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UNIQUE CELEBRATION PROTESTS CONTINUE IN MYANMAR TITLE FOR DJOKOVIC Actor Alia Bhatt has recreated a popular scene Protests gathered steam Sunday following the killing of Novak Djokovic wins his record- from Highway as the movie completed 19-year-old girl who had gathered to protest extending ninth Australian Open crown at Melbourne seven years of its release LEISURE | P2 against the junta INTERNATIONAL | P10 SPORTS | P12

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 321 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 12 PAGES | `4.00 IRREGULAR by MANJUL SRC alerts dists to tighten COVID rules PNN & AGENCIES against such violators,” the instruc- 7-day lockdown tions from the SRC read. Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: The Special In view of this, the SRC directed the Relief Commissioner (SRC) Sunday in Amravati district and police authorities to check directed the district Collectors, and ensure strict observance of COVID- Superintendents of Police and MUMBAI: Seven-day total lockdown 19 safety protocols such as mandatory Municipal Commissioners to ensure imposed in Maharashtra’s Amravati, wearing of mask, maintaining physi- strict implementation of Covid-19 safety Achalpur due to COVID spike cal distancing in all public places in- guidelines in all public places includ- A total lockdown of seven days has cluding workplaces and educational ing workplaces to avoid any chance of been imposed in Amravati City and institutions. Achalpur town in Maharashtra due Economic Survey resurgence of the virus in the state. Concerned authorities of govern- These are only for car owners. to a large number of coronavirus “It is observed that people at many patients. Mumbai: Aseven-day long ment and private offices/institutions Only those who can afford petrol places are showing complacency in including educational institutions shall can buy my vegetables. total lockdown has been imposed in talks about hiked observing the basic safety protocols Amravati City as well as Achalpur be responsible for due compliance of the such as mandatory wearing of mask or town in Amravati district due to a COVID-19 safety protocols in their re- other face covering while in public large number of coronavirus spective establishments, the letter said. SHORT TAKES place, frequent hand-washing or use of patients. The announcement was Large congregations must be avoided tax deficit scenario hand sanitizer, maintaining minimum made by Guardian Minister and wherever permission has been one meter physical distance, avoiding Yashomati Thakur in a press granted, compliance of the COVID-19 Double whammy on the GST front may kill the Two more ruling congregation, etc,” the SRC said in its conference on Sunday afternoon. safety protocols and crowd size shall be letter to the other state officials. strictly monitored. tax net of the govt & affect the overall collections MLAs quit in Pondy It also added, “At this juncture, we need to be very careful and ensure strict en- Pondicherry: Two more MLAs of forcement of the COVID-19 safety pro- the Congress-DMK alliance in tocols by all in public places including Centre warns states against spike in cases Pondicherry resigned Sunday, workplaces to avoid any chance of resur- NEW DELHI: Amid a spike in daily stressed that all negative rapid anti- Kerala and Maharashtra. Of late it is delivering yet another jolt to Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, gence of the disease in our state.” new cases of COVID-19 in some states gen test results should be mandato- seen that there has been a spike in the a day before he is scheduled to The department asked Collectors to including Maharashtra and Kerala, rily followed by RT-PCR test. daily cases in Chhattisgarh and face a floor test in the assembly take legal action against the defiant the Centre has advised them to in- India has been witnessing a rise in Madhya Pradesh also. Punjab and to prove his majority. The citizens and institutions if needed. crease the proportion of RT-PCR tests the COVID-19 active caseload over Jammu and Kashmir too are wit- resignation by Congress MLA K “Strong penal action shall be taken and regularly monitor mutant strains the past few days which is pegged at nessing a surge in daily new cases,” Lakshminarayanan and DMK against the persons violating the COVID- besides refocusing on strict surveil- 1,45,634 as on date and now consists the ministry said. In the last four legislator Venkatesan further 19 Guidelines/ safety protocols. Shops lance and stringent containment in of 1.32 per cent of India's total in- weeks in Kerala, the average weekly POST NEWS NETWORK of the fiscal were unlikely reduced the strength of the and other commercial establishments selected districts. In a letter to the fections. “More than 74 per cent of the cases have fluctuated between a high to compensate the losses in ruling alliance to 11, while the found violating such norms may be states, the government has also active cases of the country are in of 42,000 and a low of 34,800. Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: The GST and other taxes. Opposition has 14 MLAs in the sealed and action as per law be taken Economic Survey of Odisha “Only 49.06 per cent of 33-member Assembly, which released Saturday hints to- the estimated receipts could has seven vacancies. P8 wards a tax-deficit scenario be achieved indicating a where revenue from tax col- shortfall of 50.94 per cent BSF jawan injured INCREDIBLE lections seems to have dwin- and the state has fallen 42.91 Jaleshpatta Ashram dled owing to the series of per cent short in GST col- in landmine blast lockdowns and COVID-19 lection as of December 2020 restrictions. end. It may be very difficult Malkangiri: A BSF jawan was Marred by the lower GST to make up the shortfall critically wounded Sunday chief gets threat calls collections during the lock- within three months,” the re- after a landmine planted by downs and delay in release port said. Maoists exploded on the Ashram chief had lodged a com- of GST compensation from The report added, “The roadside near Kartanpalli under plaint after getting a death threat the Centre, the state is strug- shortfall in GST revenue Mathili police limits in over on mobile phone Saturday. gling to get benefit from could have been neutralised Malkangiri. The wounded The accused will be taken for taxes levied on citizens by the GST compensation by jawan has been admitted to the questioning to help the police elicit for consumption of goods the Central government. district headquarters hospital more information from him about and services. But here again, the re- and is currently undergoing the case, police said. The report claimed that quirement is 14 per cent treatment. According to reports, jawans of 160th The ashram chief got a threat call the double whammy on the growth in state GST rev- Battalion stationed at at around 5 pm Saturday and 9 am GST front may kill the tax enue, which is next to im- Kartanpalli were returning to Sunday on his phone when the net of the government and possible this fiscal and the their camp after carrying out caller on the other side imperson- affect the overall collections. Union government may not anti-Maoist operations in ating as Maoists threatened to blow The report also opined that have enough funds to com- various parts of the district. POST NEWS NETWORK up the ashram with bombs. Scared, Snow covers the town of Jezzine in southern Lebanon REUTERS PHOTO the remaining three months pensate the states.” Swami Jivanmuktananda lodged Another jumbo found Baliguda/Tumudibandha, Feb 21: a complaint at the Tumudibandha A special team of Kandhamal Police police station demanding adequate dead in Karlapat arrested a person of Bissamkatak security for his life. Parties expect area in Rayagada district on charge “A phone call was received and CBI sends notice to quiz TMC Bhawanipatna: An elephant of issuing death threats to they threatened to blow up our ‘growth-oriented’ calf was found dead near a Jaleshpatta Kanya Ashram chief Jaleshpatta Ashram within four nullah at Ghusurigudi in Swami Jivanmuktananda Puri in days as well as kill me. The callers Budget today Karlapat wildlife sanctuary Kandhamal district. were speaking in Hindi,” Puri said. MP Abhishek’s wife, in-law taking the toll to seven within a gap of 20 days. The death was The arrest comes within 24 hours “How dare they resort to such a POST NEWS NETWORK due to suspected of the twin death threats made by call issuing death threats? In 2008, AGENCIES BATTLE FOR BENGAL alleged mastermind, sources said. haemorrhagic septicaemia, an anonymous caller to the ashram five of our ashram mates were shot The notice issued Sunday asked Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: In their in- sources said. Earlier, six head in Kandhamal district. dead. We are into social welfare ac- New Delhi/Kolkata, Feb 21: A CBI Abhishek Banerjee’s wife Rujira teraction with the media, different elephants-all pregnant, died of The Kandhamal Police formed tivities. I demand security,” he added. team Sunday went to the Kolkata Banerjee to remain present at her political parties Sunday said that the the bacteria infection. P5 a special team to probe the matter Police tightened security at the residence of Abhishek Banerjee, address on Harish Mukherjee Road state Budget, to be tabled Monday, and during the course of investi- ashram after the complaint was TMC MP and Chief Minister on the same day “for the purpose should be aligned such that it paves gation they nabbed one person, filed. Kandhamal SP also visited Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, serv- of answering certain questions re- way for recovery from the damages WEATHER who is suspected to be the prime ac- Tumudibandha and reviewed the ing a notice to his wife and sister- lating to the case”, they said. caused by the pandemic. BHUB CTK cused, from Bariguda in progress on the probe. in-law to join the probe in the coal The CBI has also asked the TMC Leader of Opposition Pradipta Bisamcuttack area in Rayagada Notably, Swami Laxmananda pilferage case, a development that MP’s sister-in-law Menaka Gambhir Naik said that criticism of the MAX 34.0° 33.4° district. He was working at the Saraswati, the then chief of the has further raised the political tem- to join the probe on Monday when government on the state of econ-

TEMP MIN 17.1° 15.5° Ashram in 2019. Jaleshpatta Ashram and four of his perature in poll-bound West Bengal. she will be quizzed by the investi- omy would not be apt for the po- Forecast Reports said the arrested per- aides were killed August 23, 2008 The team handed over the no- CBI, in connection with the case of gation team, the sources said. litical parties as the economy was Humidity 32% 39% Dry weather son Mahadev Maharaj is being evening. The incident sparked com- tice issued by Investigation Officer theft of coal from the mines of The Trinamool Congress and in the doldrums across the globe. Rainfall Nil Nil likely brought to Tumudibandha police munal violence in the state wherein Umesh Kumar, Additional Eastern Coalfields Ltd in West the BJP targeted each other over the “It is not good for the Opposition station where the Jaleshpatta Kanya at least 38 people were killed. Superintendent of Police in the Bengal in which Anup Manjhi is the CBI action. to criticise the government as the pandemic has hit the different sectors of economy,” he said. However, he said that the gov- ernment needs to do better in Chinese social media debates who is in control of Ladakh funding the health sector. Naik said, “The government has ample money and it needs to BEFORE THE FOCUS SHIFTED TO ‘NATIONAL MOURNING’, AN INTERESTING DEBATE WAS SEEN ON THE CHINESE SOCIAL MEDIA take special care of health, drink- CIRCLES ON THE EFFICACY OF THE DISENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHINA AND INDIA ing water and education. It will be a challenge for the govern- AGENCIES for the time being, there was much the area as well. This is undoubtedly, newly occupied by China in April ment to provide jobs to the un- more disappointment in China over India's victory on the Northern 2020, while F2-F3 was a territory employed. Now things have started New Delhi, Feb 21: The February perceptions like “China has given Bank”, argues an anonymous ac- occupied by India for a long time. to be normal, the government 11 agreement for disengagement on away too much - a piece for peace”, count in a long thread on LAC dis- “Equidistant”, according to the needs to take care of the devel- the north and south banks of that “the concession was inexpli- engagement at the online military Indian side, meant that China re- opment of the state.” Pangong Tso and the PLA Daily, for cable” and “the agreement unfair forum, chaojidabenying.net. treats to F8 and India does not move, The Congress party, on the other the first time, publicly claiming four and unfavourable to China”. Others at the forum, however, so that ‘status quo ante’ or the state hand, criticised the government for Chinese casualties from the Galwan Many commentators in the tried to counter the gloom by argu- of the border before April 2020 can its poor economic records. Congress clash February 19 have once again Chinese Internet argued that the re- ing that this was not really a total con- be restored. But in the ninth round leader Taraprasad Bahinipati said, made China-India border standoff a treat was far from “equidistant” - cession from China, at most a ‘tie’ be- of talk, India actually gave up its ear- “The per capita income in the state major talking point in China. China retreated far more than India, tween China and India. They argue lier demands and agreed to the has decreased and is a matter of Before the focus shifted to ‘na- demolished more structures than that in the middle of last year, dur- same “equidistant” disengagement concern. The government has also tional mourning’ and the emotional India and surrendered its key ad- trol till F2 in the 1990s. India built in F8, a base in F5, and a decent ing the Sino-Indian military nego- proposal, which is equivalent to ac- lost revenue from most of the sec- outpour over the fallen soldiers, an vantages at the Northern Bank of a stronghold at F3 as late as 2014 and road connecting F4-F8. It had ac- tiations, China had already pro- cepting China’s proposal last year. tors of the economy,” y interesting debate was seen on the Pangong Lake. according to its own admission, it tual control of the region, was in a posed that the two sides disengage In a way, agreeing to China’s According to Bahinipati, only

Chinese Internet and social media That China can no longer sta- can patrol till F4/F5 once every two much stronger position and had from the F4 standoff site equidistantly. proposal also means India’s recog- the liquor sector had seen some

k y m c circles on the efficacy of the disen- tion troops/patrol between the 4th months due to poor condition of much greater mobility as compared That is, China retreats from F4 to nition of China’s actual control stablisation. The state govern- gagement agreement between China and 8th finger as per the agree- infrastructure in the Indian side. to India. But according to the new F8, and India retreats from F4 to status of F4-F8, just like India’s ment has only been beating its and India, particularly which side ment, is seen by many as the real India did occupy some heights in the agreement China must dismantle F2-F3. But at that time, it was rejected actual control over F2-F3, which can own trumpet about development, has compromised and by how much. disadvantage for the Chinese side. F4 in September last year but was all the fortifications, buildings, can- by the Indian military on grounds also be interpreted as India’s dis- but is hollow from inside. The While there was some satisfaction “On the northern bank of the still not able to cross F4. In con- non, positions, tents etc., built be- that F4-F8 was previously an area guised recognition of China’s sov- government has been creating that a major crisis could be averted Pangong Lake, China was able to pa- trast, the China had a “water base” tween F8-F4 and stop patrolling of where both sides patrolled, that it was ereignty over F4-F8. new records in borrowing.” P2 KATE MOSS DIDN’T HAVE A BELLA FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR PLAN FOR CAREER INITIALLY SHOOTING INTIMATE SCENES Supermodel Kate Moss, who was discovered at 14, Actress Bella Thorne, who has previously directed her recalls saying yes to all the work coming her way own adult film, claims she feels uncomfortable shooting initially. “I didn't have a plan. I was always one of intimate scenes. “When I'm on set doing these scenes,

those young people who was just happy to be I'm very, very uncomfortable. But I do it if it’s important y

leisure exposed to new things,” Moss told Reader's Digest. for the character,” Thorne said.

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FORTUNE FORECAST ‘Have told my story with Alia recreates Highway raw emotional honesty’ ARIES Mumbai: Veteran actor Kabir tional journey of an actor. Today will be a difficult Bedi is all set to launch his au- “WE HAVE A DATE! My day full of action. You scene after seven years tobiography in April this year. #autobiography on April may not agree with your friends about trifling matters, but you The 75-year-old actor took 2021. Thrilled to be published will love it. You will complete all work Mumbai: Actress Alia Bhatt took to social media to Instagram Sunday to in- by @westland_books. I’ve that has been pending, which will give Sunday to celebrate her film Highway completing form about the re- poured my heart into this you relief. Ganesha says it is an opti- seven years of its release date. The movie had hit lease date of book and I’ve told it with mistic day. theatres February 21, 2014. his book raw emotional honesty. Alia recreated a popular scene from the and also ex- Stories of triumphs & song Patakha Guddi of the Imtiaz Ali di- pressed tragedies, milestones TAURUS rectorial Highway featuring her. that he has & mistakes, remem- She shared a video on Instagram written it brances & regrets, love, Money matters are likely where she could be seen waving her with raw longing and lingering to take up most of your time, this day. Ganesha hand out of her speeding car’s win- emotional loss. sees that you will have quite a time han- dow and looking at her mobile phone honesty. #StoriesIMustTell,” dling the difficulties and complexities they while the song Patakha Guddi plays Dev DD 2 talks Bedi’s Kabir Bedi wrote in an pose. You may not find an easy way out of in the background. The actress book is titled Instagram post Sunday. your financial problems and will find it sports a no make-up look in the Stories I must hard to take firm decisions. video just like in the film where about female tell- The emo- she wore minimal make-up. “Celebrating seven years GEMINI of ‘Highway’... on the high- foeticide, LGBTQ You will feel physical and way,” the actress cap- mental excitement and tioned her video. emotions today. You may She also shared a list Mumbai: The just-released second season of take part in some competition and will of songs from the film the popular web series Dev DD touches upon seek to improve your self-esteem by per- and asked her subjects like female foeticide and LGBTQ. forming physically in it. Your intellectual capacity will be on display in the work that fans,”What is Lead actress Asheema Vardaan, who you do, says Ganesha. your reprises her role as Devika in the show’s favourite second season, spilled the beans on the sub- Highway ject. She said: “This time the show is majorly song?” taking about female foeticide and LGBTQ. The CANCER show talks about Queer Marriage which is Sentimentalism will be an important topic to shine light on as queer hinder your path of suc- people don’t enjoy marriage rights that as their cess. So, says Ganesha, straight counterparts do. It’s saddening to see give up too much senti- mentalism. It can be quite a hazard in that our law don't see straight couple and Queer the future. You will win over people with couple the same which leads to social stigma the force of speech and polite approach. and ostracisation.” It is adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s epic novel Devdas with a fe- male perspective as Devika. The series gives LEO an unconventional twist to the Devdas sto- You want to make your ryline with gender reversals. personal relationships conflict free and hence The second season is more intriguing with will attempt to resolve its storyline, feels the actress. the conflicts which are within you. You will need to adopt a compromising atti- tude in life. It is best to stay away from risky financial investments today. 23RD KALINGA NATYA MAHOTSAV

VIRGO Take time off all by yourself and intro- 5-day multilingual theatre fest kicks off in city spect today, says Ganesha. Office cubi- cle looks set to be a war front and pay due POST NEWS NETWORK festival. The play, written by Anand, Md. Zaffar Alam, of the audience also. This has attention there, lest things turn to be more Suman Kumar, came alive on Kumar Uday Singh, Krishna made us believe that the show difficult, advises Ganesha. New love may Bhubaneswar: The 23rd Kalinga stage under the direction of Kumar, Neha Niharika and will go on despite the looming just blossom today, and you may even Natya Mahotsav, a five-day mul- Sanjay Upadhyay. Sadhna Srivastava were threat of Covid-19 across the enjoy a nice quiet evening with friends. tilingual drama festival began The plot revolves around the among those who performed globe.” at Rabindra Mandap here Sunday. drama's main protagonist Kabir, on the stage. Earlier, actress Dharitri Organised by Satabdira a weaver, who raises his voice Satabdira Kalakara gen- Khandual was conferred with LIBRA Kalakar, one of the prominent against the misuse of power eral secretary Dhira Mallick Sumitra Samman while actor theatre troupes of Odisha, the and exploitation in the name of said, “Theatre artistes Rajkishore Nayak received Ganesha says that today you will get worried over festival was inaugurated by religion. Director Upadhyay, yearned to get back on stage Satabidira Kalakar Lifetime petty matters and be Agriculture and Higher Education through this play, has made and perform. So, the festi- achievement award. Similarly, tense. To get mental Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo. an attempt to promote broth- val has created the perfect actor Shankar Basumallik, play- peace keep yourself occupied with reli- Nirman Kala Manch of Patna erhood and send a message ambience to do so. It is not wright Fakir Singh and jour- gious or spiritual activity. Along with that staged Hindi play Gagan Ghat against greed. just about the artistes, the nalist Arunika Mohapatra were if you go to some religious place you will OP PHOTO gain mental peace, which will stay with Ghahrani on the first day of the Mukesh Kumar, Abhisek A scene from Hindi play Gagan Ghat Ghahrani smile has returned on the face felicitated on the occasion. you for a long time.

SCORPIO SUDOKU Your account balance may suffer suddenly as you PEANUTS post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, decide to loosen your CROSSWORD column and box must contain the numbers purse strings. You are all 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. set to splurge on your loved ones today, according to Ganesha. However, it is important to remember that the value of money is precious, and once spent it never returns; spend wisely.

SAGITTARIUS Get ready to rule hearts today. Your thoughtful insights into other peo- ple's psyche might just help you write a book on it! In the battle- ground of love, you will win over your sweetheart all over again, probably with a nice, slow dance coupled with a fantastic candlelit dinner. CALVIN AND HOBBES

CAPRICORN Your lover is in for many pleasant surprises today. You'll be in a completely romantic mood, making SOLUTIONS every wish of your sweetheart your command. Both of you will go shop- ping, and have fun.

AQUARIUS Travelling is on the cards for you today. Ganesha advises you to travel alone, because if you take people with different tastes along with BREVITY

you, their preferences may dampen your CROSSWORD mood and spoil the trips. But, once put in such a situation, you will try to adjust yourself and find enjoyment in that, too.

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k y m For those looking for a c promotion at the work- place, now is the time to ask for it. Freelancers could find interesting projects falling into their laps. Businesses are likely to see a surge in profits. No conflicts in personal CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU life are indicated. COVID-19 TRACKER P3 NOBLE DEED MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD Volunteers undertake a World 11,17,29,153 8,68,99,828 24,73,747 cleanliness drive at Akhandala Mani temple in India 1,09,63,272 1,06,65,813 1,56,147 Puri, Sunday

downtown Odisha 3,36,636 3,34,107 1,914

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Rehabilitate oustees within 3 months: NHRC We are headed for a mix of online

AGENCIES as regards the relocation of village Marada in Mahanadi (WL) Division and offline learning: Poly Patnaik Kendrapara, Feb 21: The National SATKOSIA TIGER PROJECT is concerned, due to Left-Wing Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Extremist problems, the progress has asked the state Chief Secretary has been delayed. ‘COVID-19 WILL to complete the rehabilitation and Earlier, the commission asked the resettlement of five revenue vil- Director, NTCA, to expedite the re- SHAPE THE lages displaced due to tiger and location and submit a report, but EDUCATION wildlife conservation projects in the authority failed to respond. The Angul district’s Satkosia within DFO, Mahanadi (WL) Division has LANDSCAPE OVER three months. also been asked to accelerate the NEXT FEW The apex rights panel has passed process by a discussion with con- the order recently while adjudicating cerned persons so as to ensure DECADES’ a petition filed by human rights ac- achievement within the shortest tivist Radhakanta Tripathy January time. Considering the report, the hat Covid-19 has changed 30, 2014. The commission, in its ear- NHRC sought a rejoinder from the the way we live is not news lier orders, had sought a report from state over the report within six weeks. Tanymore. The lethal virus the Odisha Forest and Environment arlier, the Commission asked “The admission of the state au- has led to tectonic shifts in almost Special Secretary, the Principal Ethe Director, NTCA, to thorities regarding the delay in en- every aspect of our lives and we’re Secretary, and Director, National commission for reconsideration of expedite the relocation and suring the basic amenities of life to still grappling with the repercus- Tiger Conservation Authority its earlier proceedings. submit a report, but the authority one villager for the Left-wing sions of these radical changes. (NTCA), New Delhi on the issue. The present case relates to the re- failed to respond Extremists is an abominable phe- What we’re also debating is what The commission directed the habilitation of forest dwellers, nomenon in a democracy,” the state the new normal is in the educa- state to submit an additional/req- whose villages came under the tiger he DFO, Mahanadi (WL) said. Earlier, NHRC was informed tional sector. Soon after it be- uisite report in the matter. The re- conservation project and the vil- TDivision has also been asked to that due to lack of funds from the came clear that this was sponse is awaited and the matter is lagers were forced to evict, but the accelerate the process after a NTCA and the existence of Left- no passing virus, ed- line. Direct motiva- & XII students from January 2021 pending for want of some addi- state government has not taken discussion with concerned persons Wing Extremism, the inhabitants ucational institu- tion and feedback following the safety guidelines is- tional information. any resettlement and rehabilita- so as to ensure achievement of affected villages Satkosia Wildlife tions started online are not to be re- sued by the state government and Being a seven-year-old case, the tion measures. within the shortest time Division are facing problems due to teaching – and stu- placed any time after attending a meeting con- matter has been placed before the The report further stated that man-animal conflict. dents and teach- soon. ducted by BMC on January 6, 2021. ers adapted rather Learning sub- The school premises, classrooms, quickly to the ject content is a and washrooms are sanitized at reg- changing methods major purpose for ular intervals. An isolation room STATE-LEVEL of teaching, learn- online teaching. has been set up in case of any POLITICKLE by MANJUL ing, and grading. This However, the students emergency. CYCLOTHON success, however, has in the class experienced Covid-19 will shape the educa- led to widespread speculation feelings of success in learn- tion landscape and the next decades that the pandemic has sparked a ing through online teaching and this to come. As with the health impact ORGANISED transformative change. has to do with their confidence in of the pandemic, the educational The truth is that the future is not utilizing technology. While mini- impact will be mediated by how hu- Minister of Sports and so black and white anymore – mizing the limitations of not being mans respond, by the actions or Youth Affairs Tusharkanti there’s a lot of grey in between. able to meet in classrooms, we tried omissions of students, parents, What we seem to be moving to- to maximize the benefits of online teachers and school and system Behera flagged off the wards is a hybrid model of learn- teaching and learning. Teachers level leaders in anticipation and event as Chief Guest ing – a mix of online and offline. presented visual materials on the during the pandemic. While in-campus teaching will screen more attractively through As we rebuild and reinvent our- definitely return, there will also drawing on the whiteboard or show- selves in response to Covid-19, there POST NEWS NETWORK be a wealth of options available on- ing picture stories on a PowerPoint. is an opportunity to accelerate the line, for those who prefer it. But, Online teaching and learning was thinking on how best to support Astaranga, Feb 21: The Odisha will one take precedence over the supported by appropriate in- quality education for all. In the Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan other? Not really – because both structional strategies and collab- months and years ahead, coalitions organised its 5th State Level have their unique characteristics orations. The joy of learning has of evidence-to-policy organizations, Cyclothon from Devi river mouth that make them worthwhile. People been kept intact by conducting as- implementation partners, re- area, one of the prominent sea will learn to use the two together. semblies, sports day, CCA activities searchers, donors, and govern- turtles’ nesting zones like However, the truth is that online and exhibitions online. ments should build on their expe- Gahirmatha and Rushikulya, learning can never really replace The state government has al- riences to develop education-for-all. Sunday. The theme of the pro- an in-campus experience. The lowed opening of educational in- gramme was ‘Preserve Coasts, teacher plays a crucial role in the stitutions. The management of Poly Patnaik is the Conserve Turtles’. With the support process. You can’t transition an Mother’s Public School. Unit 1 de- founder-cum-principal of of Dakshin Foundation and Clean emotional or intellectual bond on- cided to resume classes for Std X Mother’s Public School Beach India, Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan organised the event where more than 100 students, youths, local fishermen and leaders took part . With 58 fresh cases, state’s Soon, court fees can be paid online Covid tally rises to 3,36,636 POST NEWS NETWORK Necessary steps may kindly be taken to ODISHA’S CORONAVIRUS DEATH TOLL Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: The liti- enable gants as well as the advocates in the commencement of online REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 1,914 SINCE FRIDAY state will soon make payment of payment of court fees in the PNN & AGENCIES Olly Mascot led the court fees through the online mode. High Court of Orissa and cycling event from The High Court’s Registrar General, District and Subordinate Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: Odisha’s Malaya Ranjan Dash, has recently Courts by utilising the Covid-19 tally Sunday mounted to Jahania beach informed the state government services of Stock Holding 3,36,636 after 58 more people tested about the selection of ‘Stock Corporation of India Limited positive for the virus, while three Holding Corporation of India in coordination with the districts became coronavirus-free, Minister of Sports and Youth Limited’ as the service provider for honourable court a senior Health and Family Welfare Affairs Tusharkanti Behera flagged the rollout of e-payment services (H&FW) department official said. off the event as Chief Guest. Clean at various courts of the state in- online payment of court fees in the steps for the commencement of on- HIGH COURT Of the new cases detected from navirus death toll remained un- Beach India founder Satyabratsanu cluding the High Court. High Court of Orissa and District line payment of court fees across 18 districts, 34 were reported from changed at 1,914 since Friday. Ratho, Gilherio Founder Surya February 12, the Registrar in a let- and Subordinate Courts by utilis- the state. quarantine centres, while the re- As many as 53 other Covid-19 Mishra, Wildies Founder mem- ter to the state Chief Secretary also ing the services of Stock Holding Earlier, the state Assembly has refund of court fee through elec- maining 24 were local contact cases, patients have also died due to co- ber Subhendu Bhattacharya, requested the state government to Corporation of India Limited in passed Court Fees (Odisha tronic mode (e-payment). In view of the official said. morbidities. Odisha currently has Astaranga block chairman make provisions for the establish- coordination with the honourable Amendment) Bill, 2020 to facilitate COVID-19 pandemic, the Orissa The 18 districts had new cases in 616 active cases, while 3,34,053 pa- Swadhin Kumar Nayak, social ac- ment of a support service centre in court,” wrote the Registrar General. online mode of payment of court High Court and other subordinate single digits. Gajapati, Kandhamal tients have recovered so far. tivist Ramakrushna Mohanty were the premises of the Orissa High Subsequently, February 18, the fees in October, 2020. Since the Court courts adopted the virtual mode of and Nabarangpur districts in the The state has so far conducted the other guests at the event. Court for the smooth functioning state Law department directed the Fees Act, 1870 provides for payment functioning. The HC has also per- southern region of the coastal state over 81.67 lakh sample tests for Olly Mascot led the cycling event of the e-payment system. Revenue, Finance departments and of court fees through physical mitted electronic filing of cases became Covid-19 free, with no ac- Covid-19. Odisha’s positivity rate from Jahania beach and spread “Necessary steps may kindly be the Directorate of Treasuries and stamps only, amendment was re- which necessitates electronic tive cases left in the three districts, stands at 4.12 per cent, the H&FW awareness on ways to protect the taken to enable commencement of Inspection to take all the necessary quired to provide for payment and method for payment of court fees. said the official. The state’s coro- department said. endangered species Olive Ridley sea turtles and their habitat. MIN TEMP TO DIP BY TWO FOREST FIRE Fire breaks out at OPTCL substation DEGREE C ACROSS STATE

AGENCIES THE HIGHEST MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 33 DEGREE Dhenkanal, Feb 21: A major fire CELSIUS WAS RECORDED AT broke out at the grid substation of SUNDARGARH Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd in Dhenkanal THE LOWEST MINIMUM district Sunday, officials said. TEMPERATURE OF 11 DEGREE There was no report of any ca- CELSIUS WAS RECORDED AT sualty in the incident in which a PHULBANI 315-MVA transformer caught fire. At least 10 fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the Similarly, there has been an ap- flames. AGENCIES the next 48 hours, it said. preciable fall in the minimum tem- “About 6,000 litres of foam and “Minimum temperature (Night perature at a few places over the dis- 1 lakh litres of water were used to Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: After wit- temperature) is very likely to fall tricts of Coastal Odisha and at one douse the blaze,” they said. nessing fluctuations in weather by about 2 C at many places over the or two places over the districts of The cause of the fire is yet to be conditions in the past one week, districts of Odisha during the next interior Odisha. ascertained. the minimum temperature (night two days and no large change there- “The trough in low levels east- temperature) across the state is after,” read an IMD release. erlies over west-central Bay of

likely to witness a further drop, As per IMD, the highest maxi- Bengal now lies over southwest &

k y m c predicted India Meteorological mum temperature of 33 degree adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal Department (IMD), Sunday. Celsius was recorded at Sundargarh and runs from south Sri Lanka Though weather is most likely to and the lowest minimum temper- coast to north Andhra Pradesh remain dry, the minimum tem- ature of 11 degree Celsius was coast across north Tamil Nadu OP PHOTO perature across the state is likely recorded at Phulbani in the past coast at 1.5 km above mean sea to fall by two degree Celsius for 24 hours. level,” said IMD. Fire brigade personnel douse flames that engulfed a portion of Balukhand sanctuary near Konark in Puri, Sunday P4 MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR downtown

The problem with 100 fall ill after MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY

k y m marriage feast c

AGENCIES 600 illegal brick Kendrapara, Feb 21: Nearly 100 people fell sick due to food poi- soning after eating at a marriage feast in Kendrapara district, police said. Residents of Matia village had kilns in Nimapara attended the marriage function The area will witness severe air pollution if immediate Saturday night. They complained of vomiting, steps are not taken on the illegal brick kiln issue stomachache and nausea in the early hours of Sunday, a district health official said. “It is a case of food poisoning as nearly 100 people had the same symptoms,” health officials said. At least 12 of them were un- dergoing treatment at the Pattamundai sub divisional hos- pital here. “They are out of danger and their condition is being Dignitaries including Linguist Debi Prasanna Pattanayak, Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Mishra, Odia Language Literature & Culture department monitored,” the district health Secretary Bishnupada Sethi and novelist Pratibha Ray release a book on vocabulary during the celebration of International Mother Language Day by Odia POST NEWS NETWORK “The officials of the Revenue official said. Bhasa Pratisthan at Sanskruti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Sunday OP PHOTO department have turned a blind Nimapara, Feb 21: Hundreds of il- eye to the illegal brick kilns. As a legal brick kilns have come up at result, the state government is los- several villages of Nimapara block ing huge amount of revenue. This here posing threat to the environ- apart, the illegal kilns are caus- Police clampdown on theatre show One dead, 8 hurt in bus ment, locals said. ing air pollution,” This apart, quite The officials of the said a social ac- a few brick kilns Revenue tivist. Many vil- running sans permission in Begunia mishap in Kandhamal are operating ille- department have lagers, meanwhile, gally at various turned a blind eye to the alleged that some AGENCIES I was trying After getting a complaint about a theatre group places under illegal brick kilns. As a unscrupulous of- to stop the operating without permission, I directed the IIC of Nimapara Notified result, the state ficials of the Begunia, Feb 21: Concerned over vehicle, but police station to intervene. After reaching there, Area Council government is losing Revenue depart- the surge of COVID-19 cases in failed due to we found that it was operating without permission (NAC), sources huge amount of revenue. ment are receiving other states, the district adminis- sudden said. huge sums as tration of Khurdha Saturday night indeed and no social distancing was being This apart, the illegal failure of the Though the state closed down a theatre group for bribes from the maintained there brakes. It led government has kilns are causing air owners of illegal staging shows without permission SANAT KUMAR MOHANTY | COLLECTOR, KHURDA to the put restrictions on pollution brick kilns. at Begunia. brick kilns in res- SOCIAL ACTIVIST “These officials As per reports, a theatre group accident idential areas, at are indirectly en- named Ranga Mahal was per- THE STATE GOVT HAS ALLOWED following due process. However, IGNESH PRADHAN | least 600 brick kilns We would soon undertake couraging people forming at Begunia when the police, MAX 500 AUDIENCE MEMBERS they will have to adhere to COVID DRIVER have come up at 32 raids on illegal brick kilns to set up brick after getting a complaint, played guidelines laid out by the govern- THE THEATRE ARTISTES SEEK THE gram panchayats and take stern action kilns illegally. spoilsport and shut it down. ment of Odisha,” said Mohanty. POST NEWS NETWORK Sunapa Pradhan (20), Swarna NUMBER TO BE INCREASED TO of Nimapara block against their owners Nimapara area Sources said, the troupe arrived In addition to this, Mohanty has Pradhan (60), Nakul Pradhan (23), 2,000 SO AS TO HAVE MEANINGFUL RAMA CHANDRA JENA | and several locali- will witness severe at Begunia February 19, 2021 and COMMERCIAL GAINS also directed all the field officers to Baliguda, Feb 21: A passenger Sarita Pradhan (20), Mayanki ties of Nimapara TEHSILDAR, NIMAPARA air pollution if im- staged its first show on the same keep a close vigil on social gather- was killed on the spot Saturday Pradhan (74), Ignesh Pradhan (18) NAC, said a few lo- mediate steps are night. However, following a fresh THE THEATRE ARTISTES ings and enforce the COVID guide- night and eight others sustained and Hirapa Pradhan (27). cals. not taken on the illegal brick kiln order by the state government to en- SATURDAY THREATENED TO lines strictly. injuries after a bus in which they The bus was on its way to According to the locals, one can issue. We would be forced to hit force strict implementation of LAUNCH ‘FAST ON TO DEATH’ It is worthwhile to mention here were travelling fell off a steep Ranipanga from Daringbadi area find hundreds of illegal brick kilns the street if the authorities con- COVID guidelines, a team led by the AGITATION NEAR ODISHA that the theatre artistes Saturday ghat at Petarabadi village of in Kandhamal district. The driver at Denua, Miteipur, Viligram, cerned do not act on the issue,” Tehsildar of Begunia and accom- ASSEMBLY FROM FEBRUARY 22 threatened to launch ‘fast on to Partamaha panchayat under of the bus lost control over the ve- Salang, Bamnal, Haripur, Tamalo, said a villager. panied by the police shut it down SEEKING PERMISSION ON THE death’ agitation near Odisha Daringbadi police limits in hicle which skidded off the ghat, Tulasipur, Baharena, Podar, The villagers have urged Puri on the second day, February 20, SAME DEMAND Assembly from February 22 seek- Kandhamal district. an eyewitness said. Kalapanchana, Chhanijang and Collector, Revenue Minister, 2021. ing permission from the state gov- The identity of the deceased per- “I was trying to stop the vehicle, other gram panchayats of Revenue department secretary It was also found that the troupe directed the IIC of police station to ernment to allow them to organise son is yet to be established. but failed due to sudden failure of Nimapara block. Besides, there and 5T Secretary to look into was performing without permis- intervene. After reaching there, we opera with 2,000 spectators. According to sources, passenger the brakes. It led to the accident,” are also plenty of brick kilns op- the issue at the earliest. sion from the administration. found that it was operating without Though the state government Dekara Pradhan (70) was griev- driver of the bus Ignesh Pradhan erating illegally at Patapur, Nimapara Tehsildar Rama Speaking about the clamp down, permission indeed and no social has allowed staging of theatre ously injured in the mishap. He said. Hatasahi, Nuarakiri, Dipisena, Chandra Jena said they would district Collector of Khurdha, Sanat distancing was being maintained shows with 500 audience members, was admitted to MKCG Medical On being informed by locals, Alaka, Kiakanta, Bhubanpur, soon undertake raids on illegal Kumar Mohanty, said, “After getting there.” the artistes claim that it is not College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) Daringbadi police rushed to the Talaandia and Andiasahi area of brick kilns and take stern a complaint about a theatre group “They can be allowed to perform enough to run shows and earn a de- Berhampur for treatment. The accident site and launched a probe Nimapara NAC, they said. action against their owners. operating without permission, I the show if they apply for the same cent living with such crowd. other injured passengers are: into the incident. 2 DRUG PEDDLERS HELD IN CUTTACK Man approaches CB against THE ACCUSED WERE Road Saturday and managed to re- cover the contraband and make the IDENTIFIED AS arrest. A case (34/21) has been reg- cyber harassment, extortion BIKASH SWAIN AND istered at the Athagarh police sta- tion in this regard. “The duo was POST NEWS NETWORK Mansingh has received several ob- the victim of sending obscene mes- PRASANT KUMAR being interrogated to find out the scene phone calls and messages on sages to the lady on social media. On involvement of others in the racket Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: A person has his personal WhatsApp account scrutiny, Mansingh found that the SAHOO OF ATHAGARH and the origin of the seized brown sought the help of state crime branch from various phone numbers since accused person has created a fake sugar,” added the official. following repeated threats from an April 25, 2020. The accused also Facebook account in his name and POST NEWS NETWORK According to sources, the STF unknown person who has been re- asked Mansingh to pay a hefty sending obscene videos and pictures teams have conducted six raids at portedly trying to extort money amount else the former would kid- from the social media account with Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: The Special covering around 164 gram of brown Sahoo of Athagarh. various places during the last month. from the victim. The cyber fraud- nap the latter’s son. his morphed photos. He later lodged Task Force (STF) of the state Crime sugar from their possession, an of- The officials were tipped off about As many as six drug peddlers were ster threatened the victim through Meanwhile, the victim received a a case with the state Crime Branch Branch has arrested two persons ficial said Sunday. the peddling following which a STF arrested, while 2.976 gram of brown social media and over phone. call from a journalist from Balasore in Cuttack. Sources also revealed from Ankula area under Athagarh The accused were identified as team carried out a raid at a roadside sugar has been recovered from their According to sources, the vic- who informed Mansingh that a lady that the CID team has succeeded in police limits in Cuttack after re- Bikash Swain and Prasant Kumar eatery along the Ankula-Athagarh possession. tim identified as Dr Manoj Kumar has sent an email to the scribe accusing tracing out the accused person. BOXING CAMP Brainstorming on seed production, aquaculture The training programme, attended by 202 people, was organised under the STC programme of the ICAR-CIFA

POST NEWS NETWORK the gathering regarding the role of the institute for dissemination Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: A train- of aquaculture technologies to the ing programme on ‘Seed Production tribal communities of India through and Modern Aquaculture practices’ STC schemes. In the afternoon ses- was organised by ICAR-Central sion, he also narrated the various Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, aquaculture concepts and practices Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar at to the participants. He stressed that the Odisha Special Armed Police 7th the need of quality seed, water Battalion Campus. quality, and feed are vital for the fish The training programme was culture. organised under the STC pro- K.C. Das. Principal scientist, gramme of the ICAR-CIFA, Saturday. FNPD, ICAR-CIFA delivered a lec- A total of 202 people participated in aquaculture practices. He appre- dissemination of freshwater aqua- ture on feed and feeding manage- the programme. Bijay Kumar Sahu, ciated the sincere efforts of the sci- culture technologies to the tribal ment on aquaculture. He explained DCP (Armed) welcomed all the dig- entists of the premier research areas of the country including NEH the requirement for the different nitaries and participants to the pro- Institute ICAR-CIFA. He empha- states. He encouraged the partici- feeds for fish culture. He also men- gramme and to the 7th Battalion sised the need for greater linkage pants to acquire as much knowledge tioned the nutrient requirement of Campus. among the Odisha Police personnel about fish culture from ICAR-CIFA the fish at their various life stages. Sudhansu Sekhar Sarangi, and ICAR-CIFA for information and use it not only for their liveli- He also proposed the vote of thanks. Commissioner of Police, BBSR was sharing in freshwater aquaculture hood development but as an addi- On this occasion 12,000 carp seeds the Chief Guest on this occasion. and more collaboration in future. tional source of income. were released into the fish pond lo- He appreciated the role of Odisha Saroj Kumar Swain, Director, P. Routray, Principal Scientist, cated in the campus of the 7th police personnel showing their ICAR-CIFA, Kausalyaganga, high- APED and Chairman, STC Battalion by the dignitaries and a

Girls learn boxing at a camp at Bholanath Vidyapeeth in Puri, Sunday OP PHOTO keen interest towards scientific lighted the role of ICAR-CIFA for Programme of ICAR-CIFA informed fish seed leaflet was also released.

k y m c P5 MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR state

ANTI-LIQUOR BRIGADE KEREJANGA RLY STATION SHIFTED TO KHURDA ROAD DIVISION

k y m Sambalpur section to incur `250 cr annual loss c

POST NEWS NETWORK trains making halts at the station helps in earning more revenue. Sambalpur, Feb 21: The Kerejanga The distance of the Kerejanga rail- railway station in Angul district way station from the headquarters which is under the administrative of Sambalpur railway division is control of Sambalpur railway di- only 130 km while the distance of vision has been shifted to the Khurda Khurda Road division from it is Road railway division, following a 200 km. decision by the Union Railway Senior citizen Deepak Panda Ministry, a report said. questioned the wisdom behind the The decision has drawn sharp UNFAIR TREATMENT decision which will result in loss of reactions from various quarters as revenue and in maligning the image the shifting will result in annual rev- Sambalpur railway division earns Former MP Bhabani Shankar Hota of the Sambalpur railway division. ` enue loss of `250 crore for the an annual profit of 1,000 crore termed it as mean mindedness and He alleged that the decision has out of which the contribution of part of a conspiracy. The decision has Sambalpur railway division. The de- been taken to boost the importance Kerejanga railway station is 25 been taken to boost the revenue cision by the Union and the Odisha per cent. This is because large collection of Khurda Road railway and development of Khurda Road government to give their consent to industrial firms like Jindal Power division at the cost of Sambalpur sector. Former MP Bhabani such a move has sparked concern & Steel and others use the railway division. He demanded to scrap Shankar Hota termed it as mean among the denizens. Earlier, the Kerejanga station for the decision failing which he warned of mindedness and part of a con- Union government had similarly transportation of their goods a mass movement in coming days spiracy. The decision has been taken shifted the Masir Hasaud railway to boost the revenue collection of station in Chhattisgarh under the Khurda Road railway division at the administrative control of Sambalpur Railway Board for which a final & Steel and others use the Kerejanga cost of Sambalpur railway divi- railway division to the Raipur di- decision was taken February 15. station for transportation of their sion. He said that the Sambalpur rail- vision in 2011. According to available reports, the goods. Moreover, the industrial way division has its own identity for The development was confirmed Sambalpur railway division earns firms have also built their stockyards which more division and railway sta- by KK Khadanga, the Chief Public an annual profit of `1,000 crore an- in the railway station for which tions should be included into it to Relation officer (CPRO) of nually out of which the contribu- they pay rent to the Railways. As a help it grow and prosper. He de- Sambalpur railway division. The tion of Kerejanga railway station result, the department earns sub- manded a cancellation of the de- Women of Nelung panchayat in Keonjhar district stage protests alleging bootlegging in villages. They seek ban on shifting of the Kerejanga railway is 25 per cent. This is because large stantial profits from the station. cision failing which he warned of liquor sale OP PHOTO station follows a decision by the industrial firms like Jindal Power Moreover, goods and passenger a mass movement in coming days. Fire breaks out Sex racket busted in Bhadrak; at OPTCL grid Mega irrigation project hangs fire 4 women rescued, 2 arrested

POST NEWS NETWORK tension of nine more months to POST NEWS NETWORK complete the work. Still, it has not POST NEWS NETWORK After learning about a well-or- Baripada, Feb 21: Aimed at boost- been able to finish the work. ganised sex racket operating from Dhenkanal,Feb 21: A devastating ing the farming sector through ir- On the other hand, farmers al- Bhadrak,Feb 21: The Bhadrak the house; locals tipped-off the po- fire broke out at the grid sub-sta- rigation, construction of a mega- leged that over 50,000 hectares of town police Saturday evening busted lice following which a team of tion of Odisha Power Transmission project was started in Mayurbhanj land are awaiting irrigation in the a sex racket operating from a rented Bhadrak town police station con- Corporation Limited (OPTCL) in district six years ago. The project project areas. accommodation in Dagamunda ducted a raid at the house. They Dhenkanal district Sunday morn- had then sparked hopes among “We have been facing acute water area and arrested two persons in this rescued the four women and ar- ing damaging property worth farmers of being able to produce shortage in summer while the proj- connection. The cops also rescued rested two customers. The arrested lakhs of rupees, an official source good crops with water available ect remains dysfunctional,” four women. customers were produced in a local informed. throughout the year. However, the lamented farmers like Basant Swain, According to a source, four women court Sunday, it was learnt. They The mishap took place at about hopes have taken a nosedive with Jagdish Rath, Suresh Chandra Pati were staying in a rented house in have been sent to police custody. 7:00am. At least 10 fire-fighting the project getting delayed. and Hrushikesh Nayak. Dagamunda locality. Local resi- It was also learnt that a detailed teams have been engaged to douse Locals have blamed the con- They alleged that the agency is dents had been suspecting some- investigation is underway to find out the flames at the power grid near struction agency for delaying in getting the work done by petty con- thing unusual to be going on at the involvement of others in running Meramundali area in Dhenkanal implementing the irrigation proj- tractors. Petty contractors are de- house. People had been visiting the the sex racket. Efforts are on to find district. ect. Farmers are unsure of the ex- irrigation projects are being set up electricity supply of the minor sub- laying the work as the construc- house, more frequently during the out who is the owner of the house No casualties have been re- ecution of the project as they have at Balabhadrapur, Khuntapal, division and underground pipe- tion agency is not clearing their night hours. or whether it had been rented out. ported in the incident so far. been facing water shortage to save Kudimunda and Damodarpur under laying is going on. dues in time. Even though the exact cause crops every year. Badasahi block; three projects at It was learnt that the work is Executive engineer of the irri- behind the fire mishap is yet to be According to the report, the Bangiriposi, Hinjala and Kanspala moving at a snail’s pace since five gation department Sunil Kumar TWO BIKERS KILLED IN ROAD ACCIDENT ascertained, a blast in the feeder Odisha government decided to pro- under Bangirippsi block; one proj- years. Not even 25 percent work of Rout said that due to COVID-19 re- due to overheating might have vide water through irrigation in ect at Jamudiha under Kaptipada 12 projects has been completed. strictions, the pace of the work has Baripada: Two persons riding a two-wheeler were killed on the spot lead to the incident, an OPTCL Badasahi, Bangiriposi, Kaptipada, block; five projects under Karanjia KVPR, a construction agency been affected. However, work will following a head-on collision with a car in Mayurbhanj district Saturday night. The vehicle they were riding on was gutted in the fire that broke out official said. Rairangpur and Karanjia blocks and Rairangpur blocks. was awarded with the work of im- resume at full pace soon, he in- following the mishap. The mishap took place on NH-61 along the Chitrada- in 2016. The cost of the project was Construction of all these proj- plementing the project. It was man- formed. However, farmers’ outfits ` Amarada road near Jhinkiria under Morada police limits. The car was on its estimated at 517 crore. ects is at different stages. Works of dated to complete the work by June have been demanding steps to ex- way to Balasore town from Baripada. The ill-fated two-wheeler was coming The mega project was split into intake wells near different rivers, 2019. The project has missed the pedite the project work as soon as from Rasagobindapur in Mayurbhanj district when it met with an accident, Youth bludgeoned 13 components/sub- projects. Four pump houses, staff quarters and deadline. The agency had sought ex- possible. to death with stone a police official said. Police recovered the bodies for post mortem. POST NEWS NETWORK 4 days after marriage Central team: Septicaemia causing jumbo deaths Jeypore, Feb 21: In a gruesome incident, a youth was bludgeoned woman commits suicide POST NEWS NETWORK added. The team members joined to death Sunday with a stone in 7TH ELEPHANT SUCCUMBS IN KARLAPAT a meeting with Collector Gavali Jeypore town of Koraput district. Kesinga, Feb 21: A three-member Parag Harshad and apprised him The deceased was identified as POST NEWS NETWORK ishing the rituals of the fourth day expert team has attributed high about the reason of the death. Chandra Paraja, a resident of Saturday. Some of the family mem- stress level in elephants’ bodies as “The Central team analysed the Malisahi. Dhenkanal, Feb 21: In a shocking bers knocked on the door of the the reason behind the death of the sample and confirmed the deaths According to reports, Chandra incident, a newly-wed woman al- room in which Jharana was stay- pachyderms in Karlapat wildlife as cases of hemorrhagic septi- had come Saturday night to legedly died by suicide four days ing, but received no answer. sanctuary that led to the outbreak caemia. The team also appreci- Kumbharsahi. Then he returned after her marriage under myste- Madanmohan and his other fam- of septicaemia resulting in death ated our precautionary measures home with a friend. However, his rious circumstances. The incident ily members broke open the door of seven female elephants within a like disinfection and vaccination blood-stained body was found near took place at Bidabandh village only to receive the shock of their span of two weeks, a report said. to cattle. These activities will be a dairy farm Sunday morning. under Sadar police limits in lives. They found her hanging from The team members said this after continued for a month,” said the On being informed, police Dhenkanal district. the ceiling fan. She was immediately conducting a probe at the elephant sighted at Ghusurigudi village in- ticaemia. As they were pregnant, Collector Parag Harshad.Ashok started an investigation with a Jharana, daughter of Harihar brought down and rushed to the death sites of Tentulipadar and side the wildlife sanctuary. With stress level in their body was high Kumar, divisional forest officer forensic team. Preliminary in- Nayak of Kalanda village under Dhenkanal district headquarters Ghusurigudi villages in Karlapat this new fatality, the death toll of which was very sensitive to and veterinary officials were vestigation found that the head Hindol police limits, married hospital where the doctors declared Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi dis- jumbos owing to hemorrhagic sep- infection.” present in the meeting. Centre for of the youth was smashed with a Madanmohan, elder son of her dead on arrival. trict from where the carcasses of the ticemia reached seven in the last 20 “The team members visited five Wildlife (ICAR-IVRI Bareilly) stone, which was recovered at the Muralidhar Nayak of Bidabandh Police sent the body for post- elephants had been recovered Sunday. days, an official source informed. sites and collected some samples scientist Karikalan Mathesh, crime scene. His friend is ab- village February 17. She was found mortem. Registering a case (Case Meanwhile, the decomposed car- Prajna P Panda, national coor- from five places which will be sent head of department of sconding. Bhagwan Paraja, fa- hanging from the ceiling fan with No-9/21), they have launched an cass of an elephant calf was found dinator of Elephant, who was a to the Indian Veterinary Research Epidemiology and Preventive ther of the deceased said that his her saree Saturday. The incident has investigation into the incident. Sunday morning inside Karlapat part of the Central team said “All Institute. A detailed report will be Medicine at OUAT Prof Niranjan son working in a hotel had not sent shockwaves through the village. Her father says, his daughter Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi the deceased elephants were preg- submitted to the state government Sahoo accompanied the expert come home since last two years. Family members were busy fin- had neurological disorder. district. The carcass of the calf was nant who were infected with sep- once the testing gets over,” she team. LOVE TO THE FORE AWARENESS DRIVE Woman donates liver to critically ill husband

POST NEWS NETWORK lifted, Bijaylaxmi took her husband to Delhi September 7, 2020. She do- Kamakhyanagar Feb 21: At a nated 40 per cent of her liver and time when incidents of conjugal the same was transplanted on life being torn apart due to several Prithviraj successfully reasons are rife, Bijaylaxmi and December 21. Prithviraj, a couple from Dhenkanal After Prithviraj’s discharge from district, have set an example the hospital, the couple returned to for others. Odisha. They reached their house February 14 -Valentine’s Day, the day Family members spent that stands for love. ` The couple’s love for each other, over 10 lakh in particularly Bijaylaxmi’s sacrifice, Prithviraj’s treatment but recently came to the fore and has BIJAYLAXMI PRITHVIRAJ since been the talk of the town. it yielded no result. A test Orissa POST correspondent met Bijaylaxmi married Prithviraj - no result. A test at a Bhubaneswar- the couple at their house and dur- at a Bhubaneswar-based - son of Dhrubacharan Behera -- a based hospital confirmed that he is ing the interaction Bijaylaxmi said hospital confirmed that resident of Jamunakote village suffering from a critical liver dis- they have spent over `30 lakh for the under Bhuban block in 2012. Then ease. As subsequent treatment did treatment of her husband. The hos- he is suffering from a Prithviraj used to earn enough to not yield good results, the doctors pital fee alone was close to `15 lakh. manage family expenses. They led advised for liver transplantation “However, all’s well that ends well. critical liver disease a comfortable life with son-Prince at Institute of Liver and Biological My husband is cured now. I am

Biswajit. Science in New Delhi. thankful to god," she said.

k y m c Destiny played a cruel joke on As the family was contemplating Prithviraj said that his wife has Bijaylaxmi, a 30-year-old resi- them in 2019 when Prithviraj was to go to New Delhi, the pandemic cut given him a new lease of life. “If I dent from Kamakhyanagar area, first diagnosed with jaundice. The short their plans. Lockdown was im- am breathing today it is only because has donated 40 per cent of her liver family spent over `10 lakh and plemented for a lengthy period pre- of my wife her. She has given me a to her husband Prithviraj, who suf- Prithviraj underwent treatment venting the couple from travelling new lease of life. I can never thank A mobile team creating awareness on Covid-19 and precautionary measures among people in Tikiri area of Rayagada fers from an incurable disease. for close to one year but it yielded to Delhi. After the restrictions were her enough,” he said. district, Sunday OP PHOTO P6 MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR power post

FOCUS UTTARAKHAND Each new dawn brings the

possibility of a new

k y m progress. c THE MOTHER HIMALAYAN BLUNDER

here is a huge tectonic plate times. However, daytime electric- below the land mass of India ity can be converted into peaking T known as the “Indian Plate.” power at a cost of mere 50 paise per Managing Headlines The rotation of the earth is caus- unit. Therefore, solar peaking ing this plate to continually move power is available to us a less than he farmers’ agitation against the farm laws that put the government northward just like any matter `4 per unit. The Uttarakhand in a bad light both nationally and internationally is now pushed out moves to the top in a centrifugal Power Corporation has purchased Tof the main media headlines. Instead, a sideshow - the arrest of pro- machine. The Indian Plate crashes peaking power from the India farmer environment activist, Disha Ravi and proceedings in the court - is into the Tibetan Plate as it moves Energy Exchange at a price of gaining front page prominence. Whatever the outcome of the legal process, to the north. The pressure between about `3.50, `4.30 and `2.60 per the government has succeeded, at least for the time being, in achieving these two plates is leading to the unit in the last three years. Yet, the what it has become quite adept in, namely managing headlines. continual rise of the Himalayas and government of Uttarakhand con- Be it demonetization, passing of GST, collapse of the economy pushing also earthquakes in Uttarakhand tinues to make these projects de- the unemployment rate to 45-year high or killing of 46 CRPF personnel in in particular. Thus, Uttarakhand spite such huge cost. The argu- Pulwama by terrorists, the government has time and again deflected pub- has been having an earthquake ment is that hydropower projects lic scrutiny of its performance. More than governance, it seems to have de- every ten years leaving aside the The present landslide has become a disaster bring ‘development.’ The alter- veloped expertise in burying burning issues of the day under media head- last 20 years. A possible reason because the Rishi Ganga and Tapovan native is that Uttarakhand devel- lines of its own choosing. for earthquake not taking place in ops the service sectors. A sanato- It has happened once again in the case of the farmers’ agitation as well. the recent period could be that Vishnugad projects had obstructed the flow rium for tuberculosis patients was The plight of the farmers camping at the borders of Delhi and their demand the load of water in the Tehri of the Rishi Ganga and Dhauli Ganga Rivers. established at Bhowali near for repealing the three laws were getting traction throughout the country Reservoir is acting like a cushion Nainital about a century ago. Idea and abroad. Hardly any other news was getting greater media attention. The between the two plates just as two These rivers would have carried the material was that the patients will gain situation was going out of hand with international figures joining ranks with boxers stop for a moment if a of the landslide to the sea smoothly had health in the clear and natural the agitating farmers and social media activists campaigning against gov- Bharat small child stands between them. surroundings. The alternative be- ernment highhandedness in suppressing the farmers’ unrest. No amount However, the Indian Plate con- there been no obstruction to their flow fore Uttarakhand is to make soft- of calumny against the farmers’ agitation and conspiracy theories spun by Jhunjhunwala tinues to push against the Tibetan ware parks, universities, hospi- the government were of any help. Plate despite this cushion. tals and computer centers on the It was at this stage that the government realized that the social media tide Consequently, a bigger earthquake obstruction to this free flow. The Research Institute, Nagpur has banks of the Ganga in the hills was turning and so it wanted to create fear in the minds of its critics. The may take place in the coming time. Ministry of Environment had con- found that the Ganga has about 200 so that humankind makes use of ‘toolkit’ edited and sent to Greta Thunberg by Disha and two others came UTTARAKHAND Landslides take place due to the tec- stituted a Committee under the types of ‘phages’ that can kill 17 the higher psychological quali- handy for the government. The 22-year-old Disha was arrested to send the MUST GIVE UP tonic disturbances and these have Chair of Ravi Chopra under the or- types of disease-creating bacte- ties of the Ganga and the natural message across that campaign on social media platforms for the farmers could been putting large amounts of ma- ders of the Supreme Court after the ria. Yamuna and Narmada, in beauty in which she flows. This ap- invite government crackdown. Reading the court proceedings would make ITS MISPLACED terial into the river for thousands 2013 disaster. The Committee said comparison, have less than 30 proach will lead to less environ- it obvious to anyone that Disha’s actions in no way could amount to sedition OBJECTIVE OF of years. This material has been that the damage in the 2013 disaster types of phages. The Ganga also mental burden on the Himalayas or treason. Although, incarceration - with or without substance - of collu- carried to the plains by the Ganga. took place only above and below has more copper and radioactive and also beget more economic sion with terrorists such as Khalistani operatives outside India is made out BUILDING The entire land mass of India the hydropower projects. The thorium that kill bacteria. These progress. The youth of as a charge. Interestingly, the government could think only of Khalistani ter- from Haridwar to Ganga Sagar Committee said that the landslide unique qualities of the Ganga Uttarakhand will get permanent rorists and no other outfit since the farmers’ agitation has drawn bulk of its HYDROPOWER, has been made by such material. at Kedarnath turned into a dis- arise when her water absorbs the jobs as nurses, doctors, teachers and supporters from Punjab. OBSTRUCTING Therefore, we should not be under aster not because the rains were vegetations and rubs against the programmers in these activities. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana of a Delhi court hearing the an illusion that such landslides exceptional but because the flow stones while flowing rapidly. Fish At present they get low-paid jobs case was not convinced by the prosecution’s arguments that Disha was in RIVERS AND can be prevented. The present of the Mandakini and Alaknanda like Mahseer migrate from the during the construction of these league with Khalistanis hatching a plot against the government. After the INVITING tragedy at Rishi Ganga could have Rivers was obstructed by a num- plains to the high Himalayas and projects. Curiosity is that the gov- police counsel could not come up with a satisfactory answer to the judge’s been precipitated due to the minute ber of under-construction and clean the water of pollutants. The ernment is bent upon promoting tough questioning on whether there is any direct link between Disha and DISASTERS vibrations created by the north- commissioned hydropower proj- hydropower projects create either hydropower and disinterested in the Khalistanis, the judge observed unless he could satisfy his conscience, ward movement of the Indian ects. The present landslide has a tunnel in which the water of the promoting the service sectors. The he won’t move ahead. Plate combined with weakening of likewise become a disaster be- river is diverted; or they create a reason appears to be that hy- The judge’s observation appears to be a welcome departure from some of the glaciers due to global warming. cause the Rishi Ganga and Tapovan reservoir in which the water flows dropower projects require envi- the recent judicial pronouncements which look government-directed. Such The blasting done for making the Vishnugad projects had obstructed at a very slow speed. In both cases ronment clearance, forest diversion, a behavior of this judge could imply that chinks are showing in the armour. tunnel of the Tapovan Vishnugad the flow of the Rishi Ganga and the rubbing action of the water is electricity license and land ac- In a queer development, several former judges and retired police officers, hydropower project did not help. Dhauli Ganga Rivers. These rivers ended and also the migration of fish quisition in which the govern- including CBI ex-chief Nageswara Rao, have written to President Ram Nath Scientists say that the vibrations would have carried the material of is obstructed. I have assessed that ment officials have a huge role. Kovind on Disha’s arrest saying it was surprising that her age was being high- from the explosions do not travel the landslide to the sea smoothly the cost of electricity generated The development of services sec- lighted to prove innocence. They argued that age is immaterial and what mat- very far. However, the minute vi- had there been no obstruction to from hydropower will become `18 tor is ignored because software ters is a series of actions that are “naturally anti-national.” So much so that brations may have added to the their flow. per unit from the proposed giants would not fall on their knees many are equating Disha with Ajmal Kasab and the Nirbhaya juvenile of- disaster just as minute doses of Curiosity is that the govern- Kotlibhel-1B project if the cost of to get environment clearances like fender to prove that age is no criteria for judging a crime. The signatories homoeopathic medicines have a ment is building these projects environmental damage is added to hydropower proponents would do. include three former Chief Justices of High Courts, 17 former judges, 18 for- strong effect. even though they have become the cost of electricity. Uttarakhand must give up its mis- mer Directors General of Police, a former Delhi Police Commissioner, a for- The abovementioned natural economically unviable. The cost of Lo! solar power is available at placed objective of building hy- mer member of the Central Vigilance Commission and a former special Director work of Ganga carrying the ma- electricity made from greenfield about `3 per unit against `7 to `18 dropower, obstructing rivers and General of Central Reserve Police Force. What a galaxy indeed rallying be- terial requires that the river be hydropower projects is about `7 to from hydropower projects. A prob- inviting disasters. hind the government. allowed to flow freely just as an ele- `10 per unit at present. Then there lem is that solar power is pro- The writer is a Admittedly, while law should be equal for all those citizens who have phant requires an open road. The are environmental costs of hy- duced in the daytime while the former Professor of reached the age of being a major, yet, comparing Disha with murderers is hydropower projects make a bar- dropower projects. The National demand is more in the morning Economics at IIM Bangalore. stupidity. By labeling farmers from Punjab as Khalistanis, the country is being rage on the rivers that creates an Environment Engineering and evening which are called ‘peak’ Views are personal. subdivided once more. Earlier, we were told Moslems are traitors, Kashmiris are terrorists, JNU is ‘Tuke Tukde’ gang, Liberals or ‘Libtards’ are communists, communists are anti-national, dissent is sedition, ‘thinking’ people are urban naxals and mediapersons were labeled ‘Prestitutes’. SPECTRUM ODISHA Such sub dividing of society can grievously hurt the fundamental idea of India. If religion could be the sole binder to create a nation, then Europe, as a catholic continent, would have been one country. While Hindooism may be the single big religion of this country, still, it does not contain a uni- fied central theme. The Hindoo God Ayyappa could be completely unknown in Bihar. Similarly, the Bihari Hindoos’ Bol Bom religious practice may be Need of the hour: A Budget for SDGs completely unknown in Maharashtra. If Rajasthan and Bengali Hindoos prac- ticed Sati in the old days, that practice did not exist in Orissa. There are mil- ndia is committed to achieving emerged as priority areas than cation, nutrition related schemes, the Union government and the states lions of differences within the framework called Hindooism. Those differ- the Sustainable Development ever before. rural employment, housing and remained below seven per cent of ences are the beauty and strength of this thought process. To label Hindooism IGoals (SDGs) by 2030. As a large As per the SDG Index by NITI agriculture have seen a reduction GDP until 2018-19; though this fig- as a religion is to demean its essence. portion of India’s population de- Aayog, Odisha ranks 16th among the compared to the budget estimates ure had risen to 8.8 per cent of GDP One is tempted to conjecture whether the siding with farmers can be pends on public provisioning for es- states. The state needs to improve for those for the year 2020-21. For in the Budget Estimates for 2020-21. labeled as an act against the nation. India of today could probably be sential services such as health- its performance on key areas such some of the schemes, the budget pro- We may note here that even at close the only country in the world which considers its farmers, whatever be care, education, nutrition, and as SDG–1; No Poverty, SDG–2; Zero vision for 2021-22 is lower than the to nine per cent of GDP, combined their numbers, as enemies. employment, adequate public spend- Hunger, SDG–3; Good Health and actual expenditure incurred in public spending on social sectors in ing on social sectors and efficiency Wellbeing, SDG–4; Quality 2019-20. The reduction in alloca- the country is way below the level in the delivery system are critical. Education, SDG–6 ; Clean Water tion in major schemes and pro- of budgetary support for social sec- WISDOM CORNER Prioritising and fast-tracking ac- and Sanitation, SDG–8 Decent Work grammes has an adverse bearing tors not just in most of the developed tions for the last mile are crucial if and Economic Growth. Therefore, on the State Budget. countries but also in a number of the goal of “no one is left behind” there are a lot of expectations that The 15th Finance Commission large developing countries. Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than is to be realised. Yet, there exist the State Budget for the year 2021- has submitted two reports. The As per the report State Finances: you need. Basanta Kumar KAHLIL GIBRAN significant disparities in the achieve- 22 would address the multiple social first report consists of recom- A Study of Budgets by Reserve Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less travelled by, Nayak ment of some of the vital human sector deficit areas which have mendations for the financial year Bank of India, Odisha’s social sec- and that has made all the difference. development components. The been further affected by the pan- 2020-21, and the final report has tor expenditure to total disburse- ROBERT FROST PRIORITISING AND deficits in human development, to demic. Further, the 15th Finance recommendations for 2021-26. The ment in 2020-21 (up to Oct 27, 2020) Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future a large part, are a reflection of low Commission has recommended Commission has recommended 41 is 45.3 per cent, which is low com- and renders the present inaccessible. FAST-TRACKING MAYA ANGELOU levels of public provisioning for that health spending by states should per cent of the net proceeds of pared to states like Andhra Pradesh ACTIONS FOR THE social sectors over the decades. be increased to more than eight Union taxes to states. Odisha’s – 52.5 per cent, Bihar – 56.7 per The disastrous effect of the pan- per cent of their Budget by 2022. share in the net proceeds of Central cent, Jharkhand – 50.6 per cent, WORDSWORTH LAST MILE ARE demic has resulted in huge loss in Though the overall magnitude of taxes and duties seems to have and Chhattisgarh – 46.2 per cent. The employment and livelihood, in- the Union Budget has registered in- been sliced from 4.629 per cent in expenditure on social sector should CRUCIAL IF THE creased hunger and malnutrition, crease in absolute terms from `30.50 first report to 4.528 per cent in sec- be increased to at least 50 per cent Manicule GOAL OF “NO ONE increased destitution and poverty. lakh crore in 2020-21 to `34.83 lakh ond report. As a result, the state will of total Budget 2021-22 to take care The impact has been dispropor- crore in 2021-22, allocations for so- be losing `760 crore as share in of emerging social sector needs - ot to be confused with manacle or manicure, this is a much rarer IS LEFT BEHIND” IS tionately borne by economically cial sectors present a mixed bag Central taxes for the 2021-22. This healthcare, education, food & nu- Nword that also derives from Latin manus for a hand, in this case TO BE REALISED and socially disadvantaged sec- at best. apart, being a revenue surplus trition security and livelihoods. from the diminutive manicula, a little hand, which Romans also used tions. Simultaneously, the need for Except a substantial increase in state, Odisha will not get any post The writer is an for a plough-handle. It has popped up through a discussion about it in budget allocation in the areas of so- budget provision for drinking water devolution revenue deficit grant. Associate Director, a book on typography by Keith Houston, Shady Characters: The Secret cial sector such as health, education, and sanitation schemes, predomi- As reported in the Economic Programme, Centre for Youth Life of Punctuation, Symbols, and Other Typographical Marks. A WASH and food and nutrition se- nantly for the Jal Jeevan Mission, Survey 2020-21, India, the combined and Social Development. manicule is a hand with its first finger pointing, once used in the curity including agriculture have budget provisions for school edu- public spending on social sectors by Views are personal. margins of manuscripts and books to draw the reader’s attention to passages of particular importance. We often encounter it as a direction pointer in old-fashioned public signs, though these days we notice it most often as the vertical-pointing shape your computer’s Resident foreigners Incredulous act cursor changes to when you pass it over a web link. Printers have given it a number of names, including fist and index. This last one is Sir, The recent army coup in Myanmar has impacted India and Bangladesh in entirely different ways. As for Sir, Petrol prices surging the official name, echoing the Latin word for a sign or pointer, as in India, it is a wait and watch situation. There has been a close cooperation between the Indian and Myanmar north rapidly of late have index finger. The history of manicule in English is a bit of a mystery. It etters armies on insurgency-related issues troubling the two countries. Hence, the relations between the two countries put the common man on isn’t recorded in the recent review of the letter M in the Oxford English are likely to be normal. The impact of the coup on Bangladesh is profound compared with that on India. Myanmar edge. The steep rise in the Dictionary, nor is it in any other dictionary. authorities had agreed to rehabilitate over 40,000 refugees removed out of a list of 800,000 people by Bangladesh. fuel costs has had a cas- TOL THE EDITOR When the newly elected NLD (National League for Democracy) government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi was cading effect on the price Readers of Orissa POST ousted, it had aroused hopes that the 40,000 people could be repatriated to the Rakhine province in a short while. of essentials and other are most welcome to contribute letters Now around 11,00,000 Rohingyas are sheltered in different parts of Bangladesh. Now that the military is in com- commodities, making it LOL (200 words), articles and plete control of Myanmar after the coup, Rohingya refugees are even more afraid. The coup could make it more hard to eke out a living. columns (between 750-1250 words). Contributors are challenging for the Rohingyas to return home. The coup has taken place at a time when the two countries agreed With the cost of petrol that: “When requested to send their to start the repatriation. The new military regime is unlikely to prioritise return of Rohingyas. As per the new per litre inching towards You should learn are you going contact numbers and full citizenship law announced by Myanmar authorities, Rohingya Muslims are “resident foreigners” and not cit- the three-figure mark (Rs

to learn to be postal address/email ID. They may also izens. Over the years, many ethnic cleansing raids have been carried out to drive out the community. According 100), it is incredulous that

k y m to be more polite send in their valuable comments, opinion c polite?” Bill: “If you had and suggestions, preferably by email, to the Burmese law, while the Rohingyas can stay in Rakhine, their children are not supposed to study beyond the government has failed ne day, Bill and Tom went to a the chance to pick first, which one to: [email protected] the primary level. They won’t get official jobs or medical help either. The government also has the right to seize to take the bull by the Orestaurant for dinner. As soon as would you pick?” Tom: “The smaller Rohingya property. A great deal was expected from Aung San Suu Kyi. However, she took a tough stand on the horns. the waiter took out two steaks, Bill piece, of course.” Bill: “What are you issue. The world was shocked at how she treated the hapless Rohingyas. She approved the decision to margin- quickly picked out the bigger steak whining about then? The smaller B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, alise the community and defended the army raids. There have been reports of genocide of the Rohingyas. NJ Ravi Chander, for himself. Tom wasn’t happy about piece is what you want, right?” Bhubaneswar-751010 Venu GS, KOLLAM BANGALORE JAMMU & KASHMIR ASSAM P7

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m ‘Party’s face in Valley’: Azad moves closer to BJP Delimitation part of BJP’s plan to c

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE the dais and addressed their poetic divide communities: Mehbooba recitals to him. New Delhi, Feb 21: Sidelined by While the Congress has not given the Gandhi family, senior Congress any important responsibility to PRESS TRUST OF INDIA The tearing hurry with leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was seen Azad since he retired from the Rajya which GOI (the taking one more step in a direc- Sabha, Saturday's Mushaira is now Srinagar, Feb 21: The delimita- Government of India) is tion that will bring him much closer being seen as an event which seems tion of Assembly constituencies railroading delimitation to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. to have brought Azad closer to- in Jammu and Kashmir is a part of in J&K has raised In what appeared to be a rare oc- wards the BJP. the BJP's "larger plan to divide and genuine & serious casion, the Modi government “Azad sahab is a real statesman, pit" regions, religions and com- apprehensions about the Saturday rolled out the red carpet he could be the face of the BJP in munities against each other, PDP motives of this exercise. for Azad while inviting him to a the Valley in near future. A person president Mehbooba Mufti alleged. It's a part of BJP's larger gala cultural event organised by like him commands respect across Taking to Twitter, Mehbooba plan to divide & pit the Union Ministry of Minority party lines,” said a BJP functionary Sunday said the Centre was "rail- regions, religions & Affairs. present at the auditorium. roading" delimitation in Jammu communities against Colourful posters and banners of Earlier February 9, Prime and Kashmir with a "tearing hurry", each other the Congress stalwart were put up Minister Modi bid a tearful farewell raising serious apprehensions about all around the Ambedkar to the Congress veteran, saying the motives of the exercise. MEHBOOBA MUFTI I PDP CHIEF International Centre, the venue of that he respected Azadji as a "true "The tearing hurry with which the event, where Union minister friend" and will not let him retire, GOI (the Government of India) is Jitendra Singh and BJP leader and They also urged the chairper- Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Minister and will continue taking his ad- railroading delimitation in J&K MP from Jammu, Jugal Kishore son not to go ahead with the de- of State (Independent Charge) vice. Modi said it would be diffi- has raised genuine & serious ap- Sharma. The other three associ- limitation process as the J-K Jitendra Singh welcomed the vet- cult for Azad's successor in the prehensions about the motives of ated members of the commission Reorganisation Act, 2019 is under eran Congressman, who was re- Rajya Sabha to match him as he this exercise. It's a part of BJP's - National Conference MPs Farooq judicial scrutiny in the Supreme cently praised for his statesman- has set very high standards as an larger plan to divide & pit regions, Abdullah, Mohammad Akbar Lone Court. "In our view, the Jammu ship by Prime Minister Narendra MP and as the Leader of the religions & communities against and Hasnain Masoodi – did not at- and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, Modi at the farewell speech for the family, was appointed as the Leader Azad both hail from Jammu and Opposition. each other,” she said. tend the meeting. 2019 is palpably unconstitutional and outgoing MPs in the Rajya Sabha. of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Kashmir. The event titled "Ek Vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu The Delimitation Commission The NC MPs informed the com- has been enacted in disregard and Saturday's event was the second in place of Azad. Bharat, Shresth Bharat", a also described Azad as a "voice of for Jammu and Kashmir was con- mission that they would not be par- violation of mandate and spirit of such incident in a series when the Posters of a Congress leader at 'Mushaira' (Urdu poetry recital) or- sanity in the nation's public life", and stituted by the Centre March 6 last ticipating in its proceedings as the the Constitution of India and there- Modi government showered praises an event organised by the Modi ganised by the government, offi- someone who "speaks softly but year. The commission held its first abrogation of Jammu and fore not to be acted upon," the MPs on Azad, who up till now is seen as government were seen for the first cially acknowledged Azad as a guest conveys his point of view effec- meeting Thursday to seek sugges- Kashmir's special status was pend- said. "We have thrown challenge a dissenter by the Rahul Gandhi time in the national capital. The of honour. Most of the Urdu poets, tively". Modi's emotional speech tion/views on the process of de- ing adjudication before the Supreme to constitutional validity of the camp. Once a diehard Rajiv Gandhi audience at the Ambedkar Centre including Waseem Barelvi, a well- for Azad had led to speculation that limitation in respect of the union Court. In a letter to Chairperson Jammu and Kashmir loyalist, Azad was not given an- were surprised to see Azad seated known personality in the Urdu lit- the veteran Congress leader, side- territory. Delimitation Commission Justice Reorganisation Act, 2019, exercise other term in the Upper House. A alongside Jitendra Singh and erary world, also praised the lined by his party high command, The meeting of the commission (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, they of powers where-under the meeting few days back, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in the VVIP Congress leader. Several other poets might join the ruling party in days was attended by two of the five as- expressed their inability to associate in question is proposed to be held," considered to be close to the Gandhi front row. Incidentally, Singh and also mentioned Azad's name from to come. sociated members - Union Minister with the commission. they said. Cong says BJP looting in name AASU announces protest during PM’s visit

AGENCIES to the last comma and full stop. It of taxes, launches stir in Assam is now nearly a year that the re- Guwahati, Feb 21: All Assam port was submitted to the state gov- spectively. The BJP is simply loot- Students Union (AASU) has an- ernment but it is yet to be sent to ing the people in the name of taxes," nounced that it will hold agitations the Centre for its implementation, Bora said. during Prime Minister Narendra they said. "I would simply like to ask the BJP Modi's visit to the state February 22 "We demand that the prime min- government on what basis it de- to protest against his government's ister announces February 22 when cides the petroleum prices every alleged failure to implement Clause the recommendations of the day? What is the explanation for sub- 6 of the Assam Accord. Committee will be implemented as jecting the people of Assam to this Member of the students' organ- constitutional safeguards are a le- cruelty," state Congress Campaign isation will wave black flags and gitimate rights of the people of the Committee Chairman Pradyut wear black badges at all district state", the leaders said. Bordoloi said. and sub-divisional headquarters, AASU had organised protests Congress' Deputy leader in the AASU President Dipanka Kumar against Modi's visit January 23 de- Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said that Nath and General Secretary manding repeal of the Citizenship the BJP government is looting the Shankarjyoti Barua said in a re- Amendment Act that seeks to grant public by raising the fuel prices, lease Saturday. Indian citizenship to non-Muslim amid the raging pandemic. The BJP-led government at the bother to visit Assam and had pose the burden of additional for- religious minorities from Congress Legislature Party leader Centre has failed the people of merely reviewed the situation over eigners on Assam by enacting the Bangladesh, Pakistan and Debabrata Saikia said that the com- Assam by not implementing Clause phone. "But now that state election Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Afghanistan and implementation of mon man is burdened with the 6 of the Assam Accord, failing to de- is round the corner, he has come The prime minister during his Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. price rise, so will the BJP govern- clare floods and erosion as national thrice within a month to seek votes," two earlier visits did not make a sin- As per the clause constitutional, ment clarify whom it is busy levy- problems and not stopping con- they said. The AASU leaders said gle mention of the implementation legislative and administrative safe- ing tax for? struction of all big dams in the re- that before the 2016 Lok Sabha elec- of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, guards, as may be appropriate, shall "Who are those being favoured by gion, including the Lower Subansiri tion, the prime minister had said they added. be provided to protect, preserve INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE count in the state Assembly, Assam the government at the expense of Hydroelectric Project. that all illegal immigrants will have The Centre had promised that it and promote the culture, social, Finance and Health Minister making people suffer so much." Nath and Barua that during to pack their bags and leave."But the will implement the recommenda- linguistic identity and heritage of Guwahati, Feb 21: Ahead of the Himanta Biswa Sarma February 12 All India Mahila Congress pres- floods, the prime minister did not Centre is now conspiring to im- tions of the High Level Committee the Assamese people. Assam polls, the Congress Sunday announced to remove the addi- ident Sushmita Dev, who is leading launched agitations in all the 34 tional cess of Rs 5 levied on the the protests in different districts, said districts of the state to protest petrol and diesel last year, when that the "so called 'double engine' against the rising fuel prices. Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak. BJP governments at the Centre Terrorist hideout Senior Congress leaders including Assam Pradesh Congress pres- and the state are fooling the people". ULFA(I) defers decision on former Union Minister and AICC ident Ripun Bora while address- "Reducing Rs 5 on petrol-diesel busted, weapons General Secretary Mukul Wasnik ing a protest rally in Hojai said ahead of the state elections is a led the agitations, which has also that the base price of petrol is Rs hoax! Reality is the Modi govern- recovered in J&K become as a major agenda for the 33.46 per litre and that of diesel is ment at the Centre has increased tax fate of abducted oil firm staff opposition parties before the Rs 31.82 per litre in the state. to favour their corporate friends," INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Assembly elections slated for April- "However, the common man is alleged Dev, a former Lok Sabha May. forced to pay Rs 87 per litre and Rs Member and daughter of late Union PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Srinagar, Feb 21: A large quan- While presenting the vote-on-ac- 82 per litre for petrol and diesel re- Minister Santosh Mohan Dev. tity of arms and ammunition was Guwahati, Feb 21: The banned recovered after police and security ULFA(I) Sunday said, the outfit has forces in a joint operation busted "deferred" the decision to take any a terrorist hideout in South step on the fate of two abducted Kashmir's Anantnag district, of- Ahead of polls, BJP hikes daily employees of an oil firm and will ficials said Sunday. continue to hold discussions with Police said the hideout was authorities concerned for a positive busted after the arrest of a con- wages of tea garden workers outcome. spirator of Krishna Dhaba attack United Liberation Front of in Srinagar. Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) chief A large quantity of arms and PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Paresh Barua informed general ammunition including three AK secretary of Gauhati Press Club 56 rifles and two Chinese pistols Guwahati, Feb 21: Ahead of the (GPC) Sanjoy Ray over phone that were recovered from the hideout. Assembly elections in Assam, the discussions on the release of the two "Hideout busted in forest area BJP-led state government Saturday employees were continuing and of Anantnag by the police and se- increased the daily wages of scores "We hope that there will be a posi- curity forces after the arrest of of tea garden workers from Rs 167 tive outcome soon". the conspirator of Krishna Dhaba to Rs 217 per day, officials said. However, Barua said, there has attack. Arms and ammunition in- The officials said that the Cabinet to be a "definite time-frame to resolve cluding three AK 56 rifles, two meeting chaired by Chief Minister the issue and negotiations for their Chinese pistols, two grenades, tel- Sarbananda Sonowal has decided release cannot go on endlessly". at the GPC, who connected him to authorities held from February 16 escope, AK/Pistol magazines and to increase the daily wages of tea Two employees of Quippo Oil the club's general secretary Sanjoy to 19 have "failed to reach any other incriminating material were garden workers from Rs 167 to Rs and Gas Infrastructure Ltd were Ray and he was briefed by the favourable conclusion and as such recovered," police said. 217 per day. abducted by the insurgents ULFA(I) leader. an ultimate step on the duo will be The meeting also decided that December 21 last year from According to Ray, the ULFA(I) taken next week". to recommend equal wage for small Kumchaikha hydrocarbon drilling chief also said that he welcomes and The email, signed by Rumel Asom tea workers, a one-man committee site in Changlang district of respects the role of the civil society of the outfit's Publicity depart- under Principal Secretary J.B. Ekka Arunachal Pradesh. and their constructive suggestions ment, said that it had "banned the would be formed. state are getting Rs 167 per day. the next year. Initially, the ULFA(I) chief had to resolve the issue. company from operating in South Increase in daily wages of tea February 6, Union Finance Assam has over 10 lakh tea gar- called the GPC president Manoj Barua said that a section of the East Asia". workers is an election issue in Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had den workers in the organised sec- Kumar Nath asking him to pro- media had misinterpreted the out- The family members of the em- Assam with opposition parties, in- distributed Rs 3,000 each to 7,46,667 tor working in 850 tea estates. The vide a platform to him for clarifi- fit's earlier statement about "the ployees had recently called upon cluding the Congress, criticising tea garden workers in Assam under state roughly produces 55 per cent cation of certain facts allegedly step" to decide the fate of the two Barua's brother who also appealed the BJP-led government for delib- the 'Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar of India's total tea production of 'misinterpreted in a certain sec- abducted persons. to the ULFA(I) leader to release the erately delaying wage revision for Mela' scheme. In the third tranche 1389.70 million kg. Tea tribe com- tion of the media' on the outfit's The two abducted men are duo. Pertinently on Wednesday when the last several years. of the scheme, a total amount of Rs munities determine the votes in stand on the fate of the two ab- Drilling Superintendent Pranab Following the ULFA(I)'s state- a delegation of foreign envoys The main opposition Congress 224 crore was disbursed with Rs 30 to 35 of the 126 Assembly seats ducted persons. Kumar Gogoi and Radio Operator ment Friday, there was an appeal was on Kashmir visit terrorists had claimed that Prime Minister 3,000 getting transferred directly in the state. Accordingly, mediapersons gath- Ram Kumar. While Gogoi is from from several organisations, intel- attacked famous food outlet Narendra Modi had promised to to 7,46,667 bank accounts of tea Saturday's cabinet meeting also ered at the GPC where Barua was Assam's Sivasagar district, Ram lectuals and even Barua's former Krishna Dhaba in Srinagar and in-

revise the daily wages of tea work- garden workers across the state. decided to allot 10 bighas of land to expected to brief the media over tele- Kumar hails from Bihar. comrade Anup Chetia, who has jured the son of its owner. The

k y m c ers in Assam to Rs 350 prior to the The scheme was started by the the World Renewal Spiritual Trust phone which was put on ampli- The outfit had reportedly de- joined the peace talks, not to harm police later said Krishna Dhaba ter- 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Assam government in 2017-18 and in Kamrup, besides approving the fiers, but he could not contact the manded a ransom of Rs 20 crore for the two persons. rorist attack was worked out within While the tea garden workers in that year Rs 2,500 each was pro- purchase of 8,000 wheelchairs for particular number on which he the release of the two employees and Assam Minister Himanta Biswa 48 hours and three terrorists of southern Assam are getting daily vided to 6,33,411 tea garden work- the ensuing Assembly elections, was supposed to brief journalists. had set February 16 as the deadline. Sarma had also appealed to the the Muslim Jaanbaz Force, which wages of Rs 145 per day, the work- ers, while a similar amount was which are likely to be held in April- Barua subsequently called an- The ULFA(I) in an email Friday outfit to release the two men un- is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba ers in the remaining areas of the deposited in 7,15,979 bank accounts May this year. other journalist who was present had said that talks with the Quippo harmed. were arrested. These anti-farmer laws P8 are death warrants to WB GOVT REDUCES TAX MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR the farmers. With the ON PETROL, DIESEL implementation of these laws the The West Bengal government crops will go to the hands of a few Sunday announced a reduction of industrialists and the farmers of tax by Re 1 per litre on petrol and India will become labourers in diesel effective from midnight of y national their own land. February 22

ARVIND KEJRIWAL DELHI CHIEF MINISTER

k y m | c

of the day uote Farmers announce PONDICHERRY GOVT IN TROUBLE Primary Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, who was handed over the additional charge of Pondicherry, education in mother had Thursday directed Narayanasamy to prove his majority by ordering a floor test February 22 tongue can boost series of events PRESS TRUST OF INDIA ignation letters separately to BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao had childrens self- esteem and Assembly Speaker V P quit, while another party legislator creativity and it Pondicherry, Feb 21: Two more Sivakolundhu at his residence here, was earlier disqualified. should be made the primary MLAs of the Congress- DMK al- the both said. Speaking to reporters, Narayanasamy's confidante A John medium of instruction at least until to escalate stir liance in Puducherry resigned on Lakshminarayanan said, "this gov- Kumar had resigned this week. class 5 Sunday, delivering yet another jolt ernment led by Narayanasamy has Telangana Governor Tamilisai to Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, lost majority." Soundararajan, who was handed M VENKAIAH NAIDU | VICE PRESIDENT a day before he is scheduled to face He said he has also resigned from over the additional charge of a floor test in the assembly to prove the party membership. Later, Puducherry, had Thursday di- Love Jihad' is a his majority. Venkatesan told the media that he rected Narayanasamy to prove his term used by The resignation by Congress had quit the post of MLA only and majority by ordering a floor test right wing MLA K Lakshminarayanan and continued to be in the DMK. February 22. activists to refer to DMK legislator Venkatesan fur- “I was not able to meet the needs The resignation of two MLAs' an alleged campaign ther reduced the strength of the of the people in my constituency comes on a day when the ruling of Muslims forcing ruling alliance to 11, while the op- since there was no allocation of party members are slated to Hindu girls to position has 14 MLAs in the 33- Congress MLA Lakshminarayanan funds under the MLA Local Area meet CM to discuss the future convert in the guise of love member assembly, which has seven gives his resignation to Assembly Development fund,” he said. Four course of action, though similar YOGI ADITYANATH | UTTAR PRADESH CHIEF vacancies. Lakshminarayanan and Speaker VP Sivakozhundu, a day before Congress MLAs--including ex-min- discussions on February 18 yielded MINISTER Venkatesan submitted their res- the floor test in the Assembly PTI isters A Namassivayam (now in no results. AGENCIES the farmers' movement. On this day, memoranda will be given to the Greetings on New Delhi, Feb 21: From 'Pagadi President of India via Tehsil and the occasion Sambhal Diwas' to 'Daman Virodhi district headquarters," said Darshan FIGHT RESUMES WOMAN FORCED of the Diwas, protesting farmers Sunday Pal, a farmer leader The Morcha International announced a series of events from said February 26 will be observed TO DRINK LIQUOR, Mother Language February 23-27 to further inten- as 'Yuva Kisan Diwas' (youth farm- Day. This day sify their agitation against the ers day) and February 27 as MAHA BANS GATHERINGS inspires us to stay three new agricultural laws as 'Mazdoor Kisan Ekta Divws' GANGRAPED connected with our cultural they accused the government of (farmer-labourer unity day). "On PRESS TRUST OF INDIA face mask is the only shield. heritage adopting "repressive" measures February 26, honouring the con- Vaccination has begun. Trials of PRESS TRUST OF INDIA AMIT SHAH | UNION HOME MINISTER against them. tribution of youth in this move- Mumbai, Feb 21: Maharashtra two more vaccines are on. It is only They also said they will soon ment, a 'Yuva Kisan Diwas' will be Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after that common citizens will get Shahdol (MP), Feb 21: A 20-year- devise a strategy to keep the protest organised. On this day all the stages on Sunday said that in view of the doses," he said. old woman was gang-raped al- SHORT TAKES going for long and will make their of SKM will be operated by the rising COVID-19 cases, religious, so- So far, nine lakh frontline COVID- legedly by four persons in Madhya plans public February 28. youth. Youth from various states are cial and political gatherings will be 19 warriors have been vaccinated Pradesh's Shahdol district, police The Samyukt Kisan Morcha requested to join the protesters at prohibited in the state from Monday. and no serious side effects have said Sunday. 3 held over Cong (SKM), which is spearheading Delhi Borders. Asking people to follow "COVID- been noticed, he said, and urged She was abducted in a four- the protests, told a press confer- "On January 27, on Guru Ravidas appropriate" behaviour and safety like Amravati, the spike being wit- all the frontline and health care wheeler, forced to drink liquor in leader killing ence here that under their pro- Jayanti and martyrdom day of norms, he said he would observe for nessed now was not so high when workers to get themselves inocu- a farmhouse in Gadaghat area New Delhi: Three persons posed escalation programme, Shaheed Chandrasekhar Azad, a week to 15 days and then decide the state saw a peak in COVID-19 lated. People who have become neg- under Jaitpur police station lim- have been arrested in Delhi February 23 will be observed as 'Kisan Majdoor Ekta Diwas' will whether to impose another lock- cases earlier, he said, adding, "This ligent should not let the sacrifices its and then gang-raped on in connection with the 'Pagadi Sambhal Diwas' and be celebrated. All the citizens are down. "Wear masks, observe discipline is alarming." of the coronavirus warriors go in February 18 and 19, said Shahdol killing of a 34-year-old Youth February 24 as 'Daman Virodhi appealed to strengthen this move- and maintain social distancing to "We felt that the pandemic is waste. If you can't be a COVID war- Additional Superintendent of Congress leader in Punjab's Diwas', essentially to underline ment by joining the protesters avoid another lockdown," Thackeray under control and a lot of hard rior, don't become a COVID "doot" Police (ASP) Mukesh Vaish. "On Faridkot on February 18, the that farmers must be respected Delhi borders," Pal said. told the people of the state. work had gone into bringing it (carrier), he said. February 20, the four accused Delhi Police said Sunday. and no "repressive measures" A long-term plan for movement In his televised address against under control," the chief minister "The second wave is knocking dumped her in front of her house. The Punjab Police has been should be taken against them. will be discussed in view of the the backdrop of the sudden surge said. "Religious, social and political at our doors. It is upto us to decide She filed a police complaint on informed about the arrest of "The 'Pagdi Sambhal Diwas' will Parliament session from March 8, in coronavirus cases, he said the gatherings will be prohibited in the whether to allow it in our lives Sunday. Faridkot-residents Gurvinder be celebrated February 23. This and the strategy will be shared in number of daily infection cases state from tomorrow. Political agi- again. Wear a face mask, use sani- The victim was first taken to Pal (the 32-year-old key day will be celebrated in memory the next meeting of SKM, he said. has risen from 2,500 to 7,000 within tations with crowd will have to be tiser and maintain social distanc- Jaitpur health centre and then accused), Sukhwinder Singh of Chacha Ajit Singh and Swami Darshan Pal, also alleged "re- 15 days. "The pandemic is raising its stopped for some time...All of usneed ing. I will observe for a week to 15 shifted to the district hospital for (23) and Saurabh Verma (21) Sahajanand Saraswati. On this day, pression" by the government. head in the state again, but whether to expand and spread our political days to take a decision if it is the treatment," he added. in the killing of Gurlal Singh farmers will be wearing their re- He said around 32 people have got this is a second wave will be known base including myself, my allies people who want a lockdown," he The four were booked on Sunday, Bhalwan, a Delhi Police officer said. Deputy gional turbans. bail out of 122 arrested by the Delhi in eight to 15 days," he said. and the opposition parties," he said. said. He asked the people to follow and police are verifying if one of Commissioner of Police "On February 24, 'Daman Virodhi Police in connection with the vio- Till a few days ago, the daily People should follow 'Mi zabab- work from home practice and them is the functionary of a po- (Special Cell) Manishi Diwas' is announced in which the lence and vandalism in the na- spike of cases was between 2,000 and dar' (I am responsible) campaign, reschedule their work hours so litical party, the Additional SP Chandra also said two other farmers and citizens will protest tional capital during a farmers' 2,500, he said. There are 53,000 ac- he said. "In the war against the that there is no crowding in public said. Efforts are underway to nab associates of the arrested against overall suppression against tractor rally on Republic Day. tive cases in the state. Even in cities virus there is no sword as yet but places. the four accused, he added. accused are still at large and efforts are underway to nab them. They all are allegedly members of PM addresses the Lawrence Vishnoi Shabnam files fresh mercy petition NO ‘GANGA AARTI’ WITHOUT Gang. Vishnoi is presently in BJP’s national Ajmer prison. office bearers meet INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE The development PERMISSION NOW Lucknow, Feb 21: Death row con- comes a day after INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Couple, 3 kids PRESS TRUST OF INDIA vict Shabnam, who was awarded the 12-year-old son of death sentence for killing seven Varanasi (UP), Feb 21: Social or- drown New Delhi, Feb 21: Prime Minister members of her family in April Shabnam Ali appealed ganisations and even individu- Pune: A couple and their Narendra Modi on Sunday asked 2008, has filed a fresh mercy petition to the President of als, performing 'Ganga Aarti' at three daughters drowned in a BJP workers to strengthen and to Uttar Pradesh Governor India on social media various ghats will now have to get stream in Pune's Mulshi expand the party with the motto Anandiben Patel and President of registered with the Varanasi tehsil on Sunday morning, of 'nation first' and said its mission India Ram Nath Kovind. to consider his mother’s Municipal Corporation (VMC). police said. The incident took is to work for the country. According to Anand Kumar, mercy plea again The decision has been taken by place near Kolwan village, Modi was addressing the first Director General (prison depart- the district administration to said the district magistrate in a some 40 kilometres from the meeting of the BJP's new set of na- ment and reform services), Shabnam check encroachments on the river- letter to VMC. district headquarters, under tional office-bearers, during which had also approached the Uttar front, which is a public property. "It has been noticed that quite Paud police station limits, an the party also passed a resolution Pradesh Governor earlier for pardon, India, Shabnam's lawyer Shreya on social media to consider his The municipal authorities have often that some people indulge official said. The deceased thanking him for reforms in the but Patel had rejected her petition. Rastogi, in a press release, claimed mother's mercy plea again. also been asked to prepare the in disputes over holding Ganga have been identified as agriculture sector and for his able "A copy of mercy appeal to the that 'news reports should correct the "President uncle ji, please for- records of the 'Ganga Aarti'. Aarti. The municipal corpora- Shankar Laygude (38) his leadership in effective handling of UP governor by death-row convict factual and legal positions regarding give my mother Shabnam," read a District magistrate Kaushal Raj tion should make a specific reg- wife Pornima (38), and the COVID-19 situation. Prime prisoner Shabnam through her the remaining remedies available placard that he was seen holding in Sharma has asked the munici- ulation for organising the Ganga daughters Arpita (20), Ankita Minister Modi at the meeting said lawyer regarding Supreme Court to Shabnam.' a viral video. pal authorities to prepare the Aarti along the ghats. The VMC (13) and Rajashree (12). the party's mission is to work for order dated May 25, 2015, was made She said in the release, "Shabnam Shabnam, now 38, has been con- records of the Ganga aarti and should register the aarti organ- the country and its development, available to our office to be for- has several constitutional reme- victed for killing seven members of complete the registration process isers with the allotment of space, BJP general secretary Bhupender warded," said Rampur jail super- dies that remain to be exercised. her family -- her mother, father, by March end. which should be renewed every Tiger captured Yadav said at a press conference. intendent. These include the right to challenge two brothers, sister-in-law, cousin Thereafter, no such activities year. Besides, it should also be He also asked BJP workers to Sources said that two lawyers the rejection of her mercy petition and 10-month-old nephew -- after would be allowed on the ghats ensured that no aarti is organised Madikeri: A tiger that killed strengthen and expand the or- had met Shabnam in Rampur jail before the Allahabad HC and the they opposed her relationship with without the registration and prior by any individual or organisa- two people in Kodagu district was captured by the forest ganisation with the motto of "na- on Friday and convinced her to Supreme Court on various grounds. Salim, also a resident of the same permission of the VMC. "The tion without the VMC's permis- department Sunday. The tion first", Yadav said. During the send a mercy petition to the She also has the right to file a cur- Amroha village. riverfront is a public property sion," he said. The VMC has also tiger captured in Manchalli meeting, which was chaired by Governor of Uttar Pradesh. ative petition in the SC." The two slit the throats of all owned by the state government been directed to nominate a nodal village was found with BJP chief J P Nadda, Prime Confirming that a second mercy The development comes a day the seven persons after serving and being looked after by the officer to look after the whole injuries and aged Minister Modi told party leaders petition has been sent to the after 12-year-old son of Shabnam Ali them sedative-spiked milk. Shabnam Varanasi Municipal Corporation," process. approximately seven to nine to take the benefits of the new Governor and the President of appealed to the President of India was pregnant at that time. years, an official said. "It farm laws to the people. was tranquilised by a The meeting was inaugurated veterinarian alongside help by Modi and it started by paying from tamed elephants tributes to those who lost their Abhimanyu and Gopal from lives due to the coronavirus. The Priyanka’s campaigns in UP may bolster Cong position Mathigodu Elephant Camp". political resolution was passed The tiger was later shifted to thanking the prime minister for PRIYANKA GANDHI HAD RECENTLY TAKEN A HOLY DIP AT THE TRIVENI SANGAM IN PRAYAGRAJ ON 'MAUNI AMAVASYA' AND HAD Mysuru Zoo. the reforms in the agriculture sector and his able leadership in TRAVELLED IN BOATMAN SUJIT NISHAD'S BOAT WHO INFORMED HER OF THE "ATROCITIES" BEING COMMITTED ON LOCAL BOATMEN effective handling of the pan- 11 boys rescued demic, BJP vice president Raman INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Sangam in Prayagraj on 'Mauni of power for three decades now. Singh said. Amavasya' and had travelled in The farmers' agitation has given New Delhi: Eleven boys, He said the resolution also high- New Delhi, Feb 21: Just reduced boatman Sujit Nishad's boat who in- a boost but sustaining it till elections including an eight-year-old, lights the Garib Kalyan Yojana to one seat from the state in the 2019 formed her of the "atrocities" being is difficult task and countering the working as bonded during the pandemic, compre- Lok Sabha elections, the Congress committed on local boatmen. BJP's aggressive Hindutva is also labourers were rescued hensive budget and diligent han- is looking to gain ground in Uttar She had assured that the Congress a major challenge for the party. But, from several places in north dling of the situation on the Line Pradesh with party General would fight legally for the rights Priyanka Gandhi is fighting on, Delhi's Samaypur Badli of Actual Control with China. Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's of the boatmen and when the party and hitting out at the BJP. area, a child rights body Earlier, BJP general secretary campaigns for various sections comes to power, boatmen would be In a speech Saturday, she had said on Sunday. Raids were conducted in seven places Arun Singh had informed that seeking to change equations given land holdings. said: "In our old stories, kings and under the Samaypur Badli during the course of the meet, and make the party emerge as After her Prayagraj visit, queens became arrogant after they police station area on discussions will be held on farm main challenger to the ruling BJP Congress leader Acharya Pramod won power. After becoming Prime

Friday following reports of laws, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and up- on the streets. Krishnam said: "Only Congress un- Minister twice, the PM is also show- y children working as coming state polls. The meeting, She is trying hard to make derstands the pain of poor." ing arrogance."

which was also being attended by Congress a serious challenger to Priyanka Gandhi has to start "The Central government should

k y m labourers in hazardous c conditions, the Delhi BJP state unit presidents, assumes the BJP, by seeking to woo mar- from scratch, be it the panchayat respect the farmers. Why is Modiji Commission for Protection significance as it came amid fierce ginalised sections of society. Having polls or the local body elections and not talking to the farmers who of Child Rights (DCPCR) protests by a section of farmers in raised the issue of farmers in west- the Assembly elections next year. elected him as Prime Minister? said. Eleven children were Punjab, Haryana and western ern UP, she is now championing OBC Nishad community, which has with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Congress leader is working Dialogue should be initiated with rescued during the Uttar Pradesh against the three the cause of fishermen in eastern stood by the Samajwadi Party, the Priyanka Gandhi had recently hard to make inroads in the most the farmers and their problems operation, it added. new farm laws. UP. Her target is a big chunk of the Bahujan Samaj Party, and is now taken a holy dip at the Triveni populous state, which it has been out must be solved," she had said. Our first goal 1st CASE OF BIRD FLU P10 is protection MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR and that is what we INFECTION IN HUMAN see is with both the Russia has confirmed the first initial vaccines: Pfizer case of human infection with and the AstraZeneca the avian influenza A(H5N8) vaccine virus in the world, a Russian SCOTT MORRISON | sanitary official announced

international PRIME MINISTER, AUSTRALIA

k y m c of the day uote Funeral and more Pakistan unlikely to exit ‘grey list’ It’s a useful exchange on PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Mohammad chief Maulana Masood our defence Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah head cooperation. India protests follow deadly Islamabad, Feb 21: Pakistan is Hafiz Saeed. will always be a reliable security unlikely to exit the 'grey list' of the Azhar and Saeed are most wanted partner for the FATF as some European countries terrorists in India for their in- Maldives have taken the stand that Islamabad volvement in numerous terrorist has not fully implemented all the acts, including 26 11 Mumbai terror S JAISHANKAR | INDIAN EXTERNAL AFFAIRS shootings in Myanmar points of a plan of action set by it, attacks and bombing of a CRPF MINISTER a media report said Sunday, on the bus at Pulwama in Jammu and eve of the plenary meeting of the Kashmir last year. global watchdog for money laun- An official source close to these We’ve come dering and terror financing. developments told the paper on back to the The Paris-based Financial Action Saturday that Pakistan had complied early part of Task Force had placed Pakistan on held in Paris from February 22 to Pakistan will continue in its “grey 2020 where again with the six recommendations and Iran is a potentially the grey list June 2018 and asked 25 to consider cases of various list” till February 2021 as it has also submitted details to the FATF big threat Islamabad to implement a plan of countries on the grey list, includ- failed to fulfill six out of 27 obliga- secretariat. The members would action to curb money laundering and ing Pakistan, and a decision will be tions of the global money laun- now evaluate Pakistan's responses CHARLES FORRESTER | terror financing by the end of 2019 made at the conclusion of the meet- dering and terrorist financing during the meeting, the source said, SENIOR ANALYST, JANES but the deadline was extended later ings, Dawn newspaper reported. watchdog that include failure to adding that the decision would be on due to COVID-19 pandemic. In the last plenary held October take action against two of India's taken after a consensus among the The virtual FATF plenary will be 2020, the FATF concluded that most wanted terrorists – Jaish-e members. As the government has taken responsibility in China okays clinical verifying their SERAPHIC SMILE safety and efficacy, trials of 16 vaccines we ask that you ASSOCIATED PRESS Protesters elsewhere in Myanmar trust them and fully participate in gathered again Sunday for street receiving inoculation of the Yangon, Feb 21: Crowds in demonstrations that have been AGENCIES vaccines Myanmar’s capital attended a fu- going on for more than two weeks. neral Sunday for the young woman In Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest Beijing, Feb 21: China has ap- CHUNG SYE-KYUN | PRIME MINISTER, who was the first person confirmed city, about 1,000 demonstrators proved 16 domestically made Covid- SOUTH KOREA to have been killed in protests began the day by honoring Mya 19 vaccines for clinical trials, six against the military’s takeover, Thwet Thwet Khine at a ceremony of which have entered phase 3, just one day after security forces under an elevated roadway. according to the latest data from SHORT TAKES shot dead two more demonstra- “I want to say through the media the National Medical Products tors. to the dictator and his associates, Administration. Mya Thwet Thwet Khine was we are peaceful demonstrators,” Two inactivated Covid-19 vac- Oz begins shot in the head by police Feb 9, two said protester Min Htet Naing. cines from China have hit the mar- days before her 20th birthday, at a “Stop the genocide! Stop using ket on a conditional basis: a vac- vax drive protest in the capital, Naypyitaw, lethal weapons!” cine from China National Biotec Canberra: Prime Minister and died Friday. There were also protests in Group affiliated with Sinopharm, Scott Morrison has become Mourners lined the entrance to Myawaddy, on the border with and the CoronaVac vaccine de- one of the first Australians to a cemetery in the city as the hearse Thailand, and at Inle Lake, a pop- veloped by Sinovac Biotech. They receive a coronavirus carrying her body arrived and was ular scenic tourist attraction, where received their respective approvals vaccine. Morrison Sunday taken to a crematorium where more dozens of its famous long tailed from the administration December morning received his first people had gathered. They silently wooden boats were moored near 30, 2020, and February 5 this year. dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 raised their hands in three-fingered shore and those aboard chanted In addition to inactivated vac- vaccine alongside Chief salutes — a sign of defiance and re- anti-coup slogans. cines, China has adopted four tech- Medical Officer Paul Kelly sistance adopted from neighbor- Demonstrators turned out in nological approaches to Covid-19 and a small group of aged ing Thailand — as the black and gold force in Mandalay, the country’s vaccines: recombinant protein care residents and staff and vehicle rolled slowly past. second-biggest city, where secu- vaccines, adenovirus vector vac- frontline pandemic workers, Inside the crematorium hall, the rity forces shot dead two people cines, nucleic acid vaccines and the Xinhua news reported. lid on Mya Thwet Thwet Khine’s cof- on Saturday near a dockyard where vaccines using attenuated in- Jane Malysiak, an 84-year-old fin was partially removed to allow the authorities had been trying to fluenza viruses as vectors. As of World War II survivor, was the first Australian to receive a last glimpse of her head resting force workers to load a boat. The February 9, China has adminis- a vaccine, according to a on a bed of red and white roses workers, like railway workers and tered 40.52 million Covid-19 vaccine media report. before she was cremated. Members truckers and many civil servants, doses to key groups, said National of the crowd outside chanted “Our have joined a civil disobedience An internally displaced Syrian girl looks out of a tent as she poses for a picture in northern Aleppo near the Syrian-Turkish border, Health Commission spokesper- uprising must succeed!” campaign against the junta. Syria REUTERS PHOTO son Mi Feng at a press conference. Sudan floats currency UN chief appreciates Cairo: Sudan took the Peaceful protests for jailed Facebook takes down main unprecedented but expected India's leadership in step of floating its currency Sunday, meeting a major fight against COVID page of Myanmar military demand by international financial institutions to help rapper see more clashes AGENCIES REUTERS transitional authorities overhaul the battered economy. The floatation is United Nations, Feb 21: UN chief ASSOCIATED PRESS suit. Some even took the fight to po- Yangon, Feb 21: Facebook the boldest economic Antonio Guterres has voiced ap- lice lines, forcing officers to use Sunday deleted the main page of measure taken by the preciation for India's leadership in Barcelona, Feb 21: A fifth night shields to protect them from hurled the Myanmar military under it transitional government that the global fight against the coro- of peaceful protests to denounce rocks. Police said that they had standards prohibiting the in- has ruled Sudan after a navirus pandemic and its efforts the imprisonment of a Spanish rap identified one “youth” for targeting citement of violence, the com- popular uprising led to the to bring a “much-needed supply” artist once more devolved into a police helicopter with a laser for pany said, a day after two pro- military's overthrow of of the COVID-19 vaccines to the clashes between police and the two hours. After pouring out of ar- testers were killed when police autocrat Omar al-Bashir in world market. members of fringe groups who set mored vans, police wielded batons opened fire at a demonstration in Myanmar and pushed back April 2019. Sudan's currency India's Permanent up street barricades and smashed and fired foam bullets to disperse against the Feb 1 coup. against the military after coming will now fluctuate according Representative to the UN storefront windows Saturday night the groups. “In line with our global policies, under heavy international criti- to supply and demand, Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted in downtown Barcelona. his music. Catalonia’s regional po- The disorder appears to have we’ve removed the Tatmadaw cism for failing to contain online according to a statement by on Saturday that Guterres, in a Small groups made up mostly lice force said there also was defi- come from a fringe group of mainly True News Information Team hate campaigns. the Central Bank. letter dated February 17, “extends of young people began their nightly ance in the city of Tarragona, where younger people who constituted a Page from Facebook for repeated In 2018, it banned army chief his personal gratitude” to External cat-and-mouse game with officers groups threw glass bottles at po- small share of the thousands of violations of our Community Min Aung Hlaing - now the mil- Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for an hour after several thousand pro- lice lines and smashed store win- participants who joined in marches Standards prohibiting incitement itary ruler - and 19 other senior Israel reopens “India's offer of 200,000 doses" of testers gathered in the capital of dows. Police reported at least 11 ar- to support Hasél and to oppose the of violence and coordinating officers and organisations, and COVID-19 vaccines for UN peace- Spain’s Catalonia region, which rests from Saturday, including three Spanish laws used to prosecute harm,” a Facebook representative took down hundreds of pages economy keepers. also was where the worst violence minors. The worst of the rioting him. Around 90 people have been said in a statement. and accounts run by military Jerusalem: Israel lifted many took place during earlier demon- occurred on Barcelona’s Passeig arrested and more than 100 people The Myanmar military is members for coordinated inau- of its coronavirus strations this week over rapper de Gràcia, the city’s most fashion- injured since Hasél’s arrest Tuesday. known as the Tatmadaw. Its True thentic behaviour. restrictions and started Pablo Hasél’s detention. able shopping boulevard home to art- Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau News page was not available Ahead of November elections, reopening its economy Police were also pelted by rocks deco apartment buildings considered made an appeal for calm. Sunday. Facebook announced it had taken Sunday as the country's after a march in the Catalan town architectural treasures. “Defending the freedom of ex- The military spokesman did down a network of 70 fake ac- vaccination drive and third of Lleida, where Hasél spent 24 The mob worked its way up the pression doesn’t justify in any case not respond to a Reuters phone call counts and pages operated by nationwide lockdown have hours barricaded a university build- street, smashing store front win- the destruction of property, fright- seeking comment. members of the military that had started to bring down ing before police took him away to dows, toppling motorbikes, and ening our fellow citizens, and hurt- Facebook in recent years has posted either positive content infections. Most grade serve a 9-month prison sentence mounting barricades with metal ing businesses already hurt by the engaged with civil rights activists about the army or criticism of school and high school The Secretary-General says for insulting the Spanish monarchy street barriers and burning trash crisis caused by the pandemic,” and democratic political parties Suu Kyi and her party. classes have reopened after “India has been a global leader in and praising terrorist violence in containers to slow the police pur- the mayor said. a nearly two-month closure, pandemic response efforts”, along with museums, Tirumurti tweeted, expressing libraries, malls and markets. his gratitude to the UN Chief. Some restrictions on the In an excerpt of the letter number of people in tweeted by Tirumurti, Guterres What’s safe after COVID-19 jab? Don’t shed masks yet attendance remain in place. says, “Indeed, India has been a global leader in pandemic response ASSOCIATED PRESS well they block spread of the fected after the first vaccine dose, efforts having provided critical coronavirus. when they’re only partially pro- UK hastens medicines, diagnostic kits, venti- Miami, Feb 21: You’re fully vac- It’s great if the vaccine means tected, had smaller viral loads than vax drive lators and personal protective cinated against the coronavirus — someone who otherwise would have unvaccinated people who got in- equipment to more than 150 coun- now what? Don’t expect to shed been hospitalized instead just has fected. That’s encouraging if the London: The British tries. your mask and get back to normal the sniffles, or even no symptoms. findings hold up. Israel has vacci- government announced “Efforts by India in developing activities right away. That’s going But “the looming question,” Fauci nated a large fraction of its popu- Sunday that it aims to give and manufacturing one of the two to be a disappointment, if not a said during a White House coron- lation and scientists worldwide are every adult in the country a vaccines currently granted shock, to many people. avirus response briefing last week, watching how the outbreak re- first dose of coronavirus Emergency Use Listing by the But the Centers for Disease is whether a person infected de- sponds as those inoculations vaccine by July 31, a month World Health Organization brings Control and Prevention hasn’t yet spite vaccination can still, unwit- increase. earlier than its previous a much-needed supply to the global changed its guidelines: At least for tingly, infect someone else. Also critical is tracking whether target. The new target also vaccine market. I also appreciate now, people should follow the same Studies are underway to find out, the vaccines protect against new, mu- aims for everyone over 50 or rules as everybody else about wear- with an underlying health your continued efforts to support and hints are starting to emerge. tated versions of the virus that are condition to get a vaccine and strengthen the COVAX Facility ing a mask, keeping a 6-foot dis- top U.S. infectious disease expert, nated people getting together. “Hang Fauci pointed to recent research spreading rapidly in some coun- shot by April 15, rather than to ensure more equitable access.” tance and avoiding crowds — even responded when a 91-year-old on,” he told the woman, saying he from Spain showing the more coro- tries. But most people should feel

COVAX is a global initiative after they’ve gotten their second California woman recently asked if expected updates to the guidelines navirus an infected person harbors “more confident about going shop-

k y m the previous target of May 1. c The makers of the two aimed at equitable access to COVID- vaccine dose. Vaccines in use so she and her vaccinated friends as more people get the coveted shots. — what’s called the viral load — ping, for example, or going to see vaccines that Britain is 19 vaccines. Wednesday, India, far require two doses, and experts could resume their mah-jongg What experts also need to learn: the more infectious they are. That’s your grandkids, or giving your using, Pfizer and which has been hailed as the phar- say especially don’t let your guard games. In that webcast exchange, The vaccines are highly effective at not surprising, as it’s true with daughter a hug”. AstraZeneca, have both macy of the world, announced the down after the first dose. Fauci only could point to the CDC’s preventing symptomatic COVID- other illnesses. That’s because the chances of a experienced supply gift of 200,000 COVID-19 doses for “You’re asking a very logical recommendations, which so far are 19, especially severe illness and Some preliminary findings from fully vaccinated person getting se- problems in Europe. UN peacekeepers. question,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the mum about exceptions for vacci- death — but no one yet knows how Israel have suggested people in- riously ill, while not zero, are low. We expect the domestic market ‘ZONAL RAILWAYS MUST P11 to continue following the global MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR markets in the coming week due to lack ADOPT SUSTAINABLE IDEAS’ of any major domestic events. The GDP Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has data for Q3 which is expected to show directed all zonal railways to come up signs of economic recovery adding with "sustainable" ideas for reducing positive momentum in Indian market railway expenses and rationalising

business VINOD NAIR | HEAD OF RESEARCH, costs, to cope up with the impact of

k y m GEOJIT FINANCIAL SERVICES the Covid-19 pandemic c of the was increased to 248.54 MT in 2019- Sunak plans new day uote 20 and consequent spending of Centre to permit around 1.58 lakh crore in foreign ex- Tech Visas to boost change. Climate Coal being an important input for change is UK fintech: Report various core sector industries, in- already upon sale of 50 pc coal us as is evident by creasing availability of coal will extreme weather lead to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA events being Allowing sale of coal from cap- witnessed across from captive blocks tive mines will help in increase in London, Feb 21: Chancellor of the world, be it the freeze in Texas, production of fossil-fuel from cap- the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is the deadly glacier-break in PRESS TRUST OF INDIA "In the note for consultation of tive mines and increase availabil- planning to lay out details of new Uttarakhand or the changing winter Ministry of Mines, it is proposed to and stakeholders/general public are applicable in the case of coal/lig- ity of dry fuel in the market, lead- fast-track “Tech Visas” in his pattern in Munnar New Delhi, Feb 21: The Centre incorporate a provision in the Act on the said proposals. nite also....Before sending the final ing to reduction in import of coal. Budget statement next month as plans to permit sale of 50 per cent to allow sale of 50 per cent of coal/lig- The Ministry of Mines has also comments/response to the Ministry It is further proposed to specify part of efforts to boost the UK's fi- SUYASH GUPTA | DG, INDIAN AUTO LPG COALITION of coal/lignite produced by captive nite produced by captive mines on invited comments of the state gov- of Mines, it is considered appro- the additional amount payable on nancial technology industry, ac- blocks, a move aimed at augment- an annual basis. Further, an addi- ernments, among others, on the priate to seek comments of state gov- such sale in the Act itself instead cording to a UK media report. ing the production and increasing tional amount will be charged on the proposals for additional amend- ernments of coal bearing states...on of leaving it to be specified under Technology is the availability of dry fuel. merchant sales of coal/lignite by the ments being considered in the issues relating to coal/lignite," the the rules framed under the Act in becoming the The government plans to do so captive miners," the coal ministry MMDR Act. coal ministry said. the same manner as will be speci- lifeline for us through incorporation of a provi- said in brief note. "The ministry of mines has also In India, the import of coal is fied for the other minerals. as individuals and sion in the Mines and Minerals The ministry said that it has in- sought comments of Ministry of increasing on year on year basis. In The additional amount to be also businesses. If (Development and Regulation) Act, vited comments from the state gov- Coal on the said draft proposal. 2015-16, the country imported 203.95 charged has been deliberated in there was any 1957 (MMDR). ernments of coal-bearing states Some of the said draft proposals million tonnes (MT) of coal which the coal ministry, it said. doubt, the year 2020 showed how fundamental it has become. Technology played an important role in ensuring that the BUDGET 2021 government's social schemes and ‘Indo-UK ties to touch assistance programmes in reaching The senior Cabinet minister out to the masses has drawn up details for the scheme AZIM PREMJI | IT CZAR new high post Covid’ to attract global talent to UK start- Private sector key driver ups and its GBP 7-billion fintech sector, proposals which are said to At the end of 9 AGENCIES have the backing of his boss -- UK months of this Prime Minister Boris Johnson. fiscal, we have New Delhi, Feb 21: India-UK bi- ‘The Daily Telegraph' quoted grown at about 11%. of economic growth: FM lateral relations will touch a new Whitehall sources with knowl- And, we hope that high in the post-COVID world, as edge of the plans to say that the new the number will get PRESS TRUST OF INDIA India is likely to be a priority coun- visas are likely to be approved by accelerated further. Sitharaman pointed out that try for the UK, leading to an en- Tech Nation, Britain's national We are expected to grow higher Bangalore, Feb 21: Finance the stimulus package was hanced economic partnership, ac- network representing tech entre- than 11% (by the end Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cording to a report. preneurs. of March 2021) The governments of both Sunday said the Union Budget 2021- aimed at sectors which According to the Britain Meets India and the UK are “The final details are still being PRASHANT TRIPATHY | MD & CEO, MAX LIFE 22 is about the role of government provided multiplying effect India report, developed by CII and committed to an enhanced drawn up, but insiders expect it as a facilitator and the private sec- Grant Thornton Bharat, FDI inflow trade partnership. We are will be similar to the Global Talent tor as a key driver of economic like infra, budget funding, from the UK to India for a particu- developing a roadmap to a Visa announced last year to attract growth, without which the country where public lar year increased from $898 million free trade agreement with the world's leading scientists to SHORT TAKES would be losing a big opportunity. in 2015-16 to $1,422 million in 2019-20. Britaint,” the newspaper claims. expenditure was an ambitious target of 100 The most important component Sandeep Chakravorty, Joint billion pounds by 2030 Amara Raja sets or input required here is the par- going to be Secretary (Western Europe), ticipation of the private sector. Ministry of External Affairs, said, GAITRI ISSAR KUMAR I HIGH COMMISSIONER up research hub Unless the private sector is energised undertaken “Besides a free trade agreement, mo- OFINDIATOUK Jalan-Kalrock expects enough, unless the private sector is bility and an interim trade deal, we Mumbai: Amara Raja facilitated enough, India is just los- are working on a 10-year 360 de- companies in India' includes Dyson Batteries, the country's to restart Jet Airways ing a very big opportunity, she said ing everybody together, which is aimed at sectors which provided the gree roadmap to strengthen our Technology, Aviva Life Insurance, second-largest automotive here during an interactive session battery maker, has opened peaceful, which actually wishes multiplying effect such as infra- relationship with the UK. Going Diageo Business Services, RMD in 4 to 6 months the country's maiden organised by the Bangalore that the world progresses for every- structure, the budget funding, where forward, we see investments in Kwikform and FMC Technologies, technology hub to develop Chamber of Industry and body’s good," she told the gathering. public expenditure was going to India's clean energy sector com- among others, says the report. AGENCIES lithium-ion cells, at its Commerce. "If that is the way India ap- be undertaken. ing from the UK.” The list of 'top 20 UK companies Tirupati facility in Andhra Sitharaman underlined that trhe proaches its responsibility, that She said the government has Pallavi Joshi Bakhru, Partner by revenue' includes Vedanta, Mumbai, Feb 21: Jalan Kalrock Pradesh. The advanced nation's growing and aspiring needs will be incomplete unless the gov- clearly funded stimulus with the bor- and India-UK Corridor Leader, Grant Vodafone, Hindustan Unilever, Consortium, the winning bidder lithium-ion technology and demands across the various ernment plays the role, it is ex- rowed money, and was aware of Thornton Bharat LLP said, “Our re- United Spirits India, etc. Also, G4S for Jet Airways, expects to restart research hub, the pilot sectors cannot be served just by pected to play the facilitator and un- fiscal management. search identified 572 UK compa- Group, Vedanta Resources and operations of the defunct airline project located in Tirupati, the state government and central less the private sector plays the Debt to GDP, another indicator nies in India with a combined HSBC Holdings feature in 'top UK in four to six months after re- will become the country's governments put together. role of a key driver. So thats the mes- which is important for a healthy turnover of around `3,390 billion, employers in India'. Among the ceiving approval from the NCLT first lithium-ion cell According to the Finance sage this budget has talked about, economy, has to be carefully man- tax payment of around `173 billion states, Maharashtra tops as the for its resolution plan. manufacturing facility in the Minister, the coronavirus vaccine the Finance Minister said. aged in such a way that sooner in and employing 416,121 people di- leading investment destination for private sector, Amara Raja was a big example of government- Sitharaman said the Budget was a sense, in a reasonable timeframe, rectly. This reflects the important con- UK companies followed by Haryana, Batteries CEO S private partnership. about setting the path for the decade. the fiscal deficit will also be kept tribution made by the UK companies Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Vijayanand said. To be a world leader with that spe- She pointed out that the stimu- under the healthy level and not let to the Indian economy as a key ally Karnataka. Moreover, industrial cific India touch, which is more lus package, which largely depended unattended for decades together, in India's growth story.” and business services are top sec- humane, which is more about bring- on government’s borrowing, was Sitharaman said. The list of 'fastest growing UK tors being eyed by UK firms. RBI ropes in

Punjabi rapper Jet Airways, the once-storied New Delhi: Amidst an Muthoot Homefin aims to full-service carrier was grounded unprecedented rise in cyber ALL-NEW TATA SAFARI in early 2019 and subsequently is frauds and manifold jump in disburse `700cr loans in FY22 undergoing proceedings under online financial transactions, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy the RBI, in a quirky bid to AGENCIES SUV ROLLED OUT IN CITY Code (IBC). Against the backdrop drive its public awareness of the National Company Law campaigns, has roped in New Delhi, Feb 21: Muthoot POST NEWS NETWORK Mahindra XUV 500. Tribunal (NCLT) likely to take a Punjabi singer-rapper Viruss Homefin India Ltd (MHIL) Sunday Tata Motors is offering the new final call on the resolution plan for to drive home its points this said it aims to disburse `700-crore Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: The much Safari in six trims (XE, XM, XT, the airline, the winning consortium's time. Launched officially over loans in the next financial year to awaited ideal SUV Tata Safari was XT+, XZ, and XZ+), of course with lead member Murari Lala Jalan told the weekend on its twitter cater to the affordable housing launched Sunday in City at Dion the option of a diesel manual or PTI that "everything is on track" as handle, the campaign segment. Automotives. Tata Motors had ear- automatic, but no petrol model or far as the revival efforts for the car- features Viruss, whose 2017 MHIL has disbursed over `2,600 lier unveiled the new model. The 4x4 option. The base XE variant rier are concerned. Indie hit ‘Bam Bhole was crore over the past five years since new Safari was launched in the offers dual airbags, all-disc brakes, Stressing that he is very positive recreated recently. its inception, the company said in presence of Odia actress Archita and electronic stability program about the Indian aviation sector, a release. aspiring Indian homeowers, said it Sahu and Dion Automotives GM along with hill hold control and which is recovering from the im- "For the coming year, in addi- has successfully transferred over Biswanath Begoray. rollover mitigation. pact of the coronavirus pandemic, Hopeful of reaching tion to further penetration into `300 crore of loan subsidy under the The New model is based on the XM variant provides the multi Jalan said that initially Jet Airways solution: Cairn the existing geographies, Muthoot Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana's credit- old Land Rover D8 architecture drive modes and touch screen music will resume flying with around Homefin also plans to expand its op- linked subsidy scheme from NHB. that is called the OMEGARC by system. iRA connectivity, fully au- 25 aircraft. New Delhi: After three days erations in the southern states of The company has also received Tata Motors. It has more in common sourced 6-speed automatic has also tomatic climate control and a "After NCLT decision, we will of talks with top finance India and aims to disburse up to `700 `225 crore of refinance from the with the Harrier. been equipped on the new Safari. panoramic sunroof is available be able to start the airline within ministry officials, UK's Cairn crore of home loans in FY 2021- National Housing Bank (NHB). Tata Safari is powered by the New Safari is offering good per- from XT variant. On other hand, XZ four to six months. I am very pos- Energy plc Sunday said it is 22," it said. "Muthoot Homefin is aiming to same Fiat-sourced Multi Jet II 2.0- formance with 170 hp and 350 Nm variant is equipped with xenon itive about Indian aviation and hopeful of reaching an MHIL, which started its opera- disburse `700 crore of home loans litre turbo-diesel mill mated to a 6- of torque. It is expected that Tata HID projector headlamps, terrain the future is bright, " Jalan said dur- amicable resolution on $1.4 tions in 2016 to fulfil the needs of in 2021-22. speed manual. Also, the Hyundai Safari may take on MG Hector Plus, response modes. ing a telephonic interaction. billion that an arbitration award has ordered India to return, but insisted it will continue to take steps to protect shareholder interest. IN FOCUS Cairn CEO Simon Thomson ‘India imports bauxite despite vast reserves’ held discussions with Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey and over Leveraging abundant domestic bauxite reserves is crucial for self-reliance & global competitiveness of Indian aluminium industry half a dozen other senior officials between February 18 and 20. he strategic importance of minium is produced, needs to nities. This has also opportunities for 1million people. scale employment and socio-eco- eral blocks is due to the present aluminium for India to grow from the current levels developed over 4,000 India possesses world’s fifth nomic development in aspira- pricing structure which links the achieve the vision of be- of 22 million tonnes to 50 mil- MSMEs in the hin- largest reserve of bauxite. Despite tional districts of the country. selling price of the end product to Govt may consider Tcoming a $5 trillion econ- lion tonnes per year @ 6T on terland where there this, there has been not a single The opening of a single bauxite the back calculated method of de- omy cannot be overstated. bauxite per 1 ton aluminium. were limited op- successful auction of any mine has the potential to generate termination of the Average Sale privatisation move Aluminium finds critical usage in Growth of bauxite mining portunities thereby Metallurgical Grade Bauxite Mine over 10,000 livelihood opportuni- Price (ASP) of metallurgical grade core sectors like defence, aerospace, and aluminium is estimated connecting them to in last five years by the state gov- ties leading to poverty alleviation bauxite without factoring trans- New Delhi: The government transportation, energy security, to attract fresh investment of the economic main- ernments, since inception of auc- in these far-flung areas, as well portation cost; thus eroding cost may consider privatising building & construction many more. over `2 lakh crore. ` Oriental Insurance or the stream of the coun- tion regime. This has led to a as contributing an additional 5,000 advantage of Indian bauxite and United India Insurance Co as It gives all that contemporary time Already, sizeable try. This indus- surge in import of bauxite, one of crore to the state revenue. rendering aluminium production their financial health has demands: speed, saving & sustain- investments of try has India’s most abundant ores, to Bringing India’s 3.8 billion tons unviable in the country. This has improved after a series of ability. As India emerges from the over `1.5 lakh potential to feed the rapidly increasing do- of bauxite reserves into auction also led to a pause in additional capital infusions, people global public health crisis, it con- crore in the create ad- mestic consumption and has and increasing the capacity of ex- investment of over `50,000 crores aware of the development tinues to be the third largest pro- bauxite ditional caused a loss of $400 million to the isting mines by at least 50% will in the aluminium sector due to the said. To further strengthen ducer of aluminium globally, with mining and employ- Indian exchequer. be key to moving India towards be- futility of the current bauxite

domestic aluminium demand ex- aluminium ment This has also severely impacted coming ‘Atma Nirbhar’ by im- ASP determination methodology.

k y m their financial health, the c government is expected to pected to double in next five years sector have the opportunity to generate mass proving the global competitive- With our tremendous wealth infuse `3,000 crore in the from the current 4 million tonnes created ness of country’s aluminium of natural resources, it is time (Dr Tapan Kumar Chand is the public sector general to 8 million tonnes per annum. over 20 industry. for the government to find a so- Ex-CMD of NALCO & author of the book insurance companies To keep up with this fast-surg- lakh liveli- – “Aluminium: The Strategic Metal”) The primary reason for vari- lution to reduce the import de- during the current quarter. ing domestic demand, production of hood op- ous state governments not being pendency of bauxite by enhanc- bauxite – the ore from which alu- portu- able to auction the bauxite min- ing domestic production. P12 MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR sports

SERBIAN CLAIMS RECORD-EXTENDING NINTH AUSTRALIAN OPEN CROWN LIVERPOOL’S TITLE HOPES DISAPPEAR Messi’s record

y goes to waste

k k y y m m c c Everton break ASSOCIATED PRESS Barcelona, Feb 21: Cádiz snatched a late penalty Sunday to draw 1-1 Djokovic dismantles Daniil at Camp Nou and deal Barcelona an unexpected setback in their ASSOCIATED PRESS 22-year-old jinx bid for the Spanish league title here. Five days after being beaten Melbourne, Feb 21: Novak AGENCIES Champions League 1-4 by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Djokovic’s Australian Open domi- Everton’s first win of any de- in the Champions League, Ronald nance remained intact as he won his London, Feb 21: Twelve months scription over Liverpool since 2010 Koeman’s side saw two points slip ninth title here Sunday. It was ex- ago Liverpool were ripping up the – after a run of 23 games without away when substitute Álex pected to be a tough match for the record books on the way to their first a victory – lifted Carlo Ancelotti’s Fernández converted an 88th- No. 1 seen as Daniil Medvedev had English top-flight title in 30 years. seventh-placed side level with the minute penalty conceded by been playing very well till the final. However, a loss Saturday to Everton champions on 40 points although Clement Lenglet. But in the end it turned out to be a left them mulling a host of far less the latter have played a game less. Lionel Messi appeared to put cakewalk for Djokovic as he steam- flattering statistics. Their 0-2 defeat Liverpool remained in sixth spot Barcelona on their way to an easy rolled past Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2. It at Anfield was their first loss at but are three points behind fourth- win in his club record 506th league was his third title win in a row. home to city rivals Everton since placed Chelsea who drew 1-1 at appearance in Spain. However, The victory means that Djokovic is 1999. It was their fourth home Southampton. Chelsea trailed to after Messi scored from the penalty slowly catching up with Rafa Nadal league defeat in succession – some- a goal by Takumi Minamino but spot in the 32nd minute, Barcelona and Roger Federer both of who thing they have not experienced Mason Mount levelled with a were unable to finish off many have 20 Grand Slam titles apiece. since 1924. penalty after the break. scoring chances. Djokovic’s tally went up to 18 with Manager Juergen Klopp’s hopes Few could imagine Liverpool’s fall The draw leaves Barcelona in Sunday’s victory. of retaining their Premier League from grace after their title-winning third place at eight points be- crown were already effectively over season featured a plethora of English hind leader Atlético Madrid, who after a spectacular drop in form top-flight records such as 24 suc- lost 0-2 to Levante, Saturday. Real ROLL OF HONOUR since defeat by Burnley ended a cessive home league wins and the Madrid were the biggest benefi- Year Opponent 68-match run without a home league best-ever start to a season in Europe’s ciary of the round, moving three loss. But Everton’s win – courtesy five top leagues – 26 wins and a points behind Atlético after win- 2008 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of a third-minute goal by draw from their first 27 games. ning 1-0 at Valladolid also 2011 Andy Murray Richarlison and a controversial “We stand here having lost 2-0. Saturday. Real have played one 2012 Rafael Nadal penalty scored by Gylfi Sigurdsson I know how important it is. We feel more match than Atlético and 2013 Andy Murray – means Liverpool are now in a it deep inside,” Klopp said. “But Barcelona. 2015 Andy Murray scrap to even finish the season in from tomorrow, I have to use all “These are two hard blows this 2016 Andy Murray the top four and qualify for the the good stuff,” he added. week,” Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said after the slip to Cádiz. 2019 Rafael Nadal “There is a long way to go in the 2020 Dominic Thiem league, but we didn’t count on 2021 Daniil Medvedev this. If we can get on a good run of play and get good results, we can Djokovic used superb serving still have a shot. It is going to be speed and angles and his usual re- difficult though,” Pique said. lentless returning and baseline ex- Earlier Saturday, it was the turn cellence to grab 11 of 13 games in CONCENTRATION PERSONIFIED: Novak Djokovic’s eyes say it all as he hits a backhand during his Australian Open final of Real to mount their title chal- one stretch.The 33-year-old Serbian at the Melbourne Park, Sunday; (Inset) With the men’s singles winner’s trophy PTI PHOTO lenge beating Valladolid. Casemiro improved to 18-0 combined in semi- scored with a 65th-minute header finals and finals on the hard courts ponents. By the third set, he kept three-all, but then Djokovic just Medvedev immediately gave back off a cross by Toni Kroos to give of the Australian Open. looking up at his coach with palms simply raised his level. that early break in the second set Real the win two rounds before The No. 4-ranked Medvedev was up as if to ask, “What can I possi- From five-all, Djokovic stepped by relinquishing two of his own they visit Atlético at the Wanda appearing in his second Grand bly do here?” up, and Medvedev stepped back. service games back-to-back. There Metropolitano Stadium. Slam final – he was the runner-up Medvedev’s flat, wrap-the-racket- Djokovic held at love, then broke to was no stopping Djokovic after On the other hand, José Luis to Nadal at the 2019 US Open – but around-his-neck forehand was iffy claim the set when Medvedev that. He won most of the baseline Morales scored in the 30th minute is still left trying collect his first such at first, missing wide, long and into slapped a forehand into the net just rallies and picked up 73% of the and Jorge de Frutos added an- championship. the net in the initial 10 minutes. after someone in the crowd called points on his first half. A near- other goal in stoppage time for Djokovic ended the 25-year-old Djokovic grabbed 13 of the match’s out during the point. desperate Medvedev could only Levante at the Metropolitano, Russian’s 20-match winning streak. initial 16 points and a quick 3-0 lead Medvedev broke early to lead 1- smash his racquet on the court as handing Atlético their first league Medvedev also had won his previ- and the tone of the final was set. 0 in the second set. But that dom- the Djokovic brilliance simply loss since December. It was in- ous 12 matches against top 10 op- Medvedev broke back to make it inace faded away in a jiffy. swept him away. MOMENT TO CHERISH: Everton players celebrate Saturday their win over Liverpool deed a stunning loss.

SHORT TAKES CRUCIAL GAME FOR MEN IN BLUE AT WORLD’S LARGEST CRICKET STADIUM Tragedy strikes New target awaits Chennai: Aloysius Clement, a former under-18 player of ISL India prepare for pink ball challenge team Chennaiyin FC, died in a ‘workhorse’ Ishant road accident in Kerala, the club announced Sunday. The PRESS TRUST OF INDIA PRESS TRUST OF INDIA 18-year old Aloysius was killed 100-Test feat New Delhi, Feb 21: On the side- Ahmedabad, Feb 21: Captain Virat Rohit ‘extra Saturday in a collision Sachin Tendulkar 200 involving two motorcycles at lines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Kohli led a vigorous training ses- Rahul Dravid 164 Avanakuzhi in Kerala, family Ishant Sharma had called himself sion as the Indian team Sunday cautious’ sources informed. “We are ‘the last flicker in a lamp’ while VVS Laxman 134 looked to get used to the swinging Ahmedabad: Set to play in only deeply saddened at the politely making his reluctance *Anil Kumble 132 pink ball and a swanky arena in his second pink ball Test, India untimely demise of our former known to three scribes, who had ap- Motera ahead of the Day/Night *Kapil Dev 131 opener Rohit Sharma said U-18 player Aloysius Clement. proached the self-effacing bean- Test against England starting Sunday he will be ‘extra cautious Sunil Gavaskar 125 May his soul rest in peace. All pole for an interaction. Wednesday. The four-match series and focussed’ while batting of us at Chennaiyin FC send Ishant was then standing at 96 Dilip Vengsarkar 116 is currently tied at 1-1 with the during the twilight phase of the our heartfelt condolences to Tests. Nearly 14 months later, dur- Sourav Ganguly 113 visitors winning the first Test in day-night match against England Aloysius’ family and friends, ing which he missed five Tests due Chennai by 227 runs, and India Virender Sehwag 104 here. “So far I have only heard and hope they find strength to an injury, Indian cricket’s most coming back strongly with a 317- from fellow teammates that it during this incredibly difficult adorable ‘lambu’ (tall) is shining *Harbhajan Singh 103 run triumph in the second game at plays on mind. I played just one time,” Chennaiyin FC posted a bright. He is on course to become * Denotes bowlers who have played the same venue. This Test is crucial pink ball Test against message on its twitter feed. only the second Indian fast bowler, 100 Tests or more. Kapil Dev, for India’s fortunes at the World Bangladesh, but didn’t get to bat after the great Kapil Dev, to complete however is an all-rounder Test Championships (WTC). If at that (twilight) time when sun 100 Tests for the country. they have to make it to the final, was about to set,” he said. “It’s Pugilists shine “Arre yaar mera interview karke tainty. Ishant will be the last Indian they cannot to lose another game obviously a little challenging, the kya karogey? Main toh bujhta huya fast bowler to play 100 Test matches. in the series. weather and light suddenly New Delhi: Vinka (60kg) and T diya hoon (Why do you want to in- I don’t see anyone playing 100 Tests. The big guns – skipper Kohli, change. You have to be extra Sanamacha Chanu (75kg) cautious and focussed, you need clinched gold medals as terview me? I am like the last flicker With majority of the fast bowlers his deputy Ajinkya Rahane, the in a lamp),” Ishant had then said preserving themselves for IPL and flamboyant Rohit Sharma and to talk to yourself. All batters are Indian youth boxers continued aware of these challenges. We their outstanding show at the Kotla. But now he contin- white ball games, it will be in- the swashbuckling wicketkeeper- ues to glow brightly. creasingly difficult to play 100 Tests batsman Rishabh Pant – batted just need to be mindful of the Saturday at the 30th Adriatic situation and play accordingly,” In terms of sheer talent and for India,” former India wicket- in the nets as the likes of Jasprit Pearl Tournament in Budva, he added. Montenegro. Apart from the craft, Ishant wouldn’t be in the keeper and Ishant’s ex-Delhi team- Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj two gold medals, the Indians same league as Zaheer Khan, mate and coach Vijay Dahiya said. ran in and tested themselves MUSCLING UP: India skipper Virat Kohli goes through some stretching added two silver and three Mohammed Shami or Javagal Ishant’s mate for the last 16 years, under the blazing sun. drills during India’s training session at the Motera Stadium, Sunday scheduled to watch the upcom- more bronze to their tally on Srinath but with his longevity, he current Delhi captain Pradeep Pace spearhead Bumrah is ing Test match with Union Home the penultimate day of the has proved that ‘workhorse’ isn’t ex- Sangwan said that the pace bowler bracing for a comeback after cusp of playing in his 100th Test, – Gujarat Cricket Association Minister Amit Shah after inau- competition. Earlier, Alfiya actly an abused word, which is is a ‘perfect’ captain’s man. “He missing the second match at was also seen in action. The BCCI (GCA) – captured the moments as gurating the new stadium. The Pathan (+81kg) secured used to sum up the veteran pacer. bowls what his captain wants,” Chepauk and the seasoned Ishant released a small clip of the train- the players went though the drills. stadium has a capacity of India’s first gold in the on- “I think I will say this with cer- Sangwan said. Sharma, who is standing on the ing session while the local body President Ram Nath Kovind is 1,10,000, the largest in the world. going tournament. Vinka blanked her opponent Kristina Kriper from Moldova 5-0 in the GAURS INCH TOWARDS PLAYOFFS final, while in an all-Indian Air India refutes clash in the 75kg category, Manipuri girl Sanamacha, ‘Surreal’ for Suryakumar Manu’s complaint outpunched Raj Sahiba 5-0. India bagged their second PRESS TRUST OF INDIA INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE FC Goa end BFC aspirations silver of the day when Gitika (48kg) lost to Farzona Fozilova Mumbai, Feb 21: Finally rewarded New Delhi, Feb 21: Two days AGENCIES Igor Angulo’s 13th strike of the of Uzbekistan in the final. for his consistency, prolific Mumbai after 19-year-old shooter Manu season put the Gaurs ahead early in batsman Suryakumar Yadav de- Bhaker demanded action against Margao, Feb 21: FC Goa equalled the game before Redeem Tlang scribed his feeling as ‘surreal’, a Air India (AI) officials at the cap- another ISL record by extending scored his first in FC Goa colours day after he earned a maiden India ital’s IGI Airport for alleged ha- their unbeaten streak to 12 games within a few minutes to double their Bayern stunned call-up for the upcoming T20 rassment and seeking of bribes, thanks to a 2-1 win over Bengaluru lead. BFC made it interesting as Berlin: Bundesliga champions International series against England. the national carrier denied the FC (BFC) here Sunday at Jawaharlal Suraj Wangjam struck in the first Bayern Munich were stunned Suryakumar was overlooked for allegations against its employees. Nehru Stadium. The crucial win half to reduce the margin. However, 1-2 by Eintracht Frankfurt here the limited overs matches in In a statement Sunday, the airline over BFC – the Gaurs’ first at the Goa, kept a tight leash on the pro- Saturday. The loss meant that Australia late last year despite a said that CCTV footage nullifies the eighth time of asking – helped ceedings in the second half to secure the league leaders are just fine IPL, leaving many in the Indian claims of Bhaker over alleged Juan Ferrando’s men reclaim the the all-important win. five ppoints ahead of their cricket fraternity surprised. “The seeking of bribes and snatching third position on the table, taking FC Goa dealt the first blow in the nearest rivals Leipzig. They feeling is surreal,” tweeted Surya of her mobile phone. them an inch closer to securing 20th minute as Angulo came up had drawn 3-3 in their along with his picture at the DY “Our employee Manoj Gupta their place in the playoffs. trumps for the Gaurs. Glan Martins previous game. Amin Younes Patil Stadium here. Some former India cricketers India seamer Irfan Pathan. was at the counter throughout was quick on his feet to steal the ball was the star for Frankfurt The 30-year-old Mumbai bats- also took to Twitter to express their India are scheduled to play and had, at no point, communicated from Erik Paartalu in an advanced scoring a goal and setting one man has been a constant performer satisfaction at the right-handed bats- England in five T20s after the con- directly with Bhaker. This is also area before playing in Angulo. The up. Frankfurt took the lead in in the IPL for his franchise Mumbai man’s selection in the national team. clusion of the ongoing four-match corroborated by the CCTV footage. Spaniard needed no second invita-

y the 12th minute when Younes set up Daichi Kamada to score Indians (MI) and also in the do- “So good to finally Test series. Hence, the allegation of misbe- tion to tuck it low and past Gurpreet

mestic circuit. He was rewarded @surya_14kumar in Team India. Suryakumar said that he had haviour by him simply does not Singh Sandhu in the BFC goal.

k k y y m m c the first goal. The provider c then turned scorer in the 31st for his performances Saturday. Good Luck,” wrote veteran off-spin- apprehensions he may miss the arise,” Air India said in a statement. Three minutes later Goa were two minute with a powerful strike. Suryakumar has captained ner Harbhajan Singh. “Finally the bus once again. “I was keeping my “The moment she furnished up as Tlang scored his first goal for Robert Lewandowski pulled Mumbai in Ranji Trophy and other wait is over for @surya_14kumar fingers crossed this time also. I did the required document to the Air Goa. The spadeowrk for the goal was one back in the 53rd minute domestic tournaments. He has congratulations buddy. Goodluck not know what to expect. I was India check-in and security per- Redeem Tlang wheels away in done by Seriton Fernandes who for Bayern. AGENCIES played 77 first-class matches and @ishankishan51 @rahultewatia02 however, determined that I would sonnel, her baggage, including celebration after scoring FC Goa’s floated a lovely box into the box amassed 5,326 runs. for your debut guys," said former continue to work hard,” he stated. the arms were accepted,” it added. 2nd goal against BFC PHOTO: ISL for Tlang to score.

1 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 P9 U’KHAND TRAGEDY: ONE MONDAY | FEBRUARY 22 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR MORE BODY RECOVERED Saints do not belong to any caste, sect or region. They take One more body was recovered from steps which are for the welfare a tunnel at the NTPC's flood-ravaged of the entire humanity Tapovan-Vishnugad project site Sunday, taking the toll in the RAM NATH KOVIND | PRESIDENT

y national disaster that struck Chamoli

k y m district a fortnight ago to 68 c

of the day uote ‘Disengagement process along LAC complete’ BJP NOT SERIOUS The great soil of West AGENCIES Bengal has CONTENDER IN nurtured BIG MOVE extraordinary Salem (TN), Feb 21: The disen- gagement process by India and ndia and China held extensive individuals who deliberations on expanding the have contributed China in eastern Ladakh is 'com- I plete' after nine rounds of diplo- disengagement process in KERALA: THAROOR towards national progress. It's our matic and military level talks be- eastern Ladakh at the 10th round vision and effort to ensure West of the military talks that lasted tween the two neighbours, Defence Bengal gets top quality for around 16 hours Tharoor claimed that the BJP will find it difficult to development Minister Rajnath Singh said here make any inroads in Kerala during the upcoming Sunday as he hit out at Congress for roops and weapons have been NARENDRA MODI | PRIME MINISTER 'doubting' Indian soldiers' bravery. Twithdrawn from the north and Assembly elections He also lashed out at the Congress south banks of Pangong lake in Hunar Haat and its southern ally DMK for 'cre- that area PRESS TRUST OF INDIA will see ating a controversy' over the Indo- wenty Indian army personnel indigenous French Rafale fighter jet deal and Twere killed in the Galwan New Delhi, Feb 21: With E handmade rare said the CAG among others had to the state, he said, alluding to the insulting to the soldiers who do the clash with the Chinese troops Sreedharan throwing his hat in the products from every given 'clean chit'. It had blunted the respective poll symbols of the BJP supreme sacrifice," he said. last year during the face-off political ring by deciding to join nook and corner of opposition criticism that "chowki- and the AIADMK. Twenty Indian army person- the BJP, senior Congress leader the country under dar chor hai" (the watchman is Speaking about the border nel were killed in the Galwan clash the Defence minister said. The Shashi Tharoor Sunday said the one roof thief), a barb aimed at Prime stand-off, the Defence Minister said with the Chinese troops last year government under the leadership technocrat is likely to have a "min- MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI | UNION MINISTER Minister Narendra Modi, and rather after nine rounds of diplomatic during the face-off. India will not of Prime Minister Narendra Modi imal" impact on the upcoming Kerala proved "chowkidar is pure hai," he and military level talks between allow any country to take "unilat- "has never compromised with coun- Assembly polls, and asserted that the asserted. India and China, a solution had eral action" on its border and it try's unity, territorial integrity and BJP is not a serious contender ex- The increase Addressing a state conference of been found, referring to the mutu- will pay any cost to thwart such sovereignty" and it shall never do cept in a few seats in the state. in additional the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha ally agreed disengagement process attempts, Singh asserted. so, he declared. In an interview with PTI, Tharoor taxes, in this town in western Tamil Nadu in eastern Ladakh. However, the Congress claimed On the Rafale deal, he said said he was surprised at the an- especially on petrol ahead of the assembly polls likely "After nine rounds of military and that India had lost territory to its Congress and DMK tried to stir up nouncement that Sreedharan was and diesel, by the in the next two months,, he pitched diplomatic dialogue, the disen- eastern neighbour and tried "de- a controversy, apparently referring going to enter the political fray Centre and states is strongly for the BJP-AIADMK al- gagement process is complete. But fame us", he said. "Till there is to the pricing, but said the CAG and join the BJP. India’s ‘Metro resulting in sky- liance. The pair of "lotus and two Man’ E Sreedharan will have no rocketing prices, and the burden is unfortunately the Congress is doubt- blood and life in this body, nobody and courts gave clean chit to the gov- increasing almost everyday on leaves" alone can bring prosperity ing Indian army's bravery.... Isn't it can capture an inch of India's land," ernment. major impact on the upcoming ful of seats, and it will be very dif- crores of poor and unemployed Kerala Assembly elections, ficult for the party to improve upon people. Has the Constitution Congress leader Shashi Tharoor the one seat it won last time. ensured such a welfare state Herd immunity said adding that the BJP is not a se- Known as the 'Metroman' and for principle FOR A CAUSE rious contender in the state. completing big infrastructure proj- He said Sreedharan's entry came ects, the 88-year-old technocrat has MAYAWATI | BAHUJAN SAMAJ PARTY CHIEF difficult to as a surprise to him because the also said his main aim is to help technocrat had a long innings ex- the BJP come to power in Kerala. achieve: Guleria ecuting engineering projects, not SHORT TAKES making or implementing policies PRESS TRUST OF INDIA in a fractious democracy. "It's a Reduce fuel prices: One more held in very different world," he added. New Delhi, Feb 21: Herd im- Asked what kind of impact Sonia to PM Modi IED recovery case munity is "very difficult" to achieve Sreedharan could have on the and one should not think of it in Kerala Assembly polls, the MP ccusing the government of Jammu: An over ground "practical terms" in India, espe- from Thiruvananthapuram said, A"profiteering" off "people's worker (OGW) of Al-Badr misery", Congress chief Sonia outfit has been arrested in cially in the times of "variant "Since he has no political back- strains" of COVID-19 and "waning ground or experience, I think his Gandhi on Sunday wrote to connection with the recent Prime Minister Narendra Modi immunity", claimed AIIMS di- impact is likely to be minimal." recovery of a powerful over "spiralling" fuel prices, improvised explosive device rector Randeep Guleria on Sunday. "When I joined politics at 53, I urging him to follow ‘Raj (IED) here, an official said Guleria was speaking at the thought I had left it too late to make Dharma' and reduce the prices Sunday. Nearly seven ongoing edition of Jaipur the kind of impact I felt I was ca- by partially rolling back excise kilogram IED was recovered Literature Festival (JLF) in a ses- pable of. What can I say about some- duty. In a three-page letter to from the possession of a sion on his book "Till We Win: one who is 88?" Tharoor said. On Modi, she said the truth is that nursing student in the Jammu India's Fight Against The Covid- whether Sreedharan's entry will as GDP "nosedives", the prices bus stand area on February 19 Pandemic" -- co-authored by make the Kerala polls a three-way of gas, diesel and petrol 13, foiling a major terrorist public policy and health systems contest and the BJP will emerge as continue to rise unchecked. plan to set off an explosion at expert Chandrakant Lahariya and a serious contender alongside the Gandhi also said governments a crowded place on the renowned vaccine researcher and Left Democratic Front (LDF) and are elected to ease the burden second anniversary of the virologist Gagandeep Kang. the United Democratic Front (UDF), of people and at the very least, 2019 Pulwama terror attack "Herd immunity is something A member of Panchamshali community during a Panchamasali convention to demand for inclusion in the 2A he said the BJP is not a serious not work directly contrary to in the winter capital. that is going to be very, very difficult reservation category, in Bangalore PTI PHOTO contender at all except in a hand- their interests. to achieve and it is something one should not really think of in prac- Man held for tical terms... Because the variant spitting on dough strains and varying immunity with times can lead to a chance Mercury likely to soar by Chandrayaan-3 launch Meerut: A man was arrested where people may have reinfection in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut or get infection again," the All 5°C in northwest India: IMD after he was caught on a India Institute of Medical Sciences camera ,spitting on the dough INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE delayed further to 2022 while preparing 'rotis' at a wedding function. The accused New Delhi, Feb 21: Mercury is PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the lunar surface in its maiden at- was identified as Naushad. In likely to rise by four to five degrees tempt. Chandrayaan-3 is critical a police complaint by Hindu to settle at 32 degree celsius (C) New Delhi, Feb 21: Chandrayaan- for ISRO as it will demonstrate Jagran Manch Meerut chief over most parts of northwest 3, India's third mission to Moon, is India's capabilities to make landing Sachin Sirohi, Naushad has India in the next three to four Disturbance," said Kuldeep likely to be launched in 2022, ISRO for further interplanetary missions. been accused of spreading days given an increase in mois- Shrivastava, head, regional chief K Sivan has said. He said ISRO is targeting the coronavirus. ture and variable wind direction, weather forecasting centre. The COVID-19 lockdown has hit December to launch the first un- the Indian Meteorological The weather department also in- several projects of the Indian Space manned mission under the Department said Sunday. formed that the first western dis- Research Organisation (ISRO) in- Gaganyaan project. The mission Security beefed up The maximum temperature turbance (WD) started approach- cluding Chandrayaan-3, which was was originally scheduled to launch at Singhu border recorded in Delhi on Saturday was ing on Friday while the second scheduled to be launched in late in December last year. It will be fol- 27.3 degree C, three degrees above one is likely to approach on 2020, and Gaganyaan, the country's lowed by another unmanned mis- New Delhi: In order to avoid (AIIMS) director said. "And one normal while the city recorded Monday. However, the department first manned space mission. Unlike sion and the third leg is the main any untoward incident at the should also remember that large minimum temperature on Sunday said that its impact is likely to be its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 will module, he said. protest site, farmers number of people have had mild at 10.1, over one degree C below nor- concentrated around the hills only. not have an orbiter. Gaganyaan envisages to send protesting against the three infections and we do know that mal. Meanwhile, the temperature "The impact of the WDs will be “We are working on it. It is the three Indians to space by 2022. The farm laws enacted by the those with mild infection tend to in the day is forecasted to reach 28 limited to the hills mainly in same configuration like four test pilots selected for the mis- Centre government at Singhu have less antibodies production, degree C in the national capital. The Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Chandrayaan-2 but it will not have FILE PHOTO sion are currently undergoing train- border have beefed up the their antibodies tend to wane over department said that two western Pradesh and upper tranches of an orbiter. The orbiter launched ing in Russia. When asked about security at Singhu border and a period of time," he added. disturbances are prevailing the Uttarakhand. Light rain is also during Chandrayaan-2 will be used launched on July 22, 2019 on board the launch of the third module of adjoining areas. Around 100 Experts say herd immunity is weather condition which may likely over Punjab, but over the for Chandrayaan-3. With that we are the country's most powerful geo- Gaganyaan -- the manned mission CCTV cameras at both the said to have been developed in a bring rain and thunderstorms to rest of northwest India, temper- working on a system and mostly the synchronous launch vehicle. -- Sivan said, “A lot of technology stages and many locations including the areas outside population segment if at least 50- the western Himalayas. atures will rise due to increase in launch will be next year in 2022,” However, the lander Vikram hard- needs to be demonstrated. We will restrooms earmarked for 60 per cent of those are found to "Normally temperatures go up moisture and variable wind di- Sivan told PTI. Chandrayaan-2, landed on September 7, 2019, crash- decide on the time (of the manned women protestors have been have the presence of antibodies in when there is a Western rection," Shrivastava explained. aimed at landing a rover on un- ing India's dream to become the mission) after checking whether installed along with heavy a sero-prevalence survey. chartered Lunar South Pole, was first nation to successfully land on all the technology is perfect.” deployment of police personnel near the barricades close to the protest site. Bedi packing. The CM whose Affairs & Food Ministry, gave Rahul capacity, Rahul Gandhi had asked dry. On his part, Ghulam Nabi Azad MVA government and it was government is on the brink of a Gandhi a 14-page written reply in Piyush Goyal details of contracts made no secret of his chemistry business as usual. But the Congress collapse, has been robbed of a Lok Sabha listing every detail of 93 given only after Modi became PM with Modi saying, “Two people high command in Delhi has always Drug seized major poll issue; turning his fight contracts given to private players in 2014. Under the PEG scheme, the always greeted me during festivals been suspicious of Sharad Pawar’s Kuru between a duly elected south Indian for augmenting storage of food private players can opt for any of and my birthday for many years - power games. Pawar is unhappy Mumbai: Mumbai police have government versus north Indian grains capability. It clearly emerged the two models; Build – Operate & Congress president Sonia Gandhi because the Congress torpedoed his seized mephedrone drug Kolumn police officer. The selection of after scrutiny of documents placed Own (BOO) and Build, Operate & and PM Modi.” This was the Prime plans to emerge as a leader of the ` worth over 12.50 crore from Bedi’s successor was also a part of on the floor of the Lok Sabha that Transfer (BOT). Minister’s second compliment for Opposition parties at a national the city and arrested three a well-crafted strategy. The jolt to the Ambanis did not obtain a single Azad in a week. “Ghulam Nabi ji level replacing Sonia Gandhi. Pawar persons in this connection, Congress comes at a time when contract. However, the Adanis Modi’s olive always speaks decently; never is now on his own trip and NCP, an official said. A Dongri Rahul Gandhi has been overseeing secured nine out of 93 across India. uses foul language. Azad has TMC, SP, BSP, YSR-Congress, TRS, police team, led by Assistant its affairs and appointed his key In fact, the biggest beneficiary of branch to Azad praised elections held in J&K local BJD and others do business with Inspector Prakash Linge, had Shah VS Rahul man Dinesh Gundu Rao as in-charge Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee bodies, but I am concerned. I him. Rahul Gandhi keeps the nabbed Iqbal Hussain Sayyed in Pondicherry of Pondicherry. (PEG) Scheme to attract private hether it was an emotional believe your party will take it in the company of DMK, Left, IUML etc. It (38) early Thursday and investments was Canada’s Prem Wgesture or deep politics, no right spirit and not make the is also surprising that RJD is keeping recovered mephedrone worth iran Bedi’s unprecedented Watsa, who owns Fairfax India, one can vouch safe. But it was mistake of doing the opposite by a safe distance from Congress. The ` Rahul proposes, 60,000 from him, he said. Kremoval as Lieutenant Governor which in turn, owns National rarest of the rare moment in Rajya taking it as the view of the G-23,” Opposition parties say that Rahul of Pondicherry when she was in the Piyush disposes Collateral Management Services Sabha Tuesday last when PM Modi the PM had said earlier. Gandhi is not consistent and midst of reviewing the COVID-19 Limited (NCML). Watsa secured 15 told Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Congress is facing huge internal One killed in fire vaccination drive was part of a well- f Rahul Gandhi had thought of contracts from the FCI and none Aazad, “I would not let you retire, I Discontent between issues. It goes one way in Rajya crafted strategy by Union Home Istumping the Modi government from the state governments. will continue taking your advice. Sabha and another way in Lok Thane: A labourer was killed Minister Amit Shah. Highly placed by seeking details of contracts My doors are always open for you.” y Incidentally, it’s the Canadian PM Congress and NCP Sabha. The appointment of Nana and another one injured after sources say the Centre's action was obtained by the Ambanis and who ran into controversy over Azad is bidding adieu to a 41-year- Patole as PCC Chief turned out to be

Adanis from FCI and BJP-ruled state long parliamentary career. It here is a long history of love and

k y m a fire broke out in the quarters not abrupt. When the BJP high farmers' demanding scrapping of the last straw in the camel's back as c of construction workers at a command was confident of its governments for construction of three farm laws. Though the PEG transpires that the Gandhis were Thate relationship between the Pawar feels it is part of Congress housing complex in Dombivli numbers to pull the plug from under godowns since 2014, the objective scheme was launched by the upset with him for something and, Congress and NCP since 1999. But move to destabilise the Maharashtra township here in the feet of Congress Chief Minister ended in total disappointment. Manmohan Singh government in hence, he was not re-nominated to they joined hands again after government. What's in the store in Maharashtra Sunday V Narayanasamy, it decided to send Reason: Piyush Goyal, Consumer 2008 to ramp up modern storage the Rajya Sabha and left high & burying the hatchet to form the Maharashtra, no one knows. morning, a fire official said.