest. shall be released after furnishing along with Jacob and Shantanu masks from the prevention Justice P D Naik gave Jacob a bond of `25,000. created the toolkit and shared it perspective three weeks' time to approach the Justice Naik also took note of the with others to tarnish India's

HARSH VARDHAN | UNION HEALTH MINISTER court concerned in Delhi for relief. ments to seek relief from a court fact that another suspect in the image. The court in its order noted the ap- in another state. Hence, this court case, Shantanu Muluk, an engi- The accused persons have been plicant (Jacob) is a permanent is of the opinion that protection as neer based in Maharashtra's Beed booked under Indian Penal Code So in India, resident of Mumbai and the FIR sought by the applicant can be district, was granted transit an- Sections 124(a) for sedition, 153(a) despite the is lodged in Delhi, and the relief granted for a temporary period," ticipatory bail for 10 days by the for promoting enmity between dif- pandemic, AGENCIES sought by her now is only tempo- Justice Naik said. The HC said HC's Aurangabad bench Tuesday. ferent sections of the society and nobody was Man seen swinging rary. since Jacob would be approach- Jacob and Muluk, who claim to 120(b) for criminal conspiracy. deprived of New Delhi, Feb 17: The railways "The applicant apprehends that ing the court concerned in Delhi be environmental activists, had Jacob's plea was opposed by the education and has deployed 20 additional com- swords at Red Fort held she will be arrested at any point to seek anticipatory bail, it would approached the Bombay HC after Delhi police's cyber cell which online education panies of the RPSF across the coun- of time. She has to make arrange- not be appropriate for this court a Delhi court issued non-bailable sought dismissal of the same. PRAKASH JAVADEKAR | UNION MINISTER try, with focus on Punjab, Haryana, 30-year-old man allegedly Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, Aseen swinging swords with in the wake of the "rail roko" called the intent of "motivating" and "energising" protesters at Red Major tragedy Our family on Thursday by farmer groups Fort during the violence on believes in protesting against the Centre's new RAISING VOICE worshipping Republic Day has been arrested, averted as agri laws. God including Lord police said on Wednesday. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha Rama, but has never Maninder Singh, who runs a Army destroys IED indulged in dividing (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer sword training school near his people on unions which is spearheading the home in Swaroop Nagar in communal lines. But some fake protest, last week had announced northwest Delhi and works as a PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Hindus and rats are doing it the rail blockade to press for its de- car AC mechanic, was arrested mand to repeal the legislations. around 7.45 pm on Tuesday near Jammu, Feb 17: A major tragedy HD KUMARASWAMY | FORMER KARNATAKA Director General, Railway Protection the C D block bus stop in nearby was averted on Wednesday with CHIEF MINISTER Force, Arun Kumar on Wednesday Pitampura, police said. "Singh the timely detection of a sus- said, "I appeal to everyone to main- was seen in a video swinging pected Improvised Explosive tain peace. We will be liaisoning two swords at Red Fort with the Device (IED) planted inside a SHORT TAKES with district administrations and intent of motivating or pressure cooker on a busy high- will have a control room in place." radicalising and energising way in Rajouri district of Jammu Civilian shot "We will gather intelligence. violent anti-national elements and Kashmir, officials said. States such as Punjab, Haryana, indulging in brutal assault and The suspected IED was found at by militants Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, attacking police persons on duty on the roadside at Manjakote on and some other areas will be our with swords, 'khandas', iron Jammu-Poonch highway and Srinagar: A civilian was rods, axes, 'barsaas', sticks etc focus. We have deployed 20 com- was subsequently destroyed by injured after militants opened and damaging the historical Red fire at him in the high-security panies of the Railway Protection Fort on Republic Day," Deputy the Army's Bomb Disposal Durganag area of the city Special Force (RPSF) in these areas," Commissioner of Police (Special Squad (BDS), the officials said. Wednesday, police said. The he said. "We want to persuade them Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah Senior Superintendent of militants fired at Akash to not cause inconvenience for pas- said in a statement. Police, Rajouri, Chandan Kohli Mehraj in his shop, Krishna sengers. We have a four-hour win- said, "This morning a road Dhaba, a police official said. dow and we want it (rail roko) to get opening patrol of the He said Mehra was rushed to over peacefully," Kumar said. states to garner support for the Army found a suspicious object the hospital in an injured The SKM had said that the rail movement. along the highway near condition. Krishna Dhaba is a blockade will held across the coun- On Tuesday, Bharatiya Kisan Manjakote." popular food joint in Durganag try from 12 pm to 4 pm.The an- Union leader Gurnam Singh "Soon, traffic was controlled on area. Several high-profile nouncement came amid the ongo- Chaduni had said that farmer the highway and a bomb disposal installations like the office of ing protests against the laws at unions will hold meetings in poll- squad was called in. The suspected UN Military Observers Group Delhi's borders by farmers, mostly bound West Bengal as well and in- material, packed in a fruit pack- for India and Pakistan from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar dicated that they will ask people ing box, has been destroyed (UNMOGIP) and the residence Pradesh, and 'mahapanchayats' there not to vote for those who are West Bengal Pradesh Youth Congress activists participate in protest rally against the fuel price hike, in front of Raj through a controlled explosion," of the Jammu and Kashmir Bhavan, in Kolkata PTI PHOTO chief justice are located within that are being organised in these "snatching our livelihood". he said. 200 metres of the food joint. NATURAL LAKE Three dead in FORMED IN MURENDA Cabinet nod to juvenile law changes MP govt to make Indore road mishap AFTER FLASH FLOODS Bikaner: Three persons, to increase scrutiny of childcare homes ‘beggar-free’ city including a toddler, died INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE and 14 were injured in a INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE head-on collision between New Delhi, Feb 17: A natural PRESS TRUST OF INDIA categories of petty, serious and two cars in Rajasthan's Sri lake has been formed in heinous crimes. One more cate- Indore, Feb 17: The Madhya Ganganagar district on Uttarakhand's Murenda area after New Delhi, Feb 17: The Union gory will be included of offences Pradesh government has accel- Wednesday, police said. the recent floods that wreacked Cabinet Wednesday approved where maximum sentence is more erated the efforts to make its busi- The incident occurred on havoc in Chamoli district of the amendments to the juvenile jus- than 7 years but no minimum sen- ness capital Indore a 'beggar-free' Anupgarh-Suratgarh highway in Vijay Nagar area state. tice law to increase the scrutiny of tence is prescribed or minimum city. Initiatives have also been on Wednesday, police said. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police child care institutions and enhance sentence of less than 7 years is pro- adopted to ensure the rehabili- Komalpreet (24) and her (ITBP) team along with the officials the role of district magistrates to vided shall be treated as serious tation of beggars and how people daughter Harleen Kaur (3), of the Defence Research and ensure the set-up works in the best offences within the JJ Act," she can contribute to the cause. who were in one of the cars, Development Organisation (DRDO) interests of children. said. The amendments also in- Indore District Magistrate and Rajjo Bai (50), who was Wednesday reached Murenda Addressing the media on the clude authorising district magis- Manish Singh held a meeting in an SUV, died on the spot. where the natural lake has been Cabinet decision, Women and Child trate, additional district magistrate with officers on Tuesday for the The District Magistrate also formed. The team has established Development Minister Smriti Irani to issue adoption orders under rehabilitation of homeless people sought suggestions from the NGOs its base camp near the lake be- said district magistrates (DMs) Child Development Ministry is Section 61 of the JJ Act in order to and beggars living in the city to make this campaign success- Asaram Bapu sides selecting a location for mak- along with additional district mag- working out details with the ensure speedy disposal of cases under the Beggars Rehabilitation ful. He said the effort to make ing a helipad, an ITBP official said. istrates (ADMs) will monitor the Ministry of External Affairs in and enhance accountability. Programme. the city beggar-free can only be hospitalised functioning of various agencies this regard. There is a proposal to The district magistrates have During the meeting, the District fruitful if the common public under the JJ Act in every district. appoint a nodal office in each em- been further empowered under the Magistrate said that a Beggar contributes to it. Therefore, the Jaipur: Asaram Bapu, who is She said a bill in this regard bassy to monitor the child adopted act to ensure its smooth imple- Rehabilitation Centre will be set voluntary organisations should serving life imprisonment in would be brought in Parliament to abroad, the sources said. Child vic- mentation as well as garner syn- up to make Indore a "beggar-free" give suggestions and cooperate in Jodhpur jail on charges of sexually harassing a minor amend The Juvenile Justice (Care tims of trafficking, drug abuse and ergised efforts in favour of chil- city and proper arrangements this programme. girl, was admitted to and Protection of Children) Act those abandoned by their guardians dren in distress conditions. will be made there for the per- In January, the civic body work- Jodhpur-situated Mathuradas 2015, that will expand its purview. will be included in the definition of Several difficulties faced in im- sons involved in begging. The fa- ers were accused of taking home- Mathur Hospital (MDM) after Sources said plans are afoot to "child in need of care" and protec- plementation of various provisions cilities will include health check- less and old people in a garbage he complained of chest pain ensure that Indian embassies in tion under the amended law, Irani of the act have also been addressed, up, food, clothes, etc. van and trying to dump them and difficulty in breathing. every country follow up on chil- said. The amendments also cate- Irani said. The efforts are aimed at res- outside the city. This was objected The self-styled godman was The helipad is being developed dren adopted by foreigners for a gorise certain previously unde- She said the district child pro- cuing the beggars from the beg- to by some people and the video hospitalised Tuesday night. with proper markings and other period of two years from the day fined offences as 'serious offences'. tection unit will also function under ging rackets, he further said. of the incident also went viral. The doctors monitored his aids to guide the aircrew. they land there. The Women and "At present, the act has three the district magistrate. health Wednesday morning and said that "he is stable now".

Fishermen How symptoms of new Covid strains are different from original one

rescued AGENCIES nal strain. In South Africa, another liminary research shows the two vac- Covishield, from the Oxford- Chennai: Five fishermen, who variant called B.1.351 emerged in- cines against COVID-19 approved in AstraZeneca stable manufactured were stranded mid-sea after New Delhi, Feb 17: Amid cases dependently of B.1.1.7. India are effective against the UK by Pune's Serum Institute of India, the engine of their fishing of new variants of mutated SARS- Originally detected in early variant of the novel coronavirus and Covaxin, developed by boat broke down, were CoV-2 emerging in India, it has be- October 2020, B.1.351 shares some but there is no data on their efficacy Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech rescued in a sea-air come important to understand how mutations with B.1.1.7. Cases caused against the South African and in collaboration with the Indian coordinated operation by the symptoms of different new vari- by this variant were reported in Brazilian mutants detected in the Council of Medical Research and Coast Guard (CG), officials ants vary from the original one. the US at the end of January 2021, country. the National Institute of Virology said Wednesday. The According to new studies, the according to the Centers for Disease On Tuesday, the Health min- (NIV). Answering the question fishermen onboard the UK variant or the Kent variant -- Control and Prevention (CDC). istry said four people were de- uppermost in many minds, re- vessel,"Madhana Sea Foods", B.1.1.7 -- spreads more easily and Vaccine makers Moderna and tected with the South Africa vari- searcher Deepak Sehgal said it is were stranded in the Bay of quickly than other variants. Pfizer-BioNTech have already an- ant of SARS-CoV-2 and one tested difficult to say how effective the two Bengal as the engine of the The UK-based New and Emerging nounced that they are working to positive for the Brazil variant, a will be against the new emerging boat brokedown and water Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory modify their vaccines -- and possi- first for India, prompting scien- variants, particularly the South flooded the engine room. The Group (NERVTAG) recently re- bly to create booster shots -- to bet- tists to stress the need for more African and Brazilian ones, un- distress message from the ported that the Kent variant may be ter protect against the South African antibodies. experts and scientists, so, it may data and studies so the country's less scientists have studied them y boat, registered in the up to 70 per cent more deadly than variant. A variant called P.1 emerged According to various reports, take a while for us to know the vaccine programme can be tai- properly. UK government scien-

previous strains. that was first identified in trav- the three variants carry the same exact symptoms of these variants. lored to evolving exigencies. tific advisers say the COVID-19

k y m Andaman and Nicobar Islands, c was received by the Coast Health experts have cited that ellers from Brazil, who were tested genetic mutation - E484K - that al- "First of all, viruses do have a ten- The number of people who have variant now predominant in the Guard Maritime Rescue those who test positive for the vari- during routine screening at an air- lows it to evade the immune de- dency to mutate, all we have to do tested positive for the UK variant in country may be 30-70 per cent Coordination Centre which ant are more likely to report per- port in Japan, in early January. fences in the body, leading to in- is to ensure safety and required the country has climbed to 187, of- more "deadly" than previous vari- launched the sea-air sistent cough, tiredness, muscle This variant contains a set of fection. However, the mutated precautions to reduce the risk," ficials added. ants, underscoring concerns about coordinated rescue operation, aches, sore throat and fever com- additional mutations that may af- variants are comparatively new Gitali Bhagawati, Consultant and The vaccines currently approved how mutations may change the an official release said. pared to those who have the origi- fect its ability to be recognised by and under radar by various health Head, Department Meanwhile, pre- for emergency use in India are characteristics of the disease. CLASS 10 EXAMS BEGIN IN BIHAR P9 Some people THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR are collecting money in The class 10 exams conducted by the Lord Ram's name. Shiv Bihar School Examination Committee Sena workers should began Wednesday amid tight security. make people aware of In order to prevent malpractices in the such fraudulent elements exams being held in two shifts daily, y strict arrangements have been made national UDDHAV THACKERAY |

MAHARASHTRA CHIEF MINISTER

k y m by the Committee c

of the day uote INTER-FAITH MARRIAGES

It’s alarming Cong sweeps Punjab civic polls that a phase Top Court allows of murders of leaders, lawyers, and traders has AMARINDER SINGH THANKED AND CONGRATULATED THE PEOPLE FOR DEFEATING THE started before the “NEGATIVE AND VICIOUS FORCES THAT ARE OUT TO RUIN PUNJAB AND ITS FUTURE” Assembly and HP, MP to be made panchayat elections in UP. And, it is INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Delhi, Amarinder Singh said. very unfortunate and condemnable All these parties had "shame- that these incidents are not being Chandigarh, Feb 17: Punjab Chief lessly trampled the rights of the taken seriously and being termed Minister Amarinder Singh farmers, with the clear aim of de- parties in the matter cases of old rivalry. The Wednesday hailed his Congress' stroying Punjab", he said, adding government should pay attention spectacular victory in the munic- SAD's and AAP's "subsequent the-

MAYAWATI | BSP PRESIDENT ipal polls as not just a validation of atrics" for the farmers had failed to INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE ulating religious conversions due his government's development-ori- befool the voters, who had seen to interfaith marriages. However, ented policies but also a total re- through the political gimmickry New Delhi, Feb 17: The Supreme the top court had declined to stay We must have jection of the "anti-people" actions of these parties. Court Wednesday allowed an NGO these laws and sought response an accurate idea of the of the major opposition parties -- the With all three opposition parties not to make Himachal Pradesh and from the state governments in the respective SAD, the AAP and the BJP. even a close second to the Congress Madhya Pradesh as parties in a matter. population of Congratulating state Congress and trailing even independent can- pending matter challenging their The petitions filed by advocate different social President Sunil Jakhar, as well as didates in some wards, the "pro-gov- controversial laws regulating con- Vishal Thakre, the NGO and oth- groups so that we all MLAs, members and workers of Congress candidate Baljinder Kaur Rinki celebrates her win in the municipal elec- ernance and pro-progress verdict of versions due to inter-faith mar- ers have challenged the constitu- can formulate policies accordingly the party, for the sweeping victory tion, in Patiala district PTI PHOTO the urban voters of Punjab was a riages. tional validity of the Uttar Pradesh in the civic polls, the results of clear endorsement of their negation A bench headed by Chief Justice Prohibition of Unlawful Religious NITISH KUMAR | BIHAR CHIEF MINISTER which were declared on Wednesday, while the remaining went largely has gone up to 1,480. of their loathsome political ideologies", SA Bobde and comprising Justices Conversion Ordinance, 2020 and he said the people of the state had to independents and the BSP (K) and Amarinder Singh thanked and he contended. AS Bopanna and V the Uttarakhand Freedom of Japanese "clearly and unequivocally de- the CPI winning in 13 and 12 wards, congratulated the people for de- "It was a powerful message to Ramasubramanian also permit- Religion Act, 2018 which regulate companies are nounced the divisive, undemocra- respectively. feating the "negative and vicious these parties to keep out of Punjab, ted Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-I- religious conversions of interfaith familier to tic, unconstitutional and regres- The swing in favour of the forces that are out to ruin Punjab which was not ready to either for- Hind to become a party in the mat- marriages. Assam. India-Japan sive agendas" of the three parties. Congress in comparison with the and its future". give or forget the deceit and the ter. Advocate Ejaz Maqbool, The controversial UP ordinance partnership can In the final count, the Congress 2015 municipal corporation elec- The first major polls to be held treachery to which the people of representing the Muslim body, con- is connected with not only inter-faith really make a won 1,199 of the 1,815 wards in mu- tions in Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, in Punjab since the enactment of the the state had been subjected by tended before the bench that a large marriages but all religious con- difference. Assam is nicipal councils and 281 of the 350 Moga and Pathankot districts is 'draconian' farm laws had also un- them," he added. number of Muslims men are being versions and lays down elaborate the springboard of India's Act East municipal corporation seats, with manifest in the fact that from 11 derscored people's angst with the "With these results, all these par- harassed under these laws in var- procedures for any person who Policy Shiromani Akali Dal trailing at 289 seats back then, the party's tally BJP, which was responsible for the ties have got a foretaste of things to ious parts of the country. wishes to convert to another religion. S.JAISHANKAR | EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER and 33, the Bharatiya Janata Party has improved to a whopping 149 anti-farmer legislation with the ac- come in the assembly elections, due Senior advocate CU Singh, rep- The Uttarakhand law entails at 38 and 20, and the Aam Aadmi now. Similarly, in the wards, from tive support of its then ally, SAD, and just a year from now," Amarinder resenting the NGO Citizens for two-year jail term to any person or Party at 57 and nine, respectively, 356 in 2015, the Congress score now the collusion of ruling AAP in Singh told the media here. Justice and Peace, urged the top persons found guilty of religious SHORT TAKES court to make Himachal Pradesh conversion through force or "al- and Madhya Pradesh as parties in lurement", which could be cash, Govt issues new the matter. Singh said these states in kind of employment, or material Lawyer couple have also framed laws on the lines benefit. guidelines for J&K cops on terror hit list of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In its application Jamiat Ulama- stabbed to death Last month, the top court had I-Hind has raised the issue of fun- Karimnagar (Tel): A lawyer international arrivals agreed to examine the controver- damental rights of Muslim youth couple was stabbed to death INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE the group has also warned non- sial laws of Uttar Pradesh and who are being allegedly targeted by by unidentified assailants in PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Kashmiris against purchase of land Uttarakhand, which aimed at reg- using the ordinance. broad daylight in Peddapalli New Delhi, Feb 17: Seven officers in the valley. district Wednesday, Police New Delhi, Feb 17: The gov- of Jammu & Kashmir's elite anti- "They also threatened to kill the said. During his last moments, ernment Wednesday issued new terror Special Operations Group locals selling land to outsiders," Gattu Vaman Rao reportedly guidelines for international ar- (SOG) and Special Police Officers the agency said. Last year in October, named a local TRS leader as rivals amid the spread of mutant (SPOs) are on the radar of a new ter- the Union government had paved being responsible for the variants of coronavirus in many ror outfit in the valley, intelligence the way for non-residents of Jammu attack. Home Minister Mohd countries. agencies have warned the security & Kashmir to purchase land in the Mahmood Ali said the incident The new Standard Operating establishment. valley by amending several laws a was highly condemnable. Procedures (SOPs) will come into The agencies stated that they year after the abrogation of Articles "This is being viewed very effect from 23.59 hours February have gathered inputs that a new 370 and 35A of the Constitution. seriously by the government. 22 till further orders. terror outfit named Kashmir According to the Ministry of The culprits will soon be In the context of the spread of Liberation Warriors which had Home Affairs, Indian citizens can brought to book and dealt mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2 in posted a threat letter about Jammu about terrorists and creating prob- now purchase land in Jammu & with, as per the law," he said many countries, the civil aviation & Kashmir Police on Telegram app lems in the 'fight against India'," Kashmir without any domicile cer- in a statement. Rao and his ministry in consultation with the titled 'Shaheed Naikoo Media Group' an intelligence agency has flagged. tificate. However, citizens are not wife, both practicing lawyers in the Telangana High Court, health and family welfare min- last month. The terror group has also posted yet allowed to buy agricultural land. were travelling in a car when istry has issued new guidelines "The group has warned officials names and details of seven offi- The Centre has removed "being a per- two assailants intercepted and for international arrivals, ac- working in Special Operations cers and the types of vehicles they manent resident of the state" as a pre- attacked them using knives cording to an official release. Group and Special Police Officers own, the agency stated. condition for buying land in Jammu and other sharp weapons near There are fresh guidelines for against providing information Agencies have also flagged that & Kashmir and Ladakh. a village in Ramagiri Mandal, all international travellers com- around 2.30 pm, they said. ing/transiting through flights originating from the United Kingdom, Europe and Middle EU envoys in East. The government has WEAR A MASK 14 minors rescued suspended international sched- Srinagar to Ranchi: Fourteen minors uled flights till February 28. rescued from Delhi were Overseas flights to and from assess situation brought to Ranchi Wednesday, India are currently operated as said a government official. Of per air bubble agreements with var- Mumbai Mayor hits the streets PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the 14, two are boys and the ious countries. As part of the rest girls. They hail from new set of guidelines, all inter- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE physical distancing norms. Srinagar, Feb 17: A group of en- different districts of Jharkhand. national travellers except the ones Outside Byculla and CSMT, she voys including those from several According to a state coming through flights originat- Mumbai, Feb 17: As the state ap- went to a paan shop, local street- Europe Union countries and a few government official, five of ing from the UK, Europe and parently hurtles towards a second vendors and shopkeepers urging OIC member states began a two- them are residents of West Middle East will have to submit self- lockdown, Mumbai Mayor Kishori them to wear masks and insist day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Singhbhum, one each of East declaration form on Air Suvidha Pednekar Wednesday took to the that customers follow suit. Wednesday to take a first-hand Singhbhum, Pakur, Khuti, portal before their scheduled travel. streets and with folded hands, ap- "The Corona danger has not sub- account of the situation in newly- Godda Aand Simdega and two They will also have to upload a pealed to the people to follow all sided yet We must all remain ex- carved union territory, especially each from Sahebganj and Gumla. negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report Covid-19 protocols in public interest. tremely vigilant, any let-up could after the recently-concluded local with exception of those travel- Reiterating her warnings since lead to another lockdown in the city body elections. ing to India in the exigency of Tuesday, Pednekar said that nearly and state," Pednekar warned. The envoys which has repre- Couple found dead death in the family. For seeking 60 percent of the people are vio- In a related development, sentation from four Organisation Surat: A speech and hearing- exemption, the travelling entity lating Covid-19 protocols like not Buldhana district authorities of Islamic Countries (OIC) -- impaired couple were found will have to apply to the online por- wearing face-masks, maintaining Mumbai mayor requests people to wear masks in the city. Credit: Twitter/@KishoriPednekar clamped full restrictions till Feb. Malaysia, Bangladesh, Senegal dead under mysterious tal www.Newdelhiairport.In at physical distancing and cleanliness. 28 in view of the increasing Covid- and Tajikistan -- were taken to circumstances in the least 72 hours before boarding. "I appeal to you all Do not force Pednekar, accompanied by a were not wearing face-masks to 19 cases in the district. Magam in central Kashmir amid bathroom of a flat in Gujarat's The test should have been con- the government to impose another couple of officials and security comply forthwith. The health and police officials heightened security arrangements Surat district, police said. The ducted within 72 hours prior to the lockdown. Please maintain all pro- personnel, caught a suburban She repeated this on the foot in Pune, Nashik, Solapur swooped in the city and elsewhere in the deceased were identified as journey and each passenger will tocols very strictly Its in your train from Byculla to Chhatrapati overbridges where many people down on people roaming around Valley, officials said here. Dhruti Tailor (21) and Arpit also have to submit a declaration hands to avoid another lockdown," Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) could be seen sauntering without without face-masks or in crowds Patel (24). They got engaged with respect to the authenticity of the Mayor appealed. and approached commuters who face-masks and not adhering to and imposed fines on them. two weeks ago, they said. the report, as per the guidelines. Who is responsible for over 50 deaths in MP bus mishap? Locals say that due to the poor condition of the road, there are hundreds of vehicles involved in transporting sand etc.,

which pass through this route and have the patronage of politicians along with government machinery Other envoys included in this delegation were from Brazil, Italy, INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE The pictures of the Chuhiya other routes? This is the big ques- action would be taken against the Finland, Cuba, Chile, Portugal, Valley Marg from Sidhi to Satna tion? The picture of Govind Singh culprits. Prima facie it seems to be the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Bhopal/Sidhi, Feb 17: The deaths are coming out now and show the Rajput, the Madhya Pradesh the fault of the bus driver. On join- Sweden, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, of 51 people in Sidhi district of appalling condition of the road. Transport minister, attending a ing the feast at another minister's Ghana, Estonia, Bolivia, Malawi, Madhya Pradesh when a bus fell There are huge pits and vehicles are feast on the day of the accident has residence, Rajput says,"There were Eritrea and Ivory Coast. into the Bansagar canal has raised not able to run smoothly on the gone viral on social media. Congress many other ministers besides me This is the third delegation that many questions. The bus was sched- road. This is the reason that there media cell general secretary K.K. present there. The Congress does pol- has arrived in Jammu and uled to take a route which had been are jams on this route and the same Mishra tweeted this picture and itics on the pretext of an accident, Kashmir since the government witnessing jams for several days. As was happening for the last few days. wrote, "Sidhi bus accident .. ad- I strongly condemn it." abrogated the erstwhile state's a result, the bus was diverted to Was there no plan to repair the ministration is counting bodies, Former Chief Minister and special status August 5, 2019 and the canal route on Tuesday where road and if the plan was there and CM's sentiments are being politically Congress state President Kamal bifurcated it into two union ter- it plunged into the water. the government had approved the sentimental! Responsible Transport Nath said, "Transport mafia is ac- ritories by carving out Ladakh. y Will the government be able to money, then why was the road not Minister Govind Singh Rajput en- tive in Madhya Pradesh. On the In Magam, the envoys went to a

show the courage to take quick ac- repaired. joys food at home of his fellow min- state highways, on roads, without college and were received in a tra-

k y m c tion against the culprits or will it Who has the contract for road ister and is laughing !! Heights of fitness, without permits, without in- ditional way and after the custom- be a mere routine affair? exam for a job. Till now the bodies Patan village route. This bus usu- construction? If the road gets shamelessness ?? Will CM Shivraj surance, over-capacity of passengers ary rituals by the administration, The bus travelling from Sidhi to of 51 people have been recovered ally took the Chuhiya Valley route jammed then what is the transport Singh Chouhan say something?" like animals, without a speed gov- they interacted with the locals. Satna district fell into the Bansagar from the canal. but for the last three-four days, it di- department, police, construction The Transport Minister said that ernor, hundreds of buses are racing It was a free-flowing exchange canal Tuesday. Most of the pas- The big question is why was the verted to the canal route due to fre- department and the various agen- the bus permit has been revoked, in- at a fast pace giving open invita- of ideas by the delegation with sengers were going to appear for an bus travelling through the Sarda quent traffic jams. cies doing. Why are vehicles taking vestigation would be done and strict tions to accidents." the locals, the officials said. It’s really very STORM CAUSES BLACKOUT P10 important that we THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR limit our social contacts as IN 12 STATES OF MEXICO much as possible because of Mexican authorities announce the risk of transmission of rolling blackouts would hit 12 the virus. So, please do that. states covering more than one- Do it for yourself, but also third of the country, extending the international for each other power cuts from northern Mexico

MARK RUTTE PRIME MINISTER, DENMARK into the central part of the nation

k y m | c of the day uote Myanmar protesters Canada must take a stand, but we don’t China steps up online controls don’t believe in any need to do this AGENCIES course. The Chinese leader has alone. We should Beginning next week, work with our made “digital sovereignty” a central closest allies. China Taipei, Feb 17: Ma Xiaolin fre- the Cyberspace concept of his rule, under which au- assurance by military is also imposing a police state on quently wrote about current af- thorities have set limits and in- Hong Kong and arbitrarily detaining fairs on one of China’s leading mi- Administration of China creased control of the digital realm. two Canadians in Chinese prisons croblogging sites, where he has two will require bloggers and The new credential requirement million followers. But recently, he could restrict individuals from post- ERIN O'TOOLE | CONSERVATIVE PARTY said in a post, the Weibo site called influencers to have a ing original content, including peo- LEADER, CANADA and asked him not to post original government-approved ple like Ma who aren’t openly chal- content on topics ranging from pol- lenging the line of Xi’s ruling itics to economic and military issues. credential before they Communist Party. Weibo CEO Wang Ecuador is in “As an international affairs re- mourning. can publish on a wide Gaofei, responding to Ma on the searcher and a columnist, it looks Starting range of subjects platform, said commentary on news tomorrow, I will like I can only go the route of en- released by official media was per- decree a national tertainment, food and beverage mitted but commentators could not mourning in now,” the international relations Beginning next week, the spread. The new rules expand that “release news” themselves. memory of Gustavo professor wrote January 31. Cyberspace Administration of requirement to health, economics, The policy revision is meant “to Noboa, former President of the Ma, who often posted on devel- China will require bloggers and education and judicial matters. standardize and steer public accounts Republic. Beloved friend, respected opments in the Mideast, is one of influencers to have a government- “The regulators want to control and information service platforms to democrat, youth moral builder, many popular influencers work- approved credential before they the entire procedure of information be more self aware in keeping the cor- patriot. My condolences to his ing within the constraints of China’s can publish on a wide range of sub- production,” said Titus Chen, an ex- rect direction of public opinion,” ac- AGENCIES We love family and friends heavily censored web who is find- jects. Some fear that only state pert in Chinese social media policy cording to a statement posted by the democracy and LENÍN MORENO | PRESIDENT, ECUADOR ing that their space to speak is media and official propaganda ac- at National Sun Yat-Sen University Cyberspace Administration. A week Yangon, Feb 17: Hundreds of thou- hate the junta. We shrinking even further with the counts will get permission. While in Taiwan. after unveiling the new rules in late sands of people marched in must be the last latest policy changes and a clean- permits have been needed since at The latest move is in line with ever January, the administration held a Myanmar Wednesday, rejecting the generation to experience up campaign run by the country’s least 2017 to write about topics such more restrictive regulations under nationwide conference on the im- army’s assertion that the public It’s great to a coup celebrate the powerful censors. He declined an in- as political and military affairs, President Xi Jinping that constrict portance of “strengthening order in supported its overthrow of elected terview request. enforcement has not been wide- an already narrow space for dis- online publishing.” leader Aung San Suu Kyi and vow- SITHU MAUNG | ELECTED MEMBER OF momentous SUU KYI’S NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR occasion of Tagore’s ing they would not be cowed in DEMOCRACY (NLD) visit to Houston a their bid to end military rule. century ago, to Gunmen storm into Opponents of the February 1 mil- deliver a lecture at WHITE BLANKET itary coup are deeply sceptical of Suu Kyi’s party swept a Nov. 8 Rice University as part of his second school in Nigeria, junta assurances, given at a news con- election as widely expected, but transcontinental lecture tour in ference Tuesday, that there would the army alleges there was fraud. America kidnap 27 students be a fair election and it would hand It said its seizure of power was in ASEEM MAHAJAN | CONSULATE GENERAL over power, even as police filed an line with the constitution and it OF HOUSTON AGENCIES additional charge against Suu Kyi. remained committed to democracy. The Nobel Peace laureate, de- A protester who gave her name Kaduna, Feb 17: Unidentified tained since the coup, now faces a as Khin was scornful. gunmen abducted 27 students charge of violating a Natural “They said there was vote fraud SHORT TAKES and some staff and their family Disaster Management Law as well but look at the people here,” said members in an attack overnight as charges of illegally importing six Khin. The coup that cut short the on a secondary school in walkie talkie radios. Her next hear- Southeast Asian country’s unsteady Maldives expands Nigeria’s Niger state, the state ing is set for March 1. transition towards democracy has vax programme governor’s spokeswoman said “We love democracy and hate prompted daily demonstrations Wednesday. the junta,” Sithu Maung, an elected since Feb. 6. Male: Maldives has The assailants stormed the member of Suu Kyi’s National The takeover has also drawn vaccinated over 50,000 Government Science college in League for Democracy (NLD) told strong Western criticism, with re- people, including 6,230 the Kagara district at around 2 tens of thousands of people at the newed anger from Washington and Monday, local media a.m., overwhelming the school’s se- Sule Pagoda, a central protest site London over the additional charge reported Wednesday. Health curity detail, according to local in the main city of Yangon. for Suu Kyi. Although China has Protection Agency's (HPA) residents. “We must be the last generation taken a softer line, its ambassador data showed that the The state governor ordered the to experience a coup.” in Myanmar Tuesday dismissed country's total vaccination immediate closure of boarding Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, accusations it supported the coup. count has climbed to 50,047. schools in the area. spokesman for the ruling council, told Despite that, protesters also gath- Maldives received 1,00,000 It was not immediately clear doses of the Covishield the Tuesday news conference that 40 ered outside the Chinese embassy. vaccine from India February who was responsible for the at- million of the 53 million population Tens of thousands took to the 1, and has purchased another tack.President Muhammadu supported the military’s action. streets of the city of Mandalay, 7,00,000 doses from Buhari condemned the raid and Sithu Maung poked fun at that where some people also blocked AstraZeneca which is dispatched security chiefs to co- A man walks to his friend’s home in a neighbourhood without electricity as snow covers the Black Hawk saying: “We’re showing here that its main rail link, and crowds gath- expected to arrive in two ordinate rescue operations, his neighbourhood in Pflugerville, Texas REUTERS we’re not in that 40 million.” ered in several other places. months, Xinhua reported. spokesman said.

Prince Philip Big Tech’s Dem critics discuss hospitalised US Navy warship sails in SCS London: Prince Philip, the ways to strike back with WH Duke of Edinburgh, has been AGENCIES admitted to hospital after nearby China-claimed islands feeling unwell, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday. The Washington, Feb 17: Congressional AGENCIES 99-year-old husband of Democrats have begun discussions Queen Elizabeth II was taken Militant Islamist group Boko with the White House on ways to New York, Feb 17: A U.S. Navy war- to King Edward VII Hospital in Haram and a branch of Islamic crack down on Big Tech including ship sailed by islands claimed by London on the advice of his State are active in northern making social media companies China in the South China Sea doctor as a “precautionary Nigeria, but kidnappings by other accountable for the spread of dis- Wednesday in a freedom of navi- measure”. “His Royal armed groups - mostly for ran- information on matters such as have called for laws and regula- gation operation, marking the lat- Highness The Duke of som - are also common. the U.S. Capitol riot and addressing tions to rein in dominant tech com- est move by Washington to chal- Edinburgh was admitted to Gunmen also stormed a sec- the abuse of market power to harm panies such as Facebook Inc, lenge Beijing’s territorial claims the King Edward VII hospital ondary school in northwestern corporate rivals. Twitter Inc, Alphabet Inc’s Google, in the contested waters. in London, on Tuesday Katsina state two months ago and The conversations, described by Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc. The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said evening,” the palace kidnapped nearly 350 boys, who a lawmaker and congressional Democratic lawmakers also have destroyer USS Russell “asserted statement said. were subsequently rescued by se- aides, have included the contentious expressed alarm over social media’s navigational rights and freedoms curity forces. topic of what to do with a measure role in the lead-up to a pro-Trump in the Spratly Islands, consistent About 100 of more than 270 called Section 230, part of a 1996 law mob’s Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. with international law.” over trade, the origins of the COVID- The U.S. ship’s pass by the Spratly Landslide toll schoolgirls abducted by Boko called the Communications Decency The conversations between law- China claims sovereignty over the 19 pandemic, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Islands follows a joint exercise by Haram from the town of Chibok Act, that shields social media plat- makers and Biden aides represent entire archipeligo, but Brunei, accusations of human rights abuses two U.S. carrier groups in South climbs to 12 in 2014 are still missing. forms from lawsuits over much of the first sign that the White House Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan against Uighur Muslims. China Sea and another warship Jakarta: The death toll in the Such attacks have raised con- the content posted by users. has begun actively getting involved and Vietnam also have lodged com- Washington has denounced what sailing near Chinese-controlled Indonesia’s East Java cerns about rising violence by Democratic President Joe Biden in considering how to take on Big peting claims for some or all of the it called Beijing’s attempts to bully Paracel islands earlier this month. province landslide climbed to Islamist insurgents and armed as a candidate last year called for Tech. They also show how law- islands. neighbours with competing inter- Those actions had suggested that 12 Wednesday, while search gangs and fuelled widespread crit- revoking Section 230, and his makers are trying to get Biden China’s extensive territorial claims ests. China has repeatedly de- the Biden administration was not is on for seven missing icism of Buhari’s handling of na- Republican predecessor Donald staffers on board as part of the in the resource-rich waters have be- nounced what it called U.S. efforts about to scale back operations chal- people, the country's disaster tional security. In January, the Trump unsuccessfully pressed lengthy lawmaking process on a come a hot button issue in an in- to foment unrest in the region and lenging Beijing’s claims after the mitigation agency said. As president appointed a new military Congress to repeal it. wide range of issues. Biden took creasingly testy Sino-U.S. relation- interfere in what it regards as its ramp-up seen during the Trump many as 20 people were high command. Many lawmakers in recent years office January 20. ship. The two countries are at odds internal affairs. administration. injured in the disaster and they have been treated now at local clinics, Xinhua Pak no to induction reported. Seven villagers have been still missing from of new permanent Tuesday night. Rescue For Biden, the White House is a ‘gilded cage’ operation is underway to evacuate victims who are BIDEN’S WORKING-CLASS UPBRINGING IN SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, HAS LONG BEEN A CENTRAL PART OF HIS POLITICAL member into UNSC believed to be buried by the landslides. BRAND. HE MOST RECENTLY LIVED IN A LARGE HOUSE IN THE WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, SUBURBS AGENCIES

ASSOCIATED PRESS been a central part of his political new, Biden suggested he’s already Islamabad, Feb 17: Pakistan has brand. He most recently lived in a settled deeply into the work of the opposed the addition of new per- SL to re-acquire Washington, Feb 17: Four large house in the Wilmington, presidency. “Sometimes, because manent members to the UN 99 oil tanks weeks into his presidency, Delaware, suburbs. things are moving so fast, not be- Security Council (UNSC), warning Joe Biden has said he’s I get up in the The White House features a spa- cause of the burden, it feels like of compounding the Council’s in- Colombo: Sri Lanka will re- still getting used to the morning and look at cious lawn that has an unimpeded four years,” Biden said. “It’s not equality and dysfunctionality, acquire 99 World War II-era trappings of the of- view of the Washington and Lincoln because of the burden, it’s because Radio Pakistan reported oil storage tanks leased to fice. Biden offered a Jill and say, ‘Where Monuments, but is otherwise sur- there’s so much happening, that Wednesday. Indian Oil Corporation in the frank description of the hell are we’? I get rounded by high fencing and a small you’re focused on, you’re constantly Pakistan’s Permanent eastern port district of what it’s like to live army of guards. Biden said it’s ‘to- focusing on one problem or oppor- Representative to the UN Trincomalee, Energy Minister at 1600 Pennsylvania extremely tally different’ from the vice-presi- tunity,” the US president added. Ambassador Munir Akram said Udaya Gammanpila Avenue. During his dent’s residence, set on 80 acres and Biden confirmed he had picked this while addressing a meeting of announced Wednesday. It is self-conscious when CNN town hall the Inter-Governmental the second deal with India to offering ample room to swim, explore up the phone to talk with one or

speech Tuesday night household staff and exercise in greater privacy. more of his predecessors but de- Negotiations Framework, Geo tv

k y m be scrapped by Sri Lanka this c year. Last month, the Sri he referred to past pres- waits on me The former vice-president said clined to say who. He said: “By the reported. He reiterated Pakistan’s Lankan government scrapped idents who have spoken we’?’ Biden scious,” Biden stated. He pointed out, he’d been in the Oval Office for way, all of them have, with one ex- principled stance on restructuring the trilateral deal with India of the building as ‘a little like joked. He he was unaccustomed to someone more than 100 times over the years, ception, picked up the phone and the Security Council by expan- and Japan to develop the a gilded cage’. added that he wasn’t used to ‘handing me my suit and coat’. but had never been to the residen- called me as well.” It can be gauged sion in the non-permanent category Colombo Port's Eastern “I get up in the morning and look household staff waiting on him. “I Biden's working-class upbringing tial areas of the White House. as to who the past president is who so that the ideal of a comprehen- Container Terminal (ECT). at Jill and say, ‘Where the hell are find myself extremely self-con- in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has long Even if the residence still feels hasn’t picked up Biden’s phone. sive reform can be met. India is CARGO TRAFFIC CONTINUE TO FALL P11 working to THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR meet growing energy India’s top-12 ports witnessed a demand, while reducing considerable decline in cargo traffic for the its energy import tenth straight month in January to 542.13 dependence and MT, according to ports’ apex body IPA. Cargo also diversifying traffic at 12 major ports that are under the business import sources control of the Centre dropped by 7.44% to

NARENDRA MODI PRIME MINISTER

k y m | 542.13 MT during April-January this fiscal c of the day uote PETROL AT `100 RENAULT KIGER COMPACT SUV Privatisation (of CPSEs) is LAUNCHED IN CITY best done INDIA ASKS OPEC TO EASE OUTPUT CUTS when the economy is booming. International oil prices have been on the boil since Saudi Arabia pledged additional voluntary output cuts of Privatisation in a recession time is a 1 million barrels per day in February and March under a deal between the OPEC and its allies horrible idea PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the impact of Covid-19 in its ini- "There is an urgent need to allow PRONAB SEN | FORMER CHIEF STATISTICIAN tial stages," Pradhan said at the consumption-led recovery, that has New Delhi, Feb 17: India, the 11th IEA IEF OPEC Symposium just taken root in several emerg- It is very world’s third-biggest oil consumer, on Energy Outlooks. ing and developing economies, in- unlikely Wednesday urged Saudi Arabia India, he said, had contained the cluding India to continue in the POST NEWS NETWORK mandatory 5 and other global oil producers to ease inflationary pressures on several coming months," he said. days in the office is production cuts, saying rising in- fronts but not those impacted by Referring to the output cut, Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Renault ever going to come ternational oil prices are hurting eco- crude prices. Pradhan said the collective interests India Wednesday launched the back again nomic recovery and demand. "The price-sensitive Indian con- of both producing and consuming all-new Kiger at Renault Demand recovery should take sumers are affected by rising pe- nations need to be promoted. Bhubaneswar showroom in city. NITIN PARANJPE | COO, UNILEVER "primacy" over oil prices at least for troleum product prices. It also af- "The key producing countries The new international model is the next few months, Oil Minister fects demand growth, which could have not only revised the production priced starting from `5.45 lakh Dharmendra Pradhan said. potentially impact the delicate as- cuts over and above the previously (ex-showroom, Bhubaneswar). The current International oil prices have been pirational economic growth trajec- announced levels but also added Managing Director of Renault semiconductor on the boil since Saudi Arabia (OPEC) and its allies including breaching the `100 a litre mark. tory not just in India but in other de- additional voluntary cuts. I had Bhubaneswar Satish Garg, shortage will pledged additional voluntary output Russia, a group known as OPEC+. "The rising crude oil prices dur- veloping countries as well," he said. supported the joint decision by Chairman of Gupta Power certainly revive with cuts of 1 million barrels per day This has resulted in oil prices ing the last few weeks is hurting the Petrol sales, which reached pre- major oil-producing countries to Mahendra Kumar Gupta, LIC time. However, in February and March under a rising to USD 63 per barrel, the fragile global economic recovery Covid levels six months back, fell cut oil production in April last year Senior Divisional Manager Akshya other similar deal between the Organization of the highest level in more than a year, due to significant demand con- below pre-pandemic levels in the first amid a sharp fall in demand due to Kumar Sahoo and MD of Magma disruptions may Petroleum Exporting Countries leading to retail pump rates in India traction, which might even mirror half of February. the Covid pandemic.. Foods Pawan Agarwal were pres- occur again. Automobile ent at the launching ceremony. manufacturers should make use of “New SUV Kiger is a game rapid what-if scenario modelling changer. Its features and comforts capabilities that are available in at this reasonable price are like modern day Intelligent digital ` India-Mauritius trade value for money for the riders. It planning solutions to assess such Centre okays 12K cr PLI is a proud to say that the model has risks in advance been manufactured in India and YUGESH AGLAWE | PARTNER AND SUPPLY will be exported other countries,” CHAIN LEADER, EY INDIA pact gets Cabinet nod said Garg. scheme for telecom sector Renault Kiger is surely set to rad- Over 300 domestic items to get concessional market access ically alter the dynamics in the B- SHORT TAKES AGENCIES SUV segment. Renault Kiger is AGENCIES designed with collaboration of New Delhi, Feb 17: The govern- France and India teams. Amazon acquires ment Wednesday approved a 12,195 New Delhi, Feb 17: More than Renault Kiger has established crore production-linked incentive 300 domestic goods from agriculture, itself as a Stunning, Smart and Oz-based Selz (PLI) scheme for telecom gear man- textiles, electronics and other sec- Sporty B-SUV. KIGER is equipped San Francisco: Amazon has ufacturing in India which is ex- tors will get market access at con- with smart cabin combines tech- quietly acquired Selz, an pected to encourage production of cessional customs duties in nology, functionality and roomi- Australia-based e- equipment worth `2.44 lakh crore Mauritius, with the Indian gov- ness. Customers can choose from commerce platform that and create direct and indirect em- ernment Wednesday approving four available trims – RXE, RXL, helps businesses to have ployment for about 40,000 peo- signing of a free trade agreement RXT and RXZ. The top variant their own online stores. "We ple, Union minister Ravi In between the two countries. India and Mauritius have with all the bells and whistles is have signed an agreement Shankar Prasad said. next five years The Union Cabinet, chaired by priced at `9.55 lakh (ex-showroom, to be acquired by Amazon The PLI scheme for we hope to have the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, been negotiating this Bhubaneswar). and are looking forward to telecom gear manu- incremental production of has approved signing of the working with them as we pact since 2005. This is facturing will be op- `2,44,200 cr, export worth Comprehensive Economic continue to build easy-to- erational from April as a global ment worth more than `50,000 crores Cooperation and Partnership the first such agreement use tools for `1,95,360 cr, direct and Google to commit 1, 2021. power- and reinforce it with “Made Agreement (CECPA) between India entrepreneurs," Martin indirect employment to 40,000 approved for signing by "In the coming and Mauritius, an official state- Rushe, CEO and Founder of people and tax revenue of house for in India” products both for do- five years we hope ment said. the Modi government `109 cr to support Selz, said in a blog post. approximately `17,000 cr manufac- mestic markets and exports, the to have incremental turing, It said that Mauritius will ben- "Nothing is changing for our to the country release said. since it came to SMBs in India customers at this time, and production of `2,44,200 and has cre- The new scheme has an outlay of efit from preferential market ac- crore, export worth RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD I ated a con- `12,195 crores over five years, and cess into India for its 615 products, power in 2014 we'll be in touch with TELECOM MINISTER customers as and when we `1,95,360 crore, direct and ducive its eligibility will be subject to including frozen fish, speciality have further updates." indirect employment to environ- achievement of a minimum thresh- sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, In a free trade agreement, two 40,000 people and tax revenue of ment for ease of doing old of cumulative incremental in- mineral water, beer, alcoholic drinks, trading partners cut or eliminate approximately `17,000 crore to the business. vestment and incremental sales of soaps, bags, medical and surgical customs duties on a host of prod- Housing fin cos country," telecom minister Ravi "Cabinet has approved PLI for manufactured goods. equipment, and apparel. ucts besides liberalising norms to Shankar Prasad said after the telecom sector ... To ensure further The incentive structure ranges "The CECPA between India and promote services trade. to grow at 12-15% Cabinet meeting. progress of Make-in-India in tele- between 4 per cent and 7 per cent Mauritius covers 310 export items With respect to trade in services, AGENCIES According to an official state- com equipment space...5G equip- for different categories and years. for India, including food stuff and Indian service providers will have Mumbai: The long-term ment, the scheme is expected to ment will also come...So it was im- Financial Year 2019-20 will be treated beverages (80 lines), agricultural access to around 115 sub-sectors New Delhi, Feb 17: Google growth outlook for bring investment of over `3,000 portant to give incentives. We held as the base year for computation of products (25 lines), textile and tex- from the 11 broad service segments Wednesday said it would give $15 affordable housing finance crore and generate huge direct widespread consultation with stake- cumulative incremental sales of tile articles (27 lines), base metals such as research and development, million (nearly `109 crore) to sup- companies remains positive and the segment is likely to and indirect employment and holders," Prasad said adding that the manufactured goods net of taxes, and articles thereof (32 lines), elec- telecommunication, construction, port small and micro enterprises see a growth of 12-15% in taxes both. scheme also aims to promote the release added. Minimum in- tricals and electronic item (13 lines), distribution, education, environ- in India in the face of Covid-19 the next financial year, says Addressing reporters after the MSMEs in "Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. vestment threshold for MSMEs has plastics and chemicals (20 lines), mental, financial, tourism, recre- pandemic. The investment is part a report. As of September Cabinet meeting, Prasad said that The scheme is expected to off- been kept at `10 crores and for oth- wood and articles thereof (15 lines), ational, yoga, audio-visual serv- of the $75 million commitment 30, 2020, the total portfolio the government is positioning India set huge imports of telecom equip- ers at `100 crores. and others," the statement said. ices, and transport services. from Google to help small busi- of the new affordable nesses outside of the US. housing finance companies "In India, we will invest $15 mil- (AHFCs) in the affordable lion to support small and micro en- housing space stood at BIZ BUZZ terprises across the country and `55,061 crore, registering a Credai Odisha urges state are in discussions with local part- moderate year-on-year (Y-o- Dr Batra’s launches BMW rolls out X3 ners," the company said in a state- Y) growth of 9%, Icra ment. The company is working Ratings said in a report. Derma Heal in City xDrive 30i Sport X with non-government partners Bhubaneswar: The new BMW X3 govt to reduce stamp duty who have a long track record of pro- Bhubaneswar: Dr Batra introduced viding resources to businesses Derma Heal, a first-of-its-kind, xDrive30i Sport X has been POST NEWS NETWORK At present, the state government charges 7% in registration fee as that are generally overlooked by Airtel to acquire easy and pain-free skin care launched in India. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the solution to its patients. Derma charges 7% of stamp duty but real well. Routray expected the Odisha traditional lenders. 20% equity stake new exciting Heal is a revolutionary skin care Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Real Estate estate body urged the government government, which pioneered the When the pandemic hit last year, ‘Sport X’ New Delhi: Bharti Airtel treatment combines the goodness body Credia Odisha Wednesday to reduce it to 3%. mission of house for all by 2030, Google announced a $200 million petrol Wednesday said that it will of UVB light rays and homeopathy urged state government to consider The president expressed con- shall modify imposition of 7% investment fund as part of its more variant of acquire Warburg Pincus on reduction of stamp duty and cern over the current slugging con- stamp duty & registration fees on than $800 million commitment to to treat skin diseases safely and the BMW X3 affiliate’s 20% equity stake registration fee on sales of housing dition in the sector on account of re- registration of General Power of support small businesses. "Gogle naturally. Each Derma Heal is available at dealerships today in its DTH arm Bharti units to boost and recover the in- cessional turmoil caused due to Attorney as it is neither a con- has had a special relationship with session takes only 30mins and is onwards. LED headlamps with Telemedia. The deal involves administered by trained therapists extended contents create a dustry from the pandemic affect. corona and other economic stresses. veyance deed nor a separate in- small businesses around the world a total consideration of under the guidance of qualified familiar BMW four-eyed front face. President of CREDAI Odisha SK Routray appealed the government strument for real estate construc- – helping them scale, innovate and ` 3,126 crore which will be homeopathic dermatologists. With Black High Gloss elements on the Routray said, “Many states have to provide substantive help in the tions. He also appealed that the reach new customers. With today's discharged primarily via a proven efficacy of more than 400 radiator grille bars, two-tone adopted reduction of stamp duty and budget to boost the house building stamp duty and registration fees in announcement, we're proud to issuance of 3.64 crore equity clinical research studies, this underbody protection, air-breather registration fees in the view of the activities. “This will boost sale of case of GPA should be 1% of the help them meet a new challenge — shares of Airtel at a price of treatment method enhances skin and the classically designed 18” pandemic. Odisha government too houses at affordable cost and shall benchmark value of the land sub- accessing capital needed to re- ` 600 per share, and up to treatment outcomes to give you light-alloy wheels add to the needs to consider the matter and ensure increase in state revenue,” ject to condition that it should be cover and build resiliency for the ` 1,037.8 crore in cash, Bharti bettered results in just 5 weeks. overall athleticism. take decision on it.” he added. The state government maximised to `50, 000. future," the tech giant said. Airtel said in a regulatory filing. The issuance of shares proposed through preferential allotment is subject to shareholders’ approval. 57% OF INDIANS PLAN TO TRAVEL IN 2021: SURVEY

AGENCIES spondents that are 40 and above. STEPPING OUT "After a year of sacrifice and ‘Travel, hospitality FM addresses Mumbai, Feb 17: As travel returns ccording to a research, this hardship where so many were kept sectors hit hardest’ Sebi board in 2021, 57% respondents across Asentiment was reflected in apart for so long, 2021 offers many age groups said they will connect traveller groups who are most the chance to reconnect with friends NEW DELHI: The tourism, travel and New Delhi: Finance Minister with family and friends through likely to travel after the and loved ones. We will also see the hospitality industries have been hit Nirmala Sitharaman personal trips this year, according pandemic as well, including continued growth of restorative, the hardest by the Covid-19 pandem- Wednesday appreciated the to a survey. GenX and millennials inclusive and sustainable travel ic, a report by Institute of measures taken by Sebi, Management Accountants (IMA) According to a research con- t found that 85% would like to throughout India," Amanpreet Bajaj, especially to deal with the said. Accordingly, the survey report ducted by research firm YouGov stay in unique Country Manager - Airbnb India, Covid situation, and I results reflect an across-the-board for Airbnb, this sentiment was re- accommodations when they Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and emphasised the need for decline in revenue, with very large flected in traveller groups who are travel including heritage homes, Taiwan, stated. Travellers are look- timely implementation of companies most likely to have expe- most likely to travel after the pan- havelis, farm stays and villas ing at more meaningful experi- announcements related to rienced a considerable decline in rev- demic as well, including GenX and among others ences, prizing personal connection the capital market made in enue. "Despite the general decline in

millennials, it revealed. and valued time with friends and

k y m the Union Budget 2021-22. revenues among firms of all sizes, c The survey was done online ties for hosting across the country others, exploring new destinations About 39% of Millennials stated a The minister addressed the family, he opined. one-third of our survey respondents board of Sebi in the national among 1,040 travellers across the that could emerge in 2021, it said. and places recommended by local firm intent to travel in 2021, it added. "Holidays in the hills and other felt they were doing better than their capital on Wednesday for country between February 2-10. It found that 85% would like to stay hosts, family or friends. It also found that over 59% of re- natural settings are also helping competition, and fewer than 10% felt the first time after the Further, 50% of millennials said in unique accommodations when GenX (89%) and Millennials (86%), spondents consider health and safety travellers re-connect with the en- they were lagging behind their com- presentation of the they would travel with friends and they travel including heritage homes, who comprise a large pool of current a key priority, with the number un- vironment as a medium to rest and petitors," IMA said in a statement. Budget February 1. family, suggesting new opportuni- havelis, farm stays and villas among and future travellers, lead this trend. derstandably increasing for re- recharge," Bajaj added. P12

THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 18 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR sports

y

k k y y m m c CATCH ME c IF YOU CAN!

PIQUE MOCKED BARCELONA: Barcelona’s desperation in dealing with Salah, Mane lift Liverpool Kylian Mbappe was best encapsulated in the one image which went viral, Tuesday. The PSG striker was using his BUDAPEST: Liverpool’s players will take The first leg of the teams’ last 16 match was blistering pace to devastating effect and Barcelona any help they can get as the stuttering English played at the Puskas Arena in Hungary be- defender Gerard Pique could only make a desperate champions look to snap out of an alarming cause of German restrictions on arrivals ‘Untouchable king’ Mbappe bags hat-trick as PSG attempt to grab the 22-year-old’s shirt. It seemed the only slump in form. With two defensive blunders, from Britain amid the pandemic. way he could stop him. Pique’s desperate attempt to slow Leipzig obliged in the Champions League Aside from its two-goal advantage, Liverpool humiliate Barcelona taking a 4-1 lead ahead of their Mbappe down was ruthlessly mocked online by fans on a Tuesday. will have the added benefit of playing the night Match of the Day host Gary Lineker felt there was a Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane pounced second leg March 10 at their home stadium, Champions League round of 16 second leg in Paris ‘changing of the guard’ for football. Fans quickly shared on errors to score Liverpool’s goals in a 2-0 win Anfield, albeit without fans allowed. the image of him stretching to reach the back of over the German team in the first leg of their Klopp struck a defiant mood ahead of the ASSOCIATED PRESS 2-0 in the other round of 16 match, Mbappe’s jersey in a bid to slow the Frenchman down. last 16 match, giving the Reds some respite from match, insisting he would not be quitting or Tuesday. “Dear Pique, if you wanted Mbappe’s shirt, just ask,” one their imploding Premier League title defense. taking a break despite looking worn down by Barcelona, Feb 17: Kylian Mbappe Barcelona were in control early fan joked. Another added: “Mbappe looks like a cartoon The Champions League is the only trophy his team’s dreadful run of results of late. outplayed Lionel Messi as Paris on and opened the scoring with a character there. It’s like Pique trying to grab the roadrun- Liverpool can win this season now the team The Reds, who have won just two of their ner.” The jokes continued long after the match with one Saint-Germain put Barcelona up 27th-minute penalty after Frenkie has dropped out of the top four in the Premier last 10 Premier League games, are now in amused fan writing: “Mbappe: I’m going for your girl; against the ropes in the Champions de Jong fell in the area when his heel Pique: no; Mbappe: catch me if you can.” League unexpectedly early, and Jurgen Klopp’s sixth place and battling just to qualify for League again. And with Mbappe in was clipped by defender Layvin side is already in sight of the quarterfinals. next season’s Champions League. that kind of form, it’s hard to see Kurzawa. Salah latched on to a misplaced pass from This win, against a team in second place Barcelona staging another epic Messi fired a left-footed shot into SPANISH MEDIA TEARS APART Marcel Sabitzer back to defender Lukas in the Bundesliga and which reached the comeback this time. the top corner for his 10th goal in Klostermann in the 53rd minute, before rac- Champions League semifinals last season, After Messi put Barcelona ahead the last 10 matches. It was Messi’s ‘CHARACTERLESS’ BARCELONA ing into the area and slotting his finish past will be a morale-booster, then. from the penalty spot, Mbappe net- record 28th goal in 31 matches in the former Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. The victory did come with a welcome clean ted a hat-trick at the Camp Nou round of 16 of the Champions Only five minutes later, a long ball forward was sheet, however, which is a rarity these days Tuesday to give PSG a 4-1 win in the League, according to UEFA. He has misjudged by Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele, for Liverpool's injury-hit defense that was first leg of their round of 16 scored in the tournament for the 17th allowing Mane to run clean through and dis- again being propped up by new signing Ozan matchup. consecutive year — from 2005 to patch a similarly sharp effort beyond Gulacsi. Kabak and midfielder Jordan Henderson. It was the team’s first meeting 2021 — to match Raul Gonzalez’s feat since Barcelona erased a 0-4 deficit from 1995 to 2011. by winning the second leg 6-1 at PSG immediately pressed for- the same stage of the competition ward and equalized five minutes four years ago. But Ronald Koeman’s later after a nice exchange of passes team was thoroughly outplayed at inside the area, with Mbappe con- home, even with PSG missing Brazil trolling the ball and shooting it star Neymar, and now has to at- into the top of the net from close tempt a comeback in Paris instead. range after a clever one-touch pass Mbappe scored five minutes after by Marco Verratti. MADRID: Spanish press tore into Ronald Koeman’s ‘char- Messi’s opener and added two sec- PSG continued to play better and acterless’ Barcelona after ‘another embarrassment’ in the ond-half goals to become the first Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Champions League as they were ripped apart by Kylian player to score an away hat-trick at ter Stegen had to make a few good Mbappe and PSG at the Nou Camp. It was Mbappe who the Camp Nou in the Champions saves before Mbappe put his team dominated Wednesday’s front pages with his perform- League since Andriy Shevchenko for DEVASTATING OUTING: Lionel Messi ahead from inside the area in the 65th. ance described by ‘Diario AS’ as like ‘a hurricane’ that Dynamo Kyiv in a 4-0 win in 1997. looks dejected after one of PSG’s goal Kean added to the lead five min- devastated the Nou Camp. ‘MARCA’ described how His dominance was epitomized by at Camp Nou, Tuesday utes later with a header off a free- Mbappe ‘blew Barca away’, while ‘SPORT’ went with a the image of Barcelona captain Gerard kick, and Mbappe sealed the scoring similar line as the French striker ‘swept Barca aside’ on Pique — making his return from a second half for PSG, last season’s by finishing off a quick counterat- the night. ‘Mundo Deportivo’ simply coined the term long-term injury layoff — pulling at finalist which looked far more dan- tack by curling a first-time shot into ‘Mbappe’d’ after his one-man show left Koeman’s side on Mbappe’s shirt in an unsuccessful gerous than the hosts throughout the far corner in the 85th. The goals the brink of elimination at the halfway stage in the last 16 attempt at slowing down the France the match at the empty Camp Nou. allowed Mbappe to pass Pauleta for tie. They described Barcelona as ‘fragile, imprecise and characterless’ on the night in a performance that was an star as he rushed forward in attack. The second leg will be March 10 third place on the club’s all-time indictment of their decline in recent seasons. Moise Kean also scored in the in Paris. Liverpool defeated Leipzig scoring list with 111 goals. Liverpool players celebrate Mo Salah’s (with beard) goal against Leipzig, Tuesday Gaurs beat OFC, end TSITSIPAS ENDS NADAL RUN NEWS IN BRIEF India retain team Faf bids adieu to six-game winless run for last two Tests Tests for T20Is NEW DELHI: The selectors JOHANNESBURG: Former South Wednesday retained 17 of the 18 Africa captain Faf du Plessis AGENCIES was probably the best chance of members in the Indian squad for Wednesday announced his the half for them. the final two Tests against England retirement from Test cricket to Goa, Feb 17: FC Goa ended their Gonzalez then sealed the deal while senior pacer Umesh Yadav’s focus on the shorter formats with six-match winless run beating in the 75th. He could have scored inclusion would depend on his T20 being his priority. The 36-year- Odisha FC 3-1 in their Indian Super another but his header came off fitness assessment ahead of the old made the announcement League (ISL) encounter here, the bar. It was all Goa even after the day/night game in Ahmedabad. through a statement on his Wednesday. Alberto Noguera (18th third goal for them. Overall, they Shardul Thakur is the only player instagram page. Du Plessis said minute), Jorge Ortiz (26th) and were the better side and deserved who has not been kept as he will be his focus now shifts to T20 cricket Ivan Gonzalez (75th) struck for the the three points. released to compete in the Vijay but ODIs will also remain a part of Gaurs, while Diego Mauricio (30th) Before of the game, Goa head Hazare Trophy. THE SQUAD: Virat his plans. Du Plessis played 69 pulled one back for the coach Juan Ferrando had said that Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Tests, scoring 4,163 runs at an Bhubaneswar-based side. they know where to work on con- Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar average of 40.02 including 10 They now move to the fourth sidering the goals they have con- Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, hundreds and 21 fifties. He position with 27 points from 18 ceded so far. Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), stepped down as South Africa’s matches. The third-placed “So far this season we have con- Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Test and T20 captain last year Hyderabad FC too have 27 points ceded 21 goals (and scored 26 before Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington after taking over from the Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit charismatic A B de Villiers back in from 18 games, but with a bet- the match against Odisha FC), but Bumrah & Mohammed Siraj; standby 2016. He captained the team is 36 ter goal difference (eight cam- 16 out of these 21 were because of ASSOCIATED PRESS Nadal went ahead rather easily, Greece with a flashy game – who players: KS Bharat & Rahul Chahar. Tests, winning 18 of them. pared to Goa’s 7) the Nizams are penalties and set-pieces, not be- winning 27 consecutive points on his will meet 2019 US Open runner-up a spot higher. cause of play moves of the rival Melbourne, Feb 17: For the 225th time serve in one stretch and running his Daniil Medvedev, who got the bet- FC Goa could lose their position team. So we know where to focus in his illustrious career, Rafa Nadal streak of consecutive sets won at ter of seventh seed Andrey Rublev Kings XI Punjab renamed as ‘Punjab Kings’ if NorthEast United FC win their our work on.” grabbed a two-set lead in a Grand major tournaments to 35, one shy 7-5, 6-3, 6-2, in the semifinals Friday. next match as they have now 26 After six draws in a row, they fi- Slam match. For only the second of Roger Federer’s record for the pro- Neither Tsitsipas nor Medvedev has New Delhi: Kings XI Punjab were Wednesday points with a game in hand as they nally won a game. Speaking about time, he blew that big edge and lost. fessional era. Nadal and Federer won a Grand Slam tournament. renamed as Punjab Kings ahead of the 2021 IPL have played 17 matches so far. the drawn games, Ferrando said: A couple of uncharacteristically are currently tied at 20 Grand Slam In the other men’s semifinal, 17- auction Thursday in Chennai. PTI had reported It was a well-deserved win as “Some fatigue and injuries might be sloppy overheads and a framed singles titles, more than any other time major champion and No. 1- of the name change February 15. A new logo was also unveiled Wednesday. Speaking about they had entered the second half affecting the team’s performance backhand in a third-set tiebreaker man in the history of tennis. ranked Novak Djokovic will face

y the new brand identity, team CEO Satish with a goal’s lead and it was them over the last few matches and be began Nadal’s undoing, and his But Tsitsipas never wavered and qualifier Aslan Karatsev, who is Menon said: “Punjab Kings is a more evolved

who began, as well as ended the sec- the reason we find it difficult to be bid for a men’s-record 21st major that surprisingly poor tie-breaker making his Grand Slam debut.

k k y y m m c brand name, and we understand it was a right c ond essay the better side. focused on the game for 90 minutes. championship eventually ended in by the 34-year-old Nadal helped The women’s semifinals will see time for us to move focus on the core brand OFC did look threatening a cou- “It might also be a reflection of the Australian Open quarterfinals hand over the third set and begin Serena Williams vs. Naomi Osaka, itself. The change in brand identity is not about ple of times on the counter. Mauricio a pretty young team. Anyhow, we Wednesday with 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(7-4), 6- the epic comeback. and Jennifer Brady, a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win- changing our brand ethos but celebrating our probably should have equalised in need to keep our professional ap- 4, 7-5 loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas. So now, instead of Nadal attempting ner over Jessica Pegula, vs. Karolina one-ness as we stand in unit like a family. The the 63rd minute but he failed to proach, keep working as a team At his put-the-ball-where-he- to continue his pursuit of Federer, it Muchova, who stunned World No.1 new logo honors the liveliness and vibrancy of the brand and provides get good contact with the ball. That and feed the motivation.” wants-it best in the early going, will be Tsitsipas – a 22-year-old from Ash Barty 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. modern elements, while we stand out from rest of the teams.”

Printed and published by Tathagata Satpathy on behalf of Navajat Printers and Media Pvt. Ltd. and printed at Navajat Printers, B-15 Industrial Estate, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar -751010, Odisha;Phone:7894447142(Marketing). Editor: Tathagata Satpathy, RNI No. ORIENG/2011/37159