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REEL TO REAL SIMILIPAL INFERNO VACCINE PATENT INFO Popular Odia cine actors Sabyasachi and Already 7 out of 21 forest ranges of Similipal are Govts and aid groups across Africa and Southeast Archita exchange wedding vows at reeling under wildfire, will it worsen with Asia call on pharma companies to share their patent information Jodhpur in Rajasthan LEISURE | P2 the temperature soaring ahead? STATE | P5 INTERNATIONAL | P10

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 329 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | TUESDAY, MARCH 2 | 2021 12 PAGES | `4.00

IRREGULAR by MANJUL SOCIAL AND EDUCATION SURVEY OF BACKWARD CLASS PEOPLE WILL TAKE PLACE AT FAIR PRICE SHOPS OBC survey from May 1

POST NEWS NETWORK Anganwadi workers will be engaged for the survey; State Bhubaneswar, March 1: The Odisha split into 10 zones State Commission for Backward Classes (OSCBC) will conduct the much-awaited Draft list of the OBC people is He is in toilet, mom. In fact, he spends all 2.67 lakh acres govt survey to know the social and educa- likely to be out June 1; final list his time there only trying to extract tional status of people belonging to cooking gas from the sewage by June 11 backward classes May 1. The survey will be conducted from May 1 to May 20 Opposition BJP, Congress see land encroached across the state while final list of OBC vote bank politics behind the POST NEWS NETWORK Koraput, Nayagarh, SHORT TAKES people likely to come out by June 11. move Sonepur, Ganjam, Puri, After getting green signal from the Bhubaneswar, March 1: Kalahandi, Khorda and government, the commission chalked publish the final list, June 11. Over 2.67 lakh acres of gov- Dhenkanal. SBI reduces home out a detail roadmap to conduct the Senior OAS officers will be appointed ernment land have been en- Out of a total cases, ver- survey in the state. A high-level meet- in each district as observers for smooth croached in 15 districts of dict of 5,52,422 cases has loan rates to 6.70% ing was held here Monday in the new conduct of the survey. A dedicated the state from 2010 to 2020. been given and the govern- office building at Toshali Bhawan website will be created for the citizens Revenue minister Sudam ment has been able to make Mumbai: The under the chairmanship of judge to register their information online. The Marndi said, 6,38,128 per- 2,49,331 acres encroachment- country's largest Raghunath Biswal personal information provided online sons have encroached upon free from 5,59,448 persons. lender State Bank of India Monday The details will be discussed at next will be first authenticated through 2,67,211 acres of govern- Replying to an un-stared said it has reduced all secretaries meeting scheduled March Aadhaar number. The state govern- ment land in 15 districts in- question of BJP legislator interest rates on 3 where the format of the survey form ment has decided to conduct the OBC cluding in Khurda over last Mohan Charan Majhi, the home loans by up to 10 basis will be finalized. A preparatory meet- Rourkela, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna awareness activities will be taken up survey through forming a Commission 10 years. The government minister said the govern- points (bps) and is offering ing will also be held with Collectors on and Jeypore. in April, the source said. after the Centre did not agree to con- had registered 5,96,590 cases ment has set a target to re- loans starting from 6.70 per cent the next day and database of different Around 20,000 Anganwadi workers The collected forms will be then dig- duct socio-economic caste enumera- under the Orissa Prevention move encroachments on rate. The new rates are based officials to be engaged for the survey will be engaged as enumerators at each italized and uploaded on Odisha State tion along with the general census of Land Encroachment 26,728 acres by March this on loan amount and CIBIL score will be prepared by March 15, sources revenue village while Anganwadi su- Data Center cloud for validation with 2021. The state Cabinet had also passed Act,1972 and Orissa year. The government will of the borrower, and are said. As per plan, the survey will be con- pervisor or civil supply officials will su- other available data. After that, the draft a resolution in this regard. Prevention of Land remove encroachments on available till March 31, 2021, ducted between May a and 20 while a pervise the survey activities at pan- list of backward class people will be pub- Through the motive behind such Encroachment Rules, 1985 9648 acres in Bargarh, 2886 according to a statement. The special drive will be conducted for an- chayat or ward level. lished, June 1. sudden move of government has not against the encroachers, he acres in Kalahandi, 2357 bank said the home loan other five days to collect information Fair price shop (FPS) will be desig- The commission will give seven days been cleared, opposition feels that the said. acres in Ganjam, 2113 acres interest rates will start from from left-out OBC people, the source said. nated as the survey center where the for raising objections on the list. Citizens BJD may use the huge OBC vote bank The 15 districts included in Koraput, 1526 acres in 6.70 per cent for loans up to `75 Entire state has been divided into 10 enumerators will fill up survey forms. can either submit their objection at during upcoming elections. While Keonjhar, Angul, Bargarh, Jajpur, 1497 acres in lakh and 6.75 per cent for loans zones, namely—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Training of the enumerators and su- block/ULB nodal officer or can sub- urban elections are due, rural polls Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur, Keonjhar, 1390 acres in Puri ` ` in the range of 75 lakh- 5 crore. Berhampur, Angul, Keonjhar, Balasore, pervisors will be done. Month-long mit online also. Target has been set to are to be held next year. Jajpur, Kendrapara, and 932 acres in Dhenkanal.

LPG price goes up by `25 again CM, SPEAKER TAKE New Delhi: Cooking gas LPG price was Monday hiked by `25 per cylinder across all categories, including 1ST DOSE OF VACCINE subsidised fuel and those availed by Ujjwala scheme POST NEWS NETWORK beneficiaries - the fourth increase in rates in a month's Bhubaneswar, March 1: Vaccination for time. LPG prices have gone up senior citizens and people between 45 and by `125 per 14.2-kg cylinder 59 with comorbidities started in the state, since the beginning of Monday. On the first day, about 11,589 peo- February, price data from ple took the first dose of the vaccine across state-owned oil marketing the state. companies showed. Also, jet Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took the fuel prices were hiked by a jab here at Assembly dispensary and urged steep 6.5 per cent. all eligible people to go for it. “Happy to share that I took my first dose of #COVID19 vac- MARKET WATCH cine today. Grateful to our scientists, health Capital Hospital staff nurse Smaranika workers for their race against time to de- Ransingh, who injected the vaccine to the liver the vaccines to people. Appeal to all el- Chief Minister and the Speaker, said, “It’s INDEX VARIATION igible people to come forward and get vac- an extremely lucky day for me as I got the cinated for a #CovidFreeOdisha,” Naveen opportunity to administer the vaccine to the SENSEX 49849.84 749.85 tweeted. Following Naveen, Assembly Chief Minister Sir followed by the Speaker Speaker SN Parto, Deputy Speaker Sir. I’m immensely happy today.” The Chief BOURSES NIFTY 14761.50 232.30 Rajanikant Singh and a few senior MLAs Minister repeatedly thanked her, she said. DOLLAR 74.65 `0.29 including Bhupinder Singh and Jitu Mitra Though the second phase vaccination took first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. drive was supposed to start at 9 am, it was EURO 88.50 `0.74

CURRENCY Patro appealed all eligible people to get delayed due to technical glitches, said health GOLD `45,675 `61 vaccinated to make the state Covid-19 free. and family welfare director Bijay Panigrahi. SILVER `68,171 `910 BULLION Modi takes Covid jab at AIIMS NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS here and appealed to all WEATHER those who are eligible to get inoculated. Nurse P Niveda, who hails BHUB CTK from Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN to the prime minister, sources said. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 MAX 39.0° 38.0° vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have

TEMP MIN 23.4° 21.0° worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi tweeted after taking the Forecast vaccine shot. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India Humidity 84% 79% Fog or mist COVID-19 free!" he said. The PM also posted a picture of himself taking the first dose of the vaccine. in the He is seen sporting an Assamese 'gamocha' and getting inoculated with a smile. MORE P9 Rainfall Nil Nil morning China hacks India’s power sector

AGENCIES tential pre-positioning of net- the US government filed work access to support Chinese charges against five Chinese Serum ‘n’ Bharat New York, March 1: A cyber strategic objectives". APT41 and linked it to the intelligence company says it The incursions could also be front company Chengdu 404 Biotech targeted has found that hackers linked "a precursor to kinetic esca- Network Technology. The re- to China have infiltrated power lation" -- that is, preparing for port said, "One of the accused NEW DELHI: A Chinese state- systems and ports in India in possible cyberattacks on in- previously claimed to be 'very backed hacking group has tar- a "show of force" and they frastructure by planting mal- close' to the MSS (Chinese geted the IT systems of two have the ability to create dis- ware. The report said that the Ministry of State Security), Indian vaccine makers whose ruptions. The company, intruders into the Indian net- continuing an established coronavirus shots are being Recorded Future, warned, "As works used a malware called trend of Chinese private con- used in the country’s immunisa- bilateral tensions continue to ShadowPad to set up a back- tractors and front companies tion campaign, cyber intelli- rise, we expect to see a con- door for them to enter the sys- conducting cyber espionage gence firm Cyfirma told tinued increase in cyber op- tem, which was also used by activity on behalf of the MSS. Reuters. Rivals China and India y erations being conducted by other Chinese espionage Conversely, Tonto Team has have both sold or gifted COVID-

China-linked groups such as teams. The RedEcho group been linked to the PLA (Peoples 19 shots to many countries.

k y m c RedEcho in line with national linked to the intrusions into Liberation Army), specifically India produces more than 60% strategic interests." India shared characteristics the Shenyang Military Region of all vaccines sold in the world. In the report made avail- with Chinese groups Technical Reconnaissance Goldman Sachs-backed able to IANS, Recorded Future APT41/Barium and Tonto Bureau." Recorded Future Cyfirma, based in Singapore and said that the intrusions "pose Team, the report noted. linked the intrusions to the re- Tokyo, said Chinese hackers. significant concerns over po- It said that in September cent border tension. P2 GOULDING USED HUBBY’S FARROW ENCOURAGED DAUGHTER TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR COAT TO HIDE PREGNANCY SOON-YI TO BOND WITH ALLEN Singer Ellie Goulding reveals she used her husband American actress Mia Farrow, in a documentary Casper Jopling’s coat to hide her pregnancy for the series Allen Vs Farrow, has revealed that she first six months, to keep the news private. Asked encouraged her adopted daughter Soon-Yi to ‘bond on a show how she hid the news, the soon-to-be with’ Farrow’s ex-husband, actor-filmmaker Woody

y leisure mother revealed “It’s different. I stole my Allen, before she discovered about the affair between

k y m husband’s coat for about six months.” the two. Later, Soon-Yi went on to marry Allen. c FORTUNE FORECAST Nomadland, Borat share top honours National Theatre Late star Chadwick Gillian Anderson was named in the Fest kicks off with best supporting category in the series ARIES Boseman was for her portrayal of former prime min- Today, you may receive posthumously named best ister Margaret Thatcher. Late star Odia play Seeta some kind of material Chadwick Boseman was posthumously support from family. It is actor for his performance named best actor in a drama film for probably for a wise his performance in Ma Rainy’s Black PURBA RANGA - 2021 cause, so be sure to use it accordingly, in ‘Ma Rainy’s Black Bottom. His wife, Taylor Simone says Ganesha. You may spend the evening with those very loved ones who Bottom’ Ledward, accepted the award on his be- have supported you. half. Boseman passed away last sum- mer after quietly battling colon Los Angeles: Borat Subsequent cancer for years. TAURUS Moviefilm and Nomadland were the Actress-singer Andra You are likely to remain big winners of the 78th Golden Globe Day won in the best ac- unconquerable and unas- Awards. The Crown and late star tress in a motion pic- sailable throughout the Chadwick Boseman were among win- named Best Comedy series. Actress to Daniel Kaluuya for his ture (drama) category day. Caution: Stay focussed and avoid frittering away your ners, too, while veteran Jane Fonda Catherine O’Hara, who plays the role performance in Judas for her performance time and energy. You may face stress at was feted with the lifetime achieve- of Moira Rose in the show, was feted And the Black Messiah. in the OTT film The work or in some ongoing project. Expect a ment award. with best comedy actress honour. A ‘shocked’ John Boyega United States vs. Billie relatively serene evening with your The ceremony was held virtually Chloe Zhao took home the award was named best supporting Holiday. Day is only the beloved, says Ganesha. and the live audience consisted of front- for best Motion Picture Director for actor in a limited series for second Black woman to line workers and first responders of the Nomadland. She became the second fe- his role in Small Axe. “I’m so win at the Globes after Whoopi Actors enact a scene from the play Seeta at Rabindra Mandap, Monday GEMINI Covid-19 pandemic. male winner of the category in Globes shocked. I’ve got trackie bottoms on and Goldberg, who won 35 years ago for Actresses Tina Fey and Amy Poehler history, after Barbara Streisand in I’m comfortable but this is exciting,” The Color Purple, according to Variety. POST NEWS NETWORK Ratiranjan Mishra, the play A great evening with your returned to hosting duties this year, but 1983, reports bbc.com. The Sacha Baron Boyega quipped. The Crown won four The Queen’s Gambit was named best was designed and directed sweetheart will be the highlight of the day. It will they were in New York and Los Angeles Cohen-starrer Borat Subsequent honours including best drama series. limited series and its star Anya Taylor- Bhubaneswar: Purba by Abhinna Routray. be one of the better days in business; you respectively, marking the first time Moviefilm, the sequel to 2006’s hugely Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin both Joy, was named best actress in a lim- Ranga, a five-day National The central character of will be able to earn enough money to save the Golden Globes have been bicoastal. successful Borat, was named best mu- won for their performances as Prince ited series. Theatre Festival, began the play was Seeta but she for the future. In the evening, you may The best drama film went to Nomadland sical or comedy film. Charles and Princess Diana respec- Veteran actress and activist Jane here at Rabindra Mandap, was not the one from epic have to spend a little extra, says Ganesha. starring Frances McDormand as a Other winners included Rosamund tively. Fonda was feted with the Cecil B Monday. The event is being Ramayan. As the play pro- homeless woman travelling through Pike, who was named best actress in Actress DeMille Award for lifetime achieve- jointly organised by the gresses, she became the the American a musical or comedy film for I Care A ment and used her acceptance speech State Culture Department reason behind conflicts be- CANCER West. Lot. The best supporting actor went to call for greater diversity in the in collaboration with tween four friends who had Today, you will show Schitt’s industry. IANS Eastern Zonal Cultural discovered her in the dead others, literally, how to Centre, Kolkata and be successful in life, Creek was of night. But at the end, feels Ganesha. The Odisha Natya Sangh, none of them succeeded to example that you will set here is likely to a confederation of win her heart. become a benchmark for your company. hundreds of the- The moral of the story Despite your tendency of getting into atre troupes from was every woman should be confrontations with your seniors, you the state. treated with respect, not are likely to be compliant and coopera- ‘Sabyarchita’ tive at work. City-based like an object. Jeevan Rekha “Apart from sending a Theatre troupe pre- message to the audience, LEO sented Odia play the play has a style of its You are destined to play Seeta on the first own. While we have pre- the superhero, at least gets hitched day of the festi- sented it in Geetinatya for- as far as trade and com- val. Written by mat, the viewers can enjoy merce are concerned. late Chhau dance and folk music Ganesha feels that today, you shall be Image from Sabyasachi’s Twitter handle more tied up in your daily work than is Sabyasachi and Archita at various points during usual. But the upshot of it all is that all the narration. However, the your actions seem to get the desired had worked together Earlier, they shared the news on their arranged the arrival of hundreds of actors deliver contempo- approval as the day progresses. respective social media handles. They wrote Odias in around 35 buses, and many rary dialogues,” said the in a series of hit “With the blessings of Lord Jagannatha & more by special trains, from states like play director Routray. movies including our families it gives us immense happiness Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Four Hindi plays will be VIRGO in sharing that our wedding is happening Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat staged over the next four Ganesha predicts an ‘Pagala Karichi tomorrow...” The post was flooded by con- and Kerala earning goodwill from days of the festival, added imaginative and fruit- gratulatory messages from fans and sev- people. He also had arranged a Routray. ful day for you at the Paunji Tora’, ‘Mu workplace. You will eral film celebrities. chartered flight from the United The dignitaries present feel your professional best in the after- Eka Tumara’, The two were spotted in royal looks in the Arab Emirates (UAE) to help during the inauguration noon. With your elegance, you will man- images shared by them. While Archita the migrant workers. included Culture age to put your ideas across the table ‘Smile Please’ and sported a wine-coloured lehenga, Sabya “I am a bank of positivity Department Director and win the approval of your boss. opted for a pastel white sherwani with em- and want to be remembered Ranjan Kumar Das, ‘Abhiman’ broidery works. He wore a pink head gear as a good human being,” the Odisha Sangeet Natak to complete the look. philanthropic artiste once Akademi President LIBRA POST NEWS NETWORK The two had worked opposite each other said. Ramakrushna Sahoo, Today, it is rather unlike- in a series of films including Pagala Karichi No wonder, he Secretary Prabodh ly that you will get what- Bhubaneswar: Popular Odia Paunji Tora, Mu Eka Tumara, Smile Please is often ad- Kumar Rath and emi- ever you wish for. Internal strife with peo- cine actors Sabyasachi Mishra and and Abhiman. dressed in nent theatre practi- ple around you may dominate your work- Archita Sahu tied the knot Monday Sabyasachi and Archita have now joined media as the tioner Prasanna place, but you shall be able to negotiate at Jodhpur, Rajasthan in an intimate the elite club of star couples like Ranveer ‘Sonu Sood’ Mishra. this tough state of affairs with deftness, ceremony. The couple shared the pho- Singh-Deepika Padukone, Abhishek of Odisha. predicts Ganesha. Patience is your key to tos from their captioning “Today on- Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgn-Kajol get over psychological turmoil. wards all your Joys & sorrows, pleas- and Uttam Mohanty-Aparajita Mohanty. ures & pains are mine. #Sabyarchita.” Sabya, an engineer-turned-actor had SCORPIO The day will usher refreshing changes into your personal life, fore- sees Ganesha. No matter SUDOKU which side of the bed you woke up on, the post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, day promises to present itself in a cheer- PEANUTS CROSSWORD ful light. You will build and enjoy harmo- column and box must contain the numbers nious and cordial relations with your 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. peers at work. Intimacy and pleasure in love relations at night will be the perfect ending for a delightful day.

SAGITTARIUS Cash transactions will 'flow' your way. Money comes easy to itching palms, says Ganesha, and you will enjoy the green scene as you take stock of your finances with preci- sion. Beware of people with a negative attitude as it might inflict worry on your fortunes, says Ganesha. CALVIN AND HOBBES CAPRICORN You will be brimming over with power and energy, so much so that you may go head first into a new business ven- ture, something that can match your ability and bring you the desired satis- SOLUTIONS faction. Pending work will be done away with, leaving you more time for recre- ation, says Ganesha.

AQUARIUS Today is a day for creative expression! Sing away to glory, for you may discov- er you have a wonderful voice. Focus and precision are your best BREVITY tools today, says Ganesha. But some CROSSWORD event may cast a shadow over your clari- ty in the evening.

PISCES y

You will take up a lot of

k y m work today. Try to work c well in the office as well as in your team. Apart from thin you will also be involved in different tasks. You will also try to do things for making a name for yourself. Ganesha advices you to only take up tasks you CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU are capable of. COVID-19 TRACKER P3 GIVING WAY TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD Radhaballav Mutt near World 11,47,89,853 9,03,30,506 25,44,822 Srimandir being demolished to give way for the ambitious India 1,10,63,140 1,07,48,907 1,56,863 heritage corridor project downtown Odisha 3,37,277 3,34,647 1,916

in Puri, Monday

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Satyajit Mohanty RABINDRA KUMAR LENKA Poor rate of conviction takes charge as OPSC chairman WE TOOK THE PANDEMIC AS A

POST NEWS NETWORK behind growing menace Cuttack, March 1: A day after tak- CHALLENGE: RK LENKA ing voluntary retirement from the GYAN RANJAN MOHAPATRA, OP service, 1988-batch IPS officer FOOD ADULTERATION Satyajit Mohanty assumed charge Bhubaneswar, March 1: Food as the chairman of Odisha Public Jayram Lenka is a leading business in the adulteration is a heinous criminal Service Commission (OPSC), offence since it is not only cheating Monday. readymade garment retail sector in the the consumers, but also poses serious Mohanty was serving as the state. Despite the boom in online health hazards to them. Despite Director General of Fire Services this, rising cases of food adulteration prior to opting for voluntary re- shopping, it has garnered the trust and has turned out to be a major cause tirement. He was given a farewell of concern, especially in the ab- by Odisha Fire Service in Cuttack, love of its customers for its quality sence of any exemplary action Sunday. products. Excerpt from the interview against the unscrupulous busi- Mohanty will hold the post of nessmen involved in it. OPSC chairman till he attains the with JRF Fashion Managing Director Data available from the Odisha age of 62, according to a notifica- State Food Safety Department in- tion of the General Administration Rabindra Kumar Lenka: dicate that the conviction rate in and Public Grievance department. food adulteration cases in the state “Conducting regular exami- is extremely low and this is largely nations will be our priority. We’ll responsible for such menace to try our best to conduct all the ex- n What impact did COVID-19 have flourish. aminations in a transparent man- on your business? A total of 61 cases were regis- ner with the help of top and ex- tered against people involved in perienced bureaucrats and n We continuously face ups and adulteration of food items in Odisha The conviction While majority HEALTH CONCERN: A Malgodown educationists in the board,” said downs in our business. But a during the 2016-17 fiscal. The de- rate in food of the accused police official disposing of a huge Mohanty. business people always prefer partment registered 19 criminal adulteration are let off amount of adulterated spice packets to be alerted to carry forward cases and 42 civil cases against the cases in the state without any near Sikharpur area in Cuttack, their business. Yes, the pan- accused in 2016-17. is extremely low action, others Monday OP PHOTO demic was a major crisis for us However, only four accused were and this is are allowed to for a awhile. But we took it as held guilty for food adulteration largely resume are let-off after paying a penalty.” a challenge and stood firm. by the courts, while the remain- responsible for business after Exposing the loopholes in system Nevertheless, it impacted us ing people were either acquitted such menace to paying a that leads to the acquittal in most for a period of time. We did or are still awaiting completion of flourish penalty of the cases, Supreme Court lawyer not fight it alone, but everyone their trial. Moreover, those con- Shilpi Chouhan said, “Any con- together. We remained calm victed were also let off after paying NEED FOR FOOD SAFETY OFFICERS viction is dependent upon whether and alerted and faced the chal- fines worth `50,000. AND FOOD ANALYSTS TO BE TRAINED the prescribed procedure for col- lenge wisely. Similarly, the department regis- IN THE LEGAL AND TECHNICAL lecting samples was followed or tered 42 cases, including 13 criminal PROCEDURES TO STAND LEGAL not. Second, whether or not the n Was there any change in con- and 29 civil cases, in connection SCRUTINY IN A COURT OF LAW sample was tested at any approved sumer behavior post lockdown? with adulteration of food items in lab. What is important is whether 2017-18. In this year too, only four ac- traders were convicted for food adul- the procedure as regards to search, Mohanty will hold n First of all, we focused on cre- cused were convicted and they were teration. The authorities managed seizure and investigation was ad- ating awareness among our penalised a total sum of `43,000. to collect `4.24 lakh from these con- hered to by the food safety officer.” the post of OPSC customers and encouraged In the subsequent year, 2018-19, victs during the period. From the data Chouhan further said, “Food chairman till he attains them not to panic. Though the as many as 47 cases, including 14 available from the Odisha State safety officers and food analysts impact of COVID-19 was se- have to be trained in the legal and the age of 62 vere in the market, it did have TOTAL CASES REGISTERED technical procedures to stand legal a major affect on business. Now n How does Jayram Lenka see mistic about the future. Financial Year Criminal Civil Convictions/penalties Penalty Amount In ` scrutiny in a court of law. So, tech- we are again seeing normal competition in the market? n 2016-17 19 42 4 51,000 nical and institutional capacity is In a career spanning for a pe- business in the market. Every E-commerce is becoming pop- a huge issue in this field.” riod of 33 years, Mohanty had ear- sector will grow again, even n We have been satisfying our ular. What would you say to 2017-18 13 29 4 43,000 Interestingly, National Crime lier served many key positions in Jayram Lenka industry. customers since its inception. customers buying from brick- 2018-19 14 33 2 1,10,000 Records Bureau data reveals that the state police. He worked as In fact, we have set an example and-mortar stores? Odisha Police have not registered superintendent of police (SP) of n Did you receive any support in the market. Our industry 2019-20 12 61 5 2,20,000 a single case under Sections 272 Koraput, Rourkela, Cuttack and from the government? has grown because of cus- n There is a big difference be- and 273 of the IPC, The Prevention Balasore districts. Besides, tomers’ love and affection. tween buying online and of- criminal and 33 civil cases, were reg- Food Safety Department it is clear of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Mohanty had served as the n The pandemic was a disaster not Jayram Lenka aims to be pres- fline. Customers always be- istered against the traders involved that the conviction rate for adul- the Food Safety & Standards Act, Additional SP of Puri. only to individuals but also to ent in every corner of the state lieve in touch-and-feel factor. in adulteration of food items. terating food items has been very 2006 dealing exclusively with food In July 2018, Mohanty was ap- the state, country and world. to offer our services. Many have regretted buy- However, only two accused were poor over the years. adulterations issue between period pointed as the twin city police However, Odisha government ing online as they didn’t get convicted. The convicts had to pay Speaking on the condition of 2017 and 2019. commissioner and later Director along with the Union govern- n Do you have any expansion same quality product that fines worth `1.10 lakh. anonymity, a top food safety officer, Speaking on the role of police, of Intelligence before assuming the ment worked hard to contain the plan? they saw on their mobile As many as 73 cases, including said, “After collecting all the sam- DCP Umashankar Dash said, “We office of the DG of Fire Services. outbreak. Lockdowns and shut- phone or computer screen. 12 criminal and 61 civil cases, were ples, we send them for testing. There have been taking food adulter- He is a recipient of Police downs at the right time helped n We aim be present everywhere. Customers trust and believe registered against traders across the are two ways of dealing with such ations complaints seriously. We (Antrik Suraksha Seva) Medal, to contain the virus from spread- Our target is to be at the serv- us. There is a lot of confi- state in the 2019-20 fiscal and of cases. One is adjudication, which immediately carry out raids after Police Medal for Meritorious ing. The governments are doing ice of our customers always dence in the touch-and-feel these, only five were convicted. is disposed of at the ADM level, coming across reliable inputs in Service and President’s Police their best to keep us safe. and at all times. We are opti- medium. During the last four years, 15 and in the second case, the traders this regard.” Medal for Distinguished Service. College issued showcause notice for BEATING THE HEAT Doc gets bail on ‘good faith doctrine’ submitting fake docu THE SAID DOCTOR HAD TERMINATED THE PREGNANCY OF A RAPE VICTIM

POST NEWS NETWORK POST NEWS NETWORK nancy is terminated by him in ac- exception for such circumstances. cordance with the provisions of “What has also weighed in favour Bhubaneswar, March 1: The New Delhi, March 1: Citing the pro- this Act. of the petitioner is the fact that the state Higher Education depart- visions of the Medical Termination “Explanation 1 of Section 3 of enquiry conducted by a board of ment has issued a show cause no- of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, the Orissa the MTP Act states that when any doctors has rendered a finding that tice to Khunta Degree College in High Court has granted bail to a doc- pregnancy is alleged by the pregnant the doctor has acted in good faith,” Mayurbhanj district for submit- tor, who was arrested for termi- woman to have been caused by rape, the HC said. ting forged documents for sanction nating pregnancy of rape survivor, the anguish caused by such preg- The bench observed that the doc- of block grant. on the good faith doctrine. nancy shall be presumed to con- tor followed the provisions of MTP As per reports, the college re- A bench of Justice SK Panigrahi stitute a grave injury to the mental Act while terminating the preg- cently had submitted the PG mark- observed that ‘only a prima facie health of the pregnant woman,” nancy of the minor rape victim. sheet of Aveepsa Patnaik, a lec- view needs to be formed as to the bench noted in the judgment. The bench noted that the doctor turer in English, which shows whether the doctor has acted in Referring to various judgments terminated the pregnancy of the vic- that she had secured 472 marks out good faith or not.’ of the Supreme Court and high tim in a hospital maintained by of 800. But on verification by the Justice Panigrahi referred to courts, Justice Panigrahi observed of rape of the victim shall be pre- the government and the doctor Controller of Examination, Utkal Section 3 of the MTP Act and held that the right approach in view of sumed a grave injury to the mental acted in good faith having believed University, it was found out that that the Act prescribes that no reg- the statutory framework under the health of the victim. The High that the consent of the lady con- she had actually secured 412 marks istered medical practitioner shall Act, which specifically provides Court noted that the Legislature stable who was taking care of the out of 800. be held guilty of an offence under that there is a presumption that being cognisant of the malady ex- victim girl which sufficiently com- the IPC or any other law, if preg- any pregnancy caused on account isting in society has carved out an plied with the law. Khunta Degree College, Mayurbhanj, submitted fake marksheet of a Trickster held for Services of Bhubaneswar-Bangiriposi Special extended lecturer for block grant This train leaves Bhubaneswar March 1 to March 31, 2021. Stoppages lifting motorcycles Temporary stoppage for at 1730hrs and arrives at Bangiriposi for this train at scheduled stations This clearly shows that the col- Bhubaneswar: A special squad of Rourkela-Bhubaneswar at 2305hrs. On its return journey, the will remain unchanged. lege had forwarded a forged mark- Commissionerate Police has arrested a train from Bangiriposi will leave at Earlier, the ECoR revised the sheet for sanction of block grant vehicle lifter who reportedly decamped special at Bamra extended 0420hrs and will arrive at timings of 13 pairs of special trains. in favour of Patnaik. The college with several motorcycles of prospective up to March end Bhubaneswar at 1000hrs. The trains are Puri-Ahmedabad- had also submitted a false affi- sellers on the pretext of test driving. This train comprises one sec- Puri Special, Puri-Mumbai LTT- davit stating that the documents The accused has been identified as POST NEWS NETWORK ond class chair car, nine second Puri Special, LTT-Bhubaneswar- are true. Amit Kumar Patra alias Jitu of class seating and two guard-cum-sec- Mumbai LTT Special, The Higher Education depart- Bhanjagar area in Ganjam. Bhubaneswar, March 1: The East ond class seating. The stoppages Puri-Durg-Puri Special, Puri- ment director Ashwini Kumar A woman agitating near the Cuttack Collector’s office According to sources, Patra used to col- Coast railway (ECoR) has decided of the train are at Cuttack, Jajpur Jodhpur-Puei Special, Valsad-Puri- Mishra has now asked the prin- drinks water under a scorching sun, Monday. Meanwhile, lect the contact numbers of prospective to extend the services of Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Markona, Valsad Special, Rourkela- cipal of the college to showcause sellers from OLX site, popular online Bhubaneswar-Bangiriposi- Soro, Balasore, Rupsa, Thakurtota, Bhubaneswar-Rourkela Special, the MD said heat-wave condition will prevail in 9 marketplace. He would contact the sell- why disciplinary action will not Bhubaneswar Special w.e.f. from Jugpura, Jogal, Betonati, Puri-Surat-Puri Special, Puri-Ajmer- districts of Odisha, Tuesday. The condition will continue ers expressing his interest to buy their be taken against the college for sub- old bikes. Subsequently, he would ask March 1, 2021 till further notice. Krishnachandrapur, Baripada and Puri Special, Bhubaneswar-Anand

mitting forged documents to the for the next 4-5 days. Maximum temperature is very “The Bhubaneswar-Bangiriposi- Rajaluka between Bhubaneswar Vihar-Bhubaneswar Special,

k y m the victims to give their keys for test c department for the sanction of likely to be above normal by 3-4 degrees Celsius at many riding to check the vehicle condition. Bhubaneswar Special from and Bangiriposi from both the di- Bhubaneswar-New Delhi- block grant. places during next 2-3 days. Talcher and Baripada However, he would run away with the Bhubaneswar w.e.f. 1st March and rections. Bhubaneswar Special Rajdhani, from Bangiriposi in Mayurbhaj The college has been directed Monday recorded a highest maximum temperature of vehicle while the victims return after Meanwhile, the ECoR has de- Bhubaneswar-Balangir- to submit its response by March waiting for several hours at the spot. district w.e.f. 2nd March, 2021 will cided to have temporary stoppage Bhubaneswar Special, and 10, 2021. 39.8 degrees OP PHOTO Patra was Monday produced before the run till further advice,” an ECoR of- of the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar- Sambalpur-Howrah-Sambalpur via court and later sent to judicial custody. ficial said. Rourkela Special at Bamra from Bhadrak. P4 TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR downtown

SC notice to Odisha govt on BMC allows Shivratri fest at Lingaraj Temple

k y m POST NEWS NETWORK antigen test at the camps installed c IN A NUTSHELL outside the temple,” he said. Bhubaneswar, March 1: Amidst • Devotees will not be allowed inside Keeping in view of rise in the mer- plea challenging fee waiver concerns of rise in COVID cases, the the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine cury, drinking water and shades Bhubaneswar Municipal • Lighting of earthen lamps will be will be made available for the devo- Corporation (BMC) Monday al- allowed inside and outside the tees. Lighting of earthen lamps POST NEWS NETWORK A TWO-JUDGE BENCH OF THE lowed Maha Shivratri celebrations temple will be allowed inside and outside APEX COURT ISSUED THE NOTICE at Lingaraj Temple in state capital the temple. However, people will New Delhi, March 1: The Supreme TO THE GOVERNMENT RETURNABLE on March 11 with strict adherence • Devotees will enter through be allowed to sit with ‘diyas’ inside Court Monday issued a notice to the IN TWO WEEKS IN THE PETITION to COVID-19 guidelines. ‘Singhadwara’ and exit through the shrine keeping in view the avail- state government on a petition filed FILED AGAINST THE ORDER OF THE Ahead of the festival, the civic au- ‘Dakshinadwara’ and ‘Uttaradwara’ ability to space and adherence to by the Association of Odisha ICSE ORISSA HIGH COURT THAT thority Monday held a preparatory of the shrine COVID-19 protocols. Schools challenging the state gov- DISMISSED A WRIT PETITION meet with the representatives of • There will be barricades to ensure It is worth mentioning here that ernment’s notification regarding fee BY THE ASSOCIATION the sevayat groups and trust bod- social distancing. Arrangements for earlier state government had in- waiver in private un-aided schools. CHALLENGING A STATE ies of the 11th century shrine to sanitation and thermal screening will structed for seven-day mandatory A two-judge bench of the apex GOVERNMENT discuss the arrangements for the fes- be made at the entrance of the home isolation for people coming NOTIFICATION JANUARY 19 court comprising Justices AM tival both within and outside the tem- FILE PHOTO temple from 12 high-risk states by planes Khanwilkar and Dinesh ple in view of the pandemic re- and trains. Maheshwari issued the notice to the government despite its clear sub- “The impugned order precari- strictions. The meeting was chaired THOSE BELOW 10 YEARS AND ABOVE 60 WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE It had asked all district Collectors, government returnable in two mission before the High Court that ously violates the rights of the pe- by the BMC Commissioner Prem TEMPLE FOR DARSHAN AS THEY HAVE BEEN CATEGORISED AS THE municipal commissioners, direc- weeks in the petition filed against there is no provision under the titioner association under the prin- Chandra Chaudhary. MOST VULNERABLE SECTION OF PEOPLE tors of Bhubaneswar and the order of the Orissa High Court Orissa Education Act, 1969 for fix- ciples of natural justice as the “It has been decided that those Jharsuguda airports and the gen- that dismissed a writ petition by the ation of fee structure of different petitioner association was never above 60 years and younger than 10 allowed to see the rituals of the thermal screening will be made at eral manager (operation) of East association challenging a state gov- Private Un-Aided schools. allowed to participate in the de- years will not be allowed into the Lord at the Adakatha (outside the the entrance of the temple. While Coast Railways to increase sur- ernment notification January 19 “Contrary to the above stand, liberations leading to MoU despite temple for darshan as they have sanctum). There will be barricades devotees will be allowed entry from veillance and testing on people com- regarding the fee waiver. the High Court erroneously placed being a necessary party to that de- been categorised as the most vul- to ensure social distancing as per Singhdwara they will exit through ing from Maharashtra, Kerala, The Association of Odisha ICSE its reliance upon a government res- liberation,” the petitioner con- nerable section of people. Moreover, COVID-19 norms,” Chaudhary in- Dakshinadwara and Uttaradwara Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Schools challenged the state gov- olution dated September 23, 1996 tended. no devotee will be allowed inside the formed. of the shrine. “In case, a devotee is Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, ernment’s January 19 notification, which does not hold any force pur- Petitioner submitted that the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Gruha) The BMC Commissioner added found down with any symptom of Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, issued in compliance to the order suant to the coming into force of the high court failed to appreciate that of the shrine. However, they will be that arrangements for sanitation and COVID-19, he/she will be taken for Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. of Orissa High court January 7 Right of Children to Free and during the lockdown almost all that taken on record the memo- Compulsory Education Act, 2009,” schools are conducting online classes randum of understanding dated The petitioner also contended and teachers are discharging their HC bail for Pathak, September 10, 2020 where govern- that the high court completely lost duties by imparting course work MORNING CLASSES ment and several other parties were sight of the fact that the Fee over online system and supervising son in fraud case agreed to fee waiver in a flat rate and Structure of Private Un-Aided the students to complete the work prepared a slab of fees to be waived Schools is governed by a report of task given. PNN/AGENCIES by private Un-aided institutions. the Fee Structure Committee (FSC), “There is also a burden on the The petitioner contended in the Odisha headed by Justice KP school to pay their salary during Cuttack, March 1: The Orissa petition that MoU was contradic- Mohapatra constituted by the apex these months,” the petitioner con- High Court Monday granted bail torily taken support of by the state court in a civil appeal. tended. to suspended IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak and his son, Akash, in connection with a cheating case registered with the Kharvel Nagar HC closes case police in Bhubaneswar. Fraudsters dupe filed by Anjana The father-son duo was granted bail on a surety of Rs 2 lakh. The Cuttack: The Orissa High Court court also set certain conditions Monday closed a petition filed by Barang gangrape survivor Anjana like cooperating with the investi- ` Mishra. The victim had then alleged gation and not to intimidate wit- man of 13.20L that the investigation being carried nesses. out by the CBI had lapses and that a A case (CR POST NEWS NETWORK as admission fee. conspiracy has been hatched to No 292/20) was They also asked Singh to pay Rs delay the case. According to registered Bhubaneswar, March 1: Fraudsters 20,000 as first installment in order sources, the HC decision came after against the targeting gullible job aspirants or to make necessary arrangements two sets of affidavits were filed by Pathaks at people desiring to get a seat in for the provisional allotment letter the state government and the Kharavel Nagar prominent educational institutions from OJEE office. He deposited investigating agency. There was no police station for are on the prowl in the city. Recently, Rs 5 lakh as first installment in ground for the petition to prolong as allegedly de- one such fraudster was arrested the account of one of the accused, the major parties to the case – the frauding Sky by Dhauli police for duping sev- Manas Parida, August 22, 2019. erstwhile Chief Minister JB Patnaik King, a Bhubaneswar-based travel eral people of lakhs of rupees on the Two days later, he deposited an- and former Advocate General (AG) agency of Rs 65 lakh. The father- pretext of getting them jobs in the other Rs 10 lakh in the account of Indrajit Ray – are no more. Three son duo had reportedly booked Railways and Police force. one Abinash Purohit. Singh also re- persons including the prime accused chartered flights, five-star hotels and who were involved in the crime have In the latest incident, Budhadeba portedly gave the accused over Rs With the daytime temperature soaring, students of Capital Girls’ High School at Unit-II in Bhubaneswar walk air tickets through the agency been brought to justice following Kumar Singh of Baunsuni area in 7.50 lakh through various install- home after attending morning classes, Monday OP PHOTO which amounted to Rs 2.78 crore. their arrests, the affidavits stated. Baudh alleged that some city-based ments towards hostel and course Although they paid Rs 2.13 crore, miscreants duped him of Rs 13.20 fees. They later demanded and re- an outstanding bill of Rs 65,16,233 lakh by promising him to get his son ceived another Rs 2 lakh claiming is yet to be cleared, the travel agency an MBBS seat in a medical college. the amount paid earlier was in- claimed in the complaint filed with Singh has lodged a complaint with sufficient for admission. Pradhan seeks CM’s intervention to include 40.5L farmers under PM-Kisan the Commissionerate Police. Sahid Nagar police in this regard. The miscreants allegedly pre- On January 27, the Vigilance In his complaint, Singh alleged sented Singh with fake allotment POST NEWS NETWORK in his letter to the CM. this is happening. The same trend court had granted bail to the father- that his son Biswajit Singh qualified and admission letters. Few days Non-disbursement of due ben- of lower fund releases can be no- son duo in connection with a dis- in the NEET entrance exam in 2019 later, Singh was shocked when he Bhubaneswar, March 1: Union efits under PM Kisan to many of ticed in previous six instalments proportionate assets case against and he was trying to get his son ad- asked a staff member of Hi Tech Minister Dharmendra Pradhan the needy farmers of Odisha, es- also,” he added. them. They were granted ‘default’ mitted in any reputed medical col- Medical College and Hospital about Monday sought personal inter- pecially in the backdrop of COVID- As per Pradhan’s letter, there bail after the investigating agency lege in Odisha. This is when Singh the status of his son’s admission to vention of Chief Minister Naveen I 9 pandemic, is disheartening are 40.5 lash registered benefi- failed to file the charge-sheet with received a call from the miscreants. the MBBS course. The later in- Patnaik to ensure procedural for- and depriving them of the gov- ciaries of PM-Kisan scheme in 60 days. They asked Singh to meet them at formed Singh that the institution malities so that 40.5 lakh farmers ernment support when they need the state. While only 9.73 lakh Notably, the father-son duo was their office at plot No. 101 in Sahid had not received any application for can get cash transfer under the it the most, he said. (24%) received the first instal- arrested in November last year Nagar area here. The miscreants as- admission in the name of his son. PM-Kisan scheme. As per official records, Pradhan ment, 29.92 lakh (74%) received by the anti-corruption wing of sured him that they would arrange When contacted, the miscreants “I would like to bring to your no- said, a total of 40.5 lakh farmers the second instalment, 28.77 lakh Odisha Police on charges of ac- an MBBS seat for his son in Hi- assured to return the money re- tice the fact that the percentage from Odisha are covered under the (71%) received the 3rd instal- cumulating massive ‘ill-gotten’ Tech Medical College and Hospital ceived from Singh. However, they of farmers receiving the PM- Central scheme. However, it was ment, 25.61 lakh (63%) got the wealth. on the outskirts of the City. reportedly managed to return only Kisan benefit is significantly less found that only 24.7 lakh farm- 4th instalment, 21.55 lakh (53%) The HC had February 24 granted Accordingly, he met the alleged Rs 3 lakh. than the number of farmers reg- ers received the payment of Rs benefitted in the 5th instalment, conditional bail to Gopalpur MLA fraudsters at their office and he Singh who was yet get back his istered under the scheme in quirements and administrative 2,000 each from the release of the 23.38 lakh (58%) got the 6th in- Pradeep Panigrahi in connection was asked to deposit Rs 10 lakh as money sought the help of Sahid Odisha. This is primarily due to oversight by the officials of the seventh instalment. stalment and 24.70 lakh (61%) with a fraud case filed by the Crime donation and another Rs 6.50 lakh Nagar police. non-compliance to procedural re- state government,” Pradhan said “This is not the first time that received the 7th instalment. Branch.

HITTING THE STREETS OUAT students’ protest enters 8th day

POST NEWS NETWORK n Monday, the stu- ises. OUAT Dean KK Rout had in- Odents staged protests formed the students that the var- Bhubaneswar, March 1: Despite by washing vehicles on the sity had sent their demands to the pressure from the Odisha roads of the university to government and department for University of Agriculture and draw the attention of gov- review. Technology (OUAT) and the state ernment as well as the var- The student are saying that one- government to remove the protest- sity authorities third of Odisha’s geographical ing students from their agitation area falls under natural forests site, protest by students of Forestry n Sunday, the students and a huge additional area under department reached the eighth Osold puffed rice and plantations by farmers, industries, day, Monday. mixture as part of their state Forest departments, OFDC On Monday, the students staged agitation urging the state and various other agencies. These protests by washing vehicles on government to make the vast resources and plantations are four-year BSc degree in the roads of the university to draw contributing immensely to vari- Forestry as minimum qual- the attention of government as ification for recruitment to ous forms of goods and services to well as the varsity authorities. key posts the human and animal population On Sunday, the protesting stu- of the state. dents sold puffed rice and mixture MEANWHILE, THE UNIVERSITY IS PRESSURISING THE STUDENTS TO END THE In order to enhance the pro- along the university road as part PROTEST AS THEY ARE BREAKING THE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, THEREBY, ductivity of such resources and of their agitation urging the state THREATENING THE HEALTH OF STUDENTS AND OTHERS to ensure sustained supply of goods government to make the four-year and services to the ever-increasing BSc degree in Forestry as mini- Corporation (OFDC). This apart, COVID-19 restrictions, thereby, population, it is essential to in- mum qualification for recruitment they also protested by cleaning threatening the health of students duct more technical manpower to key posts like forest range offi- shoes and sweeping the roads. and others. The varsity authorities having forestry background in the NSUI activists demonstrate at Rajmahal Square in Bhubaneswar, Monday, condemning the rising fuel prices and cer, assistant conservator of forests, Meanwhile, the university is have warned that if the students forestry sector instead of hiring unemployment in the state OP PHOTO assistant manager and junior man- pressurising the students to end the did not end their protest they would non-forestry graduates in some

ager of Odisha Forest Development protest as they are breaking the be removed forcibly from the prem- key posts.

k y m c P5 TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR state

Jeweller shot dead,

k y m SIMILIPAL IS BURNING gold ornaments c SUMMER HAS JUST STARTED BUT THE MERCURY LEVELS MAKE US FEEL THAT IT IS ALREADY MAY! ALREADY SEVEN— CHANDANCHATURI, DIGDIGA, DUKURA, PODADIHA, THAKURMUNDA, BAREHIPANI AND ASTAKUAN— OUT OF 21 FOREST RANGES OF SIMILIPAL ARE REELING UNDER WILDFIRE, WILL IT WORSEN WITH THE TEMPERATURE SOARING AHEAD? robbed in Bargaon The deceased POST NEWS NETWORK spread of wildfire in the sanctu- ary. He said that poachers set fire was identified Baripada, March 1: Hundreds of to the dry leaves in the forest to as Rohit Verma, hectares of forest land in Similipal catch animals which then spreads national park have been burnt to from one place to another causing 26, son of the ashes due to wildfires ahead of the loss of flora and fauna. Moreover, proprietor of summer season, a report said. people collecting Mahua flowers Even as summer season is yet are also responsible as they also Maa Mangala to completely set in, the wildfire is set fire to the leaves while collect- Jewellery in fast spreading inside the sanctu- ing the flowers. ary with a sharp rise in temperature An honorary wildlife warden the town in the state. Fires are raging inside Bhanumitra Acharya said that wild- the sanctuary which includes the fire has become an annual occur- POST NEWS NETWORK domen. The youth was rescued tiger conservation project and rence as the inferno occurs every by locals and immediately forested areas under the wildlife year after the trees shed their leaves Bargaon, March 1: Miscreants rushed to a private hospital in division. in winter. This has resulted in se- shot dead the son of a jeweller and Rourkela. Wildfire has become an The wildfire is showing no Poachers set fire to the dry rious loss of flora, fauna and me- decamped with a bag of ornaments Later, he succumbed to his in- sign of abetment which is spread- leaves in the forest to catch annual occurrence as the dicinal plants inside the sanctuary, in front of his shop here, Monday. juries while undergoing treatment ing from one place to another animals which then spreads from inferno occurs every year he said. The shop is about 500 metres from at the hospital, a police official inside the sanctuary causing se- one place to another causing after the trees shed their ranges of the sanctuary. Residents Ramesh Singh, the Bargaon police station and is stated. The injured person has been rious loss of vegetation, wildlife loss of flora and fauna. leaves in winter. This has Hundreds of hectare of forest Budhia Hembram, Chaitanya also next to the post office. admitted to the hospital and was un- and medicinal plants inside the Moreover, people collecting resulted in serious loss of land have been destroyed in the Hansda, Samray Singh and The deceased was identified as dergoing treatment. sanctuary. Mahua flowers are also flora, fauna and medicinal wildfire in the Anantapur and Madhav Hansda alleged that the Rohit Verma, 26, son of the pro- On being informed, Bargaon po- As a result, wild animals are responsible as they also set fire plants inside the Balinala jungles under Podadiha Forest department is making tall prietor of Maa Mangala Jewellery lice reached the spot and started an straying into the human habitats to to the leaves while collecting sanctuary forest range to the south of the claims of disposing of the dry in the town. investigation. A gun was seized save their lives. The rush of wild an- the flowers BHANUMITRA ACHARYA | sanctuary, Mituani and leaves to check wildfire but it is According to police sources, the from the highway where it had imals to human habitat has spread AMAR SINGH | RESIDENT, PODADIHA HONOURARY WILDLIFE WARDEN Kendumundi jungles under occurring every year mainly due shop named Maa Mangala Jewelers fallen off the hands of the escap- panic among the residents. The for- Thakurmunda forest range to the to their negligence. is located near Bargaon bus stand ing miscreants. Police have regis- est and fire personnel have tried Serious efforts are being made to douse the fire with the north, Bahalda jungle under When contacted, Jagnyadatt Pati, and a few yards away from the tered a case in this connection and all tricks in the book to douse the involvement of forest officials, members of Vana Surakshya Dukura forest range to the east deputy director, Similipal tiger con- local police station. Three armed launched a detailed probe to nab the fire but in vain which is spreading Samiti, villagers and local public representatives and Netrapata jungle under servation project, said, “Serious ef- bike-borne miscreants confronted assailants. fast in the area. Bangiriposi forest range to the forts are being made to douse the fire Rohit when he was about to open The daylight murder of the jew- JAGNYADATT PATI | DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SIMILIPAL TIGER CONSERVATION PROJECT Reports said that the sanctuary west of the sanctuary. with the involvement of forest of- the shutter of the shop. eller’s son has nevertheless cre- is spread over 21 forest ranges A resident Amar Singh of ficials, members of Vana Surakshya They opened two rounds of bul- ated unrest in the locality, traders under five forest divisions. The patches of reserve forests under Podadiha, Thakurmunda, Podadiha village alleged that poach- Samiti, villagers and local public rep- lets at him and decamped with his in particular who are demanding fire has been spreading in seven Chandanchaturi, Digdiga, Dukura, Barehipani and Astakuan forest ers are mainly responsible for the resentatives.” bag containing gold ornaments. the immediate arrest of the cul- Meanwhile, a person named Saroj prits involved in the incident. Das tried to save Rohit when the rob- Notably, five months back mis- bers were trying to flee. One of the creants decamped with Rs 5 lakh miscreants fired at Saroj follow- gold ornaments from the shop of Wait for rly underpass BHADRAK PROJECT DIRECTOR DONS ing which the bullet hit his thigh Verma after demolishing a por- and rendered him critical. tion of the wall of his store. Police Verma sustained grievous bul- launched an investigation then but soon to end in Kesinga LABOURER’S HAT, VIDEO GOES VIRAL let injuries in his head and ab- are yet to arrest the culprits. EVEN AMBULANCES USED TO GET STUCK FOR POST NEWS NETWORK the allegation, Das along with Chandbali BDO Jyotibikash Das Man rapes minor HOURS DUE TO THE LEVEL CROSSING Bhadrak, March 1: The project had paid a visit to the work site director, District Rural Saturday. niece; arrested Development Agency, Bhadrak, There at the work site, he took was seen working as a labourer at all by surprise when he picked in Kalahandi dist a road construction site in Dhamra up a spade, dug earth and carried panchayat. it in a basket on his head. Seeing Bhawanipatna: A three-year-old The incident was of Saturday him working like a labourer, BDO girl was raped by her uncle after but a video showing the admin- Das could not hold him back for he took her out under the pretext istrative officer digging earth and longer. He too joined him and the of buying her chocolates at a carrying basket on his head went other labourers. village under Lanjigarh police viral Sunday. He has since been re- Later Madhusudan Das said limits in Kalahandi district, police ceiving praises from different sec- that he had worked among the said Monday. The accused was tions of society. Employment Guarantee Scheme. labourers to encourage them, identified as Kunu Majhi of Labourers were working on Project director, DRDA, bring transparency in such works, Shantapur village under Narla police limits in the district. The Jhadakata village road under Madhusudan Das had been in- see the labourers get the benefits incident occurred when the girl Dhamra panchayat Saturday. The formed that the road construc- of the government schemes and accompanied by her mother was work was being done under tion work was being done by ma- ensure fulfillment of the govern- visiting her maternal grandfather’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural chines. To find out the veracity in ment’s aims and objectives. house to witness a fair in the area.

Officials take measurements near Subarnarekha POST NEWS NETWORK Construction work of the under bridge is in its last POST NEWS NETWORK The points of Kesinga, March 1: The seemingly stage. It will be inaugurated BORDER DISPUTE eternal wait for a railway underpass as per schedule March 4 Jaleswar, March 1: Revenue offi- contention near the level crossing in this town KASHI SAHA | RAILWAY OFFICIAL, cials and scientists of Odisha and between Odisha of Kalahandi district will finally ADAEN/TITLAGARH West Bengal met at the disputed come to an end March 4. The un- site of Subarnarekha river here in and Bengal are at derpass will be inaugurated for Kumar Naik, Narla MLA Balasore district and conducted a Jaleswar in the public on that day. Bhupinder Singh attended the measurement of the reference points The residents have suffered a dharna on different days. on the eve of the Tuesday-meeting Balasore district lot due to the level crossing, a re- The agitation was withdrawn between the two states on interstate and in Dantun port said. They have the bad ex- February 14, 2020 when District border dispute. perience of getting stuck in traffic Collector Dr Gavali Parag Harshad The points of contention between area of West snarls, sometimes for more than an reached the dharna site with the let- the two states are at Jaleswar in Midnapore district hour. Even ambulances used to get ter from works department and Balasore district and in Dantun area stuck for lengthy periods due to assured them that an under bridge of West Midnapore district of neigh- of West Bengal the level crossing. In one such in- would soon be constructed. bouring West Bengal. cident, a patient while being shifted While the construction of the The officials while measuring the Notably, several cases have been filed a measurement of South Praharajpur to a hospital in an ambulance suc- under pass was started in March, reference points also identified the before the NGT with regard to sand village in the state and Sunakania and cumbed as it got delayed due to 2020, the facility was scheduled to places which have been in contention mining and environmental pollu- other places in West Bengal. traffic congestion. be inaugurated March 4, 2021. between the two states. Jaleswar tion. According to decision of Odisha Demanding an under pass near When contacted, Kashi Saha, a tehsildar Dillip Chand, revenue of- Reports said that the dispute began Space Application Centre (ORCAS), the level crossing, the ‘Railway senior railway official at ficials Manas Behera, Gourang Jena on the jurisdiction of the 36 reference points have been iden- Kriyanusthan Committee’ had ADAEN/Titlagarh informed that and Pradip Bhanja, and five officials Subarnarekha river which is flowing tified in Odisha border and 52 ref- launched a 24-day long demon- the construction work of the under of West Bengal were present during for about 10 km on the borders of erence points in West Bengal bor- stration in Kesinga town in bridge is in its last stage. “It will be the measurement of the reference the two states. Earlier, the officials of der with the use of GPS and DGPS January, 2020. While the resi- inaugurated as per schedule March points. two states met at the Circuit House systems. Five officials and scientists dents had extended full support 4,” he informed. The development comes after the of West Midnapore to resolve the of West Bengal and three from Odisha to it, leaders like former Union This piece of news has certainly National Green Tribunal directed border dispute, February 15. The of- rechecked the reference points in Minister Bhakta Charan Das, made the residents of this town a the authorities of the two states to re- ficials of two states had visited the Gobarghata, Bilaspur, Makidia and Leader of Opposition Pradipta very happy lot. solve the dispute relating to border. spot after the meeting and conducted Rajnagar mouzas in Odisha. Fearing kidnap bid, woman jumps off ambulance THE DRIVER AND OTHER STAFF WERE NABBED AND HANDED OVER TO THE POLICE

POST NEWS NETWORK With no option left, she opened GEETANJALI WITH HER INJURED SON the window pane and cried for help. Bhadrak, March 1: A patient’s WAS TO GO TO THE SCB MEDICAL Hearing her distressed cries, peo- mother jumped off an ambulance COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL IN CUTTACK ple gave a chase to the van and way- IN A 108 AMBULANCE FOR BETTER fearing they were being kidnapped laid it near Canal Chowk in TREATMENT after noticing that the van was head- Charampa. Just then, a terribly ing somewhere else instead of the WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE frightened Geetanjali jumped off original destination in Cuttack. The VEHICLE WASN’T HEADING TOWARDS the vehicle. incident occurred on NH-16 near CUTTACK, SHE SMELLED SOMETHING Soon locals gathered at the spot and Charampa in Bhadark district late FISHY AND ENQUIRED WITH THE caught hold of the driver and two oth- Sunday night. DRIVER AND OTHER MEDICAL STAFF ers. Later, they handed the trio over Geetanjali Barik’s son fell from a INSIDE THE VAN BUT IN VAIN to Bhadrak town police. Geetanjali tree and suffered injuries at Rambhila SHE YELLED FOR HELP AND JUMPED has lodged a report at the police sta-

under Bhadrak rural police limits tion accusing the trio of kidnapping

k y m OFF THE VAN c Sunday. He was first admitted at them. The police arranged another Bhadrak district headquarters hos- the driver kept on driving, without ambulance and sent Geetanjali and pital (DHH). After preliminary treat- paying attention to her cries, she al- her son to SCB Medical College and ment, he was asked to shift to the SCB ter treatment. Geetanjali was ac- lance was heading towards Balasore leged. There were two other staff as Hospital in it. Medical College and Hospital in companying her son. instead of Cuttack. She objected and well. They too chose to remain just A detailed investigation was un- Cuttack in a 108 ambulance for bet- On the way, she found the ambu- asked the driver the stop the van. But mute spectators, she alleged. derway. P6 TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR power post

FOCUS ECONOMY We have every one of us a role to

fulfill, a work to do, a place which

k y m we alone can occupy. c THE MOTHER FISCAL DEFICIT CHALLENGE

he third-quarter data RBI’s balance sheet expands. That on India’s GDP showed balance sheet has grown by 50 per that it has come out of cent in the past two years. And it Lamenting Cylinder T the recession. The data will grow even further. But a huge shows a substantial increase in volume of borrowing through the PG cylinder price has shot up by Rs 100 within a month, touching Rs consumer spending by nearly 18 market process, i.e. sale of bonds 845 in the East Zone, with the last hike of Rs 25 taking effect on March per cent as compared to the pre- can put upward pressure on in- L1. This increase, if considered from December 2020 has been to the tune vious quarter. This shows positive terest rates, as well as crowd out of Rs 225. This has been one of the steepest increases in any essential com- consumer sentiment. GDP growth private investments, which too modity that virtually touches the very existence of every family. Those who has turned positive and the signs are seeking to borrow from the care to remember will remember that many households in this country are for continued upward mo- same banking system, and from were used to depending on different kinds of cooking fuel earlier. From coal mentum during the fourth quar- capital markets. and wood to dried cow dung, Indian homes had a variety of sources of fuel ter as well. As we look at the next One way to ease this pressure for their kitchens. This government went on an overdrive with its Pradhan year there is understandable op- is for the RBI to do a direct deal Mantri Ujjwala Scheme prior to the 2019 general elections. Billboards and timism about a sharp V-shaped re- with the Centre, and give a fixed television promos, meant to promote this scheme, projected the multiple ill covery and growth of nearly 11 per term five-year loan at a low in- effects of conventional fuels on the health of women in the kitchens. The cent. But much of the high growth terest rate against a pledged asset. drive to draw in households of every economic bracket into this scheme was next year is a matter of the econ- This large fiscal deficit of 6.8 per cent for That pledged asset could be all a great success and it also resulted in a thumping electoral victory for the omy simply recovering ground next year, not only is far in excess of what the shares that the government of party in power. In retrospect, this scheme became the flag bearer of all Ajit Ranade lost during the pandemic year. India owns in public sector en- other schemes of the time. Pictures of a Moslem woman accepting a cylin- As a result, after two years the eco- was specified by India’s own fiscal terprises. The combined value of der from the Prime Minister was plastered across the country. There is no nomic size of India will be barely responsibility law, but also cocks a snook all the shares owned by GOI today doubt the older fuels used earlier were, indeed, damaging the health of 2 or 3 per cent above what it was is more than Rs 20 trillion thanks women cooking at home. That part of the publicity blitz cannot be faulted. ONE OF THE in 2019. The presentation of the at international rating agencies to the exuberant stock market. However, the convenience and cleanliness of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) MAIN REASONS Union Budget proposals in Such a bilateral sweetheart deal was too attractive to pass up. Although the subsequent cylinders had to be February has contributed greatly is technically not monetisation, out- paid for, most families retained the connections because they did not have FOR THE to reviving both consumer the overall spending is budgeted to tion. The total borrowing re- lawed by the 1997 agreement, nor to gather wood or source coal on a daily basis. GROWTH optimism as well as business go up only by 1 per cent, the ex- quirement will eat up the entire in- does it disrupt the credit markets, The criticism at that time was that the government’s huge spend on build- confidence. penditure on infrastructure will go cremental deposit in the banking and hopefully takes off the pres- ing up an imported source of conventional energy was unjustified. The OPTIMISM OF The high growth expected will on by nearly 25 per cent. And the system, assuming an eight per sure on interest rates too. Another critics had said the same energy and resources should have been utilized for depend quite a bit on the lead to expenditure on healthcare in- cent growth next year. If the pri- source of financing for GOI is of promoting indigenous and renewable energy sources that households could NEXT YEAR be taken by the private sector, in cluding vaccinations and sanitation vate sector capacity expansion course foreign funds. Thankfully, acquire at reasonable costs. Most of us had ignored this point of view since COMES FROM strong consumer spending as well is up by nearly hundred percent. and investment requires another the inflow into the rupee denom- all of us use LPG for cooking at home. On hindsight, the critics sound real- in industrial investment. The ratio Two noteworthy features of the Rs 12 trillion, it will put pressure inated government debt market istic. The scheme had successfully mopped up the poorest of families who THE FISCALLY of investment to GDP has to rise Union Budget were, firstly the on interest rates, since there is has been quite strong and is ex- would be the hardest hit today with the current price surge. Convenience EXPANSIONARY from the current 28 per cent to transparency in disclosing all li- not enough funding available to ac- pected to remain so next year. The of LPG has also made people incapable of sourcing their old energy elements. nearly 36 per cent for the econ- abilities, and secondly, admitting commodate this huge borrowing government may also consider Also, overdependence on these imported conventional fuels is a major rea- STANCE omy to show a sustained growth a very large fiscal deficit. This requirement. Actually, if the bor- floating an international dollar son for the increase in prices. While the world was going green, the ADOPTED BY rate of 8 per cent. Fortunately, large fiscal deficit of 6.8 per cent rowing requirements of state gov- denominated Government of India was consciously encouraging further dependence on agriculture production is at a for next year, not only is far in ex- ernments are factored in, as well semi-sovereign bond through conventional energy sources. THE FINANCE record level of 303 million tonnes cess of what was specified by as those of public sector enter- a proxy such as the State Bank of The hike in prices is not limited to cooking gas alone. Costs of petrol and this year. This is almost 10 per India’s own fiscal responsibility law, prises, that number is above Rs 23 India. This too can garner funds diesel have skyrocketed in the recent past. Government spokespersons MINISTER cent more than the average for but also cocks a snook at inter- trillion. This huge borrowing can- equivalent to Rs 1 or 2 trillion. claim that these fuels are being heavily taxed because the coffers need re- the previous five years. Some res- national rating agencies. There not simply be met by the avail- It is obvious that none of the re- filling. Now, why have the coffers been emptied? The citizen is being told olution to the impasse in the ne- is an irreverent disdain towards able pool of household savings in quired financing can depend on in- the coffers became empty since government had to invest heavily to reen- gotiations between the Central the fear of a rating downgrade. A the country. creasing the level of taxation at the ergize industries and the market which have been badly affected by the government and farmers agitating full chapter in the economic sur- It is here that the Reserve Bank time when the economy is coming Coronavirus lockdowns. There is probably no individual citizen of this coun- against the new farm laws for vey explains how international of India has to step in. Of course, out of recession. Thus, next year try, be it a student, self employed person, entrepreneur or even a retired em- more than four months now will rating agencies have always been it cannot simply print money, be- is going to be a difficult balancing ployee or a factory worker who can claim to have received a single rupee go a long way in reviving growth unfair to India despite the coun- cause that would be tantamount to task for the RBI. On one hand, to out of the billions spent as impetus funds. The multiple announcements of optimism. It will also address the try’s track record of zero default monetisation which is explicitly ensure adequate financing for the mind boggling amounts getting injected into the nation’s economy seem to shortages that have arisen due to and currently a high stock of for- prohibited by a 1997 agreement government, and on the other not be like the morning mist. When the light of reality rose, every pie seems the blockade, and disruption in eign exchange. between the RBI and the Centre. letting inflation or interest-rates to have vanished. delivery of crucial inputs like But this high-risk deficit, while Besides, direct monetisation could get out of hand, while also keep- According to some political observers, the government may play smart coal, fertilizer and even trans- bold and ambitious should not be inflationary. The RBI can do ing the currency stable. Not an and decrease prices of fuel and cooking gas just before the state elections portation fuel to Punjab and ad- make us complacent about the an indirect monetisation by buy- enviable job at all! that are to take place next month. They also forecast that the lowering of prices joining States. challenge of financing it. The ing all the bonds issued by the will be for a short while and increase will re-start once polling is complete. One of the main reasons for the gross borrowing requirement by government of India in the sec- The writer is an Bihar can be considered as déjà vu for this school of thinking. growth optimism of next year the Centre alone is more than Rs ondary market. Indeed, it has been economist and Senior Fellow, comes from the fiscally expan- 12 trillion which is Rs 1 trillion doing so for the last two years. Takshashila Institution. sionary stance adopted by the every month. That is just about When it buys the bonds against Finance Minister. Even though equal to the monthly GST collec- money that it has created, the ©THE BILLION PRESS WISDOM CORNER

In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. DEEPAK CHOPRA SPECTRUM COMMUNICATION Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. NAPOLEON HILL

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new. OG MANDINO Digital language & relationship in workspace

s an employee or manager it stitutional buyer. His response was a lapse or he was being shown the Tone: Use the right emotional WORDSWORTH is becoming increasingly just “Ok”! Now what do I under- door. This incident prompted him tone in your communication by Adifficult to express correctly stand from this reply? Which option to leave the organisation and join using appropriate words, punctu- what you mean without being mis- he is ok with? a competitor in a hurry. Just imag- ation or font size/colour. Mention Mathom understood. In today’s workplace One colleague of mine told me ine how big a loss this is when clearly if you are displaying grat- more than 70 per cent of commu- that she received a WhatsApp mes- your seasoned employee quits for itude, respect, appreciation, dis- his word is hardly new, since it was used by JRR Tolkien at the beginning nication is virtual - emails, sage from her CEO seeking a report a flimsy reason with such heart appointment or call to action in Tof the first volume of the Lord of the Rings, published in 1954. As with so WhatsApp chats, messaging. With in bold capital red letters stating burns which might have happened your messages. Be aware of the many unfamiliar words in his works, he derived it from Old English, in this such high percentage of digital “CAN YOU SEND THIS TODAY?” purely due to negligence. usage and implications of various case the one usually written maðm, “a precious thing, treasure, valuable communication there is a seem- She was so tensed trying to figure To get the best response coupled punctuations like Q-marks (?), ex- gift,” that was current in about the year 1000. Following Tolkien, it has gained ingly empathy-deficit at work. out whether it was a threatening de- with the desired action from digi- clamation marks (!) extended dots significant currency online and in a few printed sources. To define the So how to build trust and engage mand or anger or just an oversight tal communication the simple rule (……) etc. modern meaning, one may quote Professor Tolkien’s own words: “Anything in a healthier relationship in the dig- of mobile settings. The choice of to follow is “first understand & Compassion: Show enough com- that Hobbits had no immediate use for, but were unwilling to throw away, Shivaji Mohinta ital world? What are the new signals words, size, punctuations and emoji then seek to be understood.” passion and grace in your com- they called a mathom. Their dwellings were apt to become rather crowded or interpretations of digital lan- we use including the recipients, Elaborating this further the munication, as much as possible, with mathoms, and many of the presents that passed from hand to hand guage? How we can be understood has an inflated meaning with much acronym IRCTC should serve as to see improved collaboration and were of that sort.” It’s a useful little word for which there seems no simple THERE IS A better through our digital com- deeper ramifications in today’s vir- an effective reminder to evoke un- mutual understanding from the alternative and now that we have come across it, mathom will no doubt STRONG CONNECT munication? These are the several tual workplace. I remember once I derstanding & empathy in our vir- recipients or your team members. become part of our family’s standard vocabulary, since we have an attic full challenges that we encounter in had send an in-depth market re- tual communication:- During and post- Covid, work- of the stuff. BETWEEN THE the work environment be it with our port to my senior product man- Intent: Read the contents thor- places have witnessed an expo- DIGITAL LANGUAGE peers, customers or bosses. ager in an earlier company, work- oughly to decide on the intent be- nential increase in virtual com- On an average a managerial level ing late night, to receive a one-liner hind the communication prior to munication which necessitates a Mattoid WE ADOPT AND employee receives more than 75 reply the next day “What does this acting on it. Similarly, proofread proper understanding on the nu- THE RESULTANT emails a day and in the quest of re- mean???” Is it an enquiry, frustra- your mails before sending out to get ances of such interactions with he definition given this word by its inventor, the nineteenth-century sponding quickly, we take short- tion or sarcasm? best results. the likely outcomes and the im- TItalian criminologist Cesare Lombroso was “semi-insane”. He believed RELATIONSHIP cuts or ignore the context com- A batch mate of mine had nar- Response: What is the best re- pending impact on the morale of that criminality was inherited and that a criminal was born with physical pletely. These brief messages can rated a similar experience while we sponse you are seeking? Is it an team members. Without doubt, defects identifying him as a degenerate human being, an atavism. He THAT WE MAKE cause confusion or ambiguity lead- were discussing on this subject. approval, opinion or advice? Can there is a strong connect between created mattoid from the Italian matto, insane, plus the ending -oid for some (OR BREAK) WITH ing to a tense working relation- He said that how his name was the receiver understand that clearly the digital language we adopt and likeness or resemblance (from Greek eidos, form). He used it for what ship. To seek brevity and speed we missing from the email recipient from the language of your mails? the resultant relationship that we psychiatrists call “borderline dwellers,” those who exist on the margins ONE ANOTHER compromise on clarity. list for a very important policy de- Context: Set enough context or make (or break) with one another! between reason and madness — in everyday speech we might call them In one of my email exchanges cision meeting conducted by the background for the other person to cranks, eccentrics, or misfits. The word came into English in 1891 through a with my ex-boss I enquired “Can I leadership team. He was later for- comprehend. There should be min- The writer is Country Head translation of his work Man of Genius and became popular for a while. HG go upto 15% discount against ad- warded that mail by one of his jun- imum room for ambiguity other- of Greenlam Industries Ltd & Wells used it in several of his books, most notably in Mankind in the Making vance payment or limit to 10% ior colleagues. He failed to under- wise some undesirable action might a Master NLP coach. of 1903, in which he derides the theories of Lombroso and the Victorian with 30 days credit” for a large in- stand whether it was intentional or follow. Views are personal. phrenologists: “Among such theorists none at present are in quite such urgent need of polemical suppression as those who would persuade the heedless general reader that every social failure is necessarily a ‘degenerate,’ and who claim boldly that they can trace a distinctly evil and Bowlers’ paradise Ban cola-drinks mischievous strain in that unfortunate miscellany which constitutes ‘the criminal class’... These mattoid scientists make a direct and disastrous Sir, When cricket matches like T-20s and ODIs Sir, Superstar Amitabh Bachchan once disclosed at IIM Ahmadabad about his attack upon the latent self-respect of criminals.” are making life hell for bowlers with batting not advertising for cola-drinks after a school-student at Jaipur drew his attention etters friendly surfaces, Test matches of late, especially about harmful ingredients in cola-drinks. Even cola-companies voluntarily Pink Ball D/N Test matches have come like a whiff stopped selling cola-drinks in schools worldwide in view of increasing obe- of fresh air for bowlers. We have seen bowlers toil sity in children. The Indian government should not only ban advertisements TOL THE EDITOR on flat batting pitches and batsmen making merry but even sale of cola-drinks in the country. Earlier also, soft-drink manufac- LOL Readers of Orissa POST on these surfaces. However, in case of Pink ball turers were asked to remove an oil from their products which was found to Stop being late almost are most welcome to contribute letters pitches batsmen not having sound technique ap- be harmful for health. It is noteworthy that cola-drinks are prohibited even two (200 words), articles and pear like deer in front of head lights. To emerge in Parliamentary canteens. It is time that Union government, Indian Agricultural columns (between 750-1250 om had this problem of getting hours. words). Contributors are champions on such surfaces batsmen have to use Research Institute (IARI) and soft-drink manufacturers should revive drinks Tup late in the morning and was He had a requested to send their techniques like taking off-stump guard, and trying like old and famous rose-flavoured ones, which can not only replace cola- always late for work. His boss was leisurely breakfast contact numbers and full to play off-breaks outside the line of off-stump in drinks in India but even dominate global markets by breaking the monopoly

mad at him and threatened to fire him and drove cheerfully postal address/email ID. They may also order to take LBW out of equation against spinning of harmful cola-drinks in tune with ambitious - Make in India - concept of Prime

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c if he didn’t do something about it. So to work. and suggestions, preferably by email, balls and have to use their feet to smother the Minister Modi. It will rather earn foreign exchange for the country rather than Tom went to his doctor who gave him “Boss,” he said, “The pill actually to: [email protected] spinning ball and also use back foot game allow- Indian money being drained out to multinational cola-manufacturers. It may a pill and told him to take it before he worked!” ing a bit of extra time to adjust to the turn and be recalled that almost half-a-century back, a famous rose-drink manufactured went to bed. Tom slept well and in “That’s all fine,” said the boss, “But bounce. In Pink ball D/N Test twilight is the cru- by a famous private confectionary company registered at Gwalior was a pop- fact beat the alarm in the morning by where were you yesterday?” B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, cial period for the batsmen to bat on. ular drink for persons of all ages. Bhubaneswar-751010 V Nagendra Kumar, HYDERABAD Madhu Agrawal, DELHI JAMMU & KASHMIR P7 TAMIL NADU

TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m TN should show the way in keeping out BJP: Rahul ‘Sticky bombs’ indicate c AGENCIES or tradition. Recalling the yeoman service of late Congress MP H new phase of terrorism Kanyakumari (TN), March 1: Vasantha Kumar, Gandhi said he al- Tamil Nadu should show the way ways stood by the party values. He to India in keeping away forces that laid a wreath at Kumar's memorial are inimical to language and culture at Kanyakumari. and those projecting “one culture, During his interaction with stu- one nation and one history” concept, dents of St. Joseph's Matric Higher Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Secondary School, Mulagumoodu in Monday. the district, he said NEET is a 'big' The Lok Sabha MP participated issue in the state. "NEET is a big issue in multiple engagements in this here. It is stopping many young- district as part of his three-day sters from pursuing their dreams. tour of Tamil Nadu, ahead of the It is not beneficial," he claimed. April 6 Assembly polls in the state Asked why youngsters don't want which his party is facing in alliance to make politics a career, Gandhi with the MK Stalin-led DMK. said it could be so because "there are some politicians who steal from peo- Modi talks about ple." "There are good political lead- one culture, one ers who work for the people, try to nation, one understand people and empower history and one them. Draw inspiration from such leader...Is Tamil not an Indian leaders who help people," he said. language? Is Bengali not an Asked what he would ask Prime PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Indian language? Is Tamil Minister Narendra Modi, if he were culture not Indian culture? Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his election campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, at Church to interview him, he shot back, "you Jammu, March 1: The recovery ALARMING This is the battle that is being Road in Kanyakumari district, Monday. PTI PHOTO have asked me a tricky question," of ‘sticky bombs’ from Samba sec- SITUATION fought in this election evoking laughter from the audience. tor in this region last month has fitness when he effortlessly did represents the Tamil people can be the state. Gandhi further said “Modi set alarm bells ringing within the se- TICKY BOMBS, WHICH WERE RAHUL GANDHI I CONGRESS LEADER "I would ask, why are you con- multiple pushups, including one- a Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” talks about one culture, one nation, vinced that all answers should come curity establishment in Jammu and SALSO USED BY THE BRITISH handed, while he shook a leg with he said. one history and one leader.” from you. Why don't you listen to Kashmir as this indicates initiation FORCES DURING WORLD WAR II, If he were to interview Prime the students he interacted with, as “Tamil Nadu chief minister (K “Is Tamil not an Indian language? what the people of the country feel of a new phase of terrorism in the CAN BE PUT ON ANY VEHICLE Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi accompanying Congress leaders Palaniswami) who bows to Prime Is Bengali not an Indian language? or want to say," he said. union territory, officials said Monday. AND DETONATED THROUGH A said he would ask “why are you Dinesh Gundu Rao and KS Alagiri Minister Narendra Modi will never Is Tamil culture not Indian cul- Later, at a roadshow, he lashed out The BSF had recovered the REMOTE CONTROL OR AN IN- convinced that all answers should joined him. be able to do this. The chief minister ture? This is the battle that is being at the Centre over demonetisation bombs dropped by a drone along BUILT TIMER come from you.” At a public address in Nagercoil should bow to the people of the fought in this election,” he said as and Goods and Services Tax (GST), the international border in the HE EXPLOSIVES HAVE He also said the NEET, strongly in the district, Gandhi said history state,” he said. the crowd cheered. saying they "destroyed" many small Samba sector of Jammu region TFOUND MUCH USE IN opposed to by Tamil Nadu political has shown nobody can rule Tamil The RSS and Modi “insult Tamil He accused the BJP-led govern- and medium businesses. February 14, putting security agen- AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ. IN parties, was a "big issue" and "not Nadu other than the Tamil people. language and culture,” he said, ment at the Centre as well as the "The new farm laws are going cies on high alert with an as- INDIA, SUSPECTED IRANIAN beneficial" for students. “This election will show the same adding the people should not to Palaniswami government of not to destroy the lives of our farm- sumption that some of the IEDs TERRORISTS IN FEBRUARY The Wayanad MP displayed his thing that only a person who truly allow them to gain a foothold in respecting Tamil language, culture ers," he said. could have already found their 2012 STUCK A BOMB ON THE way to the Kashmir valley, the of- CAR OF AN ISRAELI DIPLOMAT ficials said. RESULTING IN INJURY TO According to the officials, the HIS WIFE AIADMK banks on Vanniyar drone-dropped consignment had NDA’s seat-sharing talks six pistols and 14 Improvised an air strike on terror camps located Explosive Devices (IEDs) with in- across the border. built magnets, which could be used Sticky bombs, which were also community to romp home as 'sticky bombs' by sticking them used by the British forces during not dragging: TN BJP chief on vehicles and controlling them World War II, can be put on any ve- using a timer and a remotely-held hicle and detonated through a re- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA device. mote control or an in-built timer, The consignment was meant for the officials said. Chennai, March 1: The BJP in The Resistance Force (TRF), be- This is yet another significant re- Tamil Nadu Monday asserted that lieved to be a shadow outfit of covery after security forces had seat-sharing talks with lead alliance banned Lashker-e-Taiba terror found three Point Detonating (PD) partner AIADMK for the April 6 as- group, they said. fuzes, used by the Pakistani army sembly elections were not 'drag- This definitely was the first such in their 82 mm mortar shells, from ging' and their aim was to ensure recovery of 'sticky bombs' which a terrorist in North Kashmir. the victory of the combine. have found much use in Afghanistan The three PDs were recovered by State BJP President L Murugan and Iraq. In India, it was used by the Baramulla Police on the eve of refused to divulge how many seats suspected Iranian terrorists in New Year when the force inter- the party has sought from AIADMK February 2012 by sticking a bomb cepted a vehicle. Unaware of the ma- and said a clarity on seat alloca- Our aim is to ensure merely said "our MLAs will be in on the car of an Israeli diplomat re- terial recovered, the police had de- tion might emerge in a day or two. the AIADMK-led two digits... I have been saying this sulting in injury to his wife. clared it "unique grenade" which INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE AIADMK faced a drubbing in the He, however, maintained the BJP NDA should come for the last many days," he added. The recovery is a cause of con- was later found to be the PD, used Lok Sabha polls with the DMK win- return MLAs in "double digit" in the to power. For that BJP's On the possible merger of cern in Kashmir and the standard by the Pakistani army for the 82 MM Chennai, March 1: The ruling ning 38 out of the 39 seats, in the by- elections to the 234-member as- Tamil Nadu workers will AIADMK and TTV Dhinakaran-led operating procedures for the move- mortar shells, they said. AIADMK which is aiming to re- elections the party could win 9 seats sembly, to be held in a single phase. work hard Amma Makkal Munntera Kazhagam ment of security forces' convoys The PD could be used during tain Tamil Nadu in the Assembly and retain power. Palaniswami had "Our aim is to ensure the in the wake of release of his aunt need to be revised to eliminate the fabrication (manufacture) of elections on April 6, is playing all owed this success to the PMK and AIADMK-led NDA should come to L MURUGAN I TN BJP CHIEF VK Sasikala from prison after serv- this kind of a threat, a senior of- an Improvised Explosive Device the cards up its sleeve. the Vanniyar community. power. For that BJP's Tamil Nadu ing a four-year term in an assets ficial said. (IED) to increase its impact. It helps The AIADMK-led government In addition to its traditional workers will work hard," he told up during the late night talks on case, Murugan said it has to be de- The development comes two in super-quick detonation of ex- had signed an order providing 10 per- voter base of North Tamil Nadu, the reporters here, a day after senior Sunday, he shot back asking "who cided by the two respective parties. years after a Jaish-e-Mohammed ter- plosives or at times can delay the cent reservation under extreme Vanniyar community has strong leader and Union Home Minister said so? Yesterday, only talks were He replied in the negative, when rorist carried out a sensational at- impact mode for a bigger damage, backward class category to the presence in certain places in Amit Shah held parleys with held," he said. Murugan denied the a scribe asked if the daily hike of tack when he rammed an explo- the officials said. Vanniyar community following the Western Tamil Nadu including AIADMK top leaders, Chief Minister talks were 'dragging'. petroleum products will affect the sive-laden vehicle into a bus The December seizure of PDs recommendation from Pattali Salem district. K Palaniswami and his deputy O When reporters sought to know party's poll prospects, saying the carrying security forces that left 40 was also meant for the TRF group Makkal Katchi (PMK), the political In Tamil Nadu politics, Northern Panneerselvam on seat sharing. how many seats the party has sought rates are not permanent and they CRPF personnel dead in 2019. and one terrorist, identified as Asif arm of the Vanniyyars, half an Tamil Nadu has a strong presence Asked if seat-sharing was firmed from the AIADMK, Murugan might come down. In response, India had carried out Gul, was arrested. hour before the election notification of DMK and if the AIADMK wants was announced by the Chief to upset that equation it will have Election Commissioner in New to have a proper political alliance Delhi. This is significant as the with the PMK and the Vanniyar NIA BUSTS Vanniyar community and its po- community. litical party, PMK is highly cadre Political observer C Rajeev from NARCO-TERROR based and generally vote in totality the Centre for Policy and for the party or front it supports. Development Studies, a Think Tank RACKET IN JK In the 2016 assembly elections, based in Chennai, told IANS that NEW the PMK had contested alone and had "AIADMK is forced to have an al- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA garnered close to 25 percent votes in liance with the PMK and the NORMAL constituencies of North Tamil Nadu Vanniyars and this community has Srinagar, March 1: The NIA where it has a sizeable presence. a track record of properly trans- Students wearing Monday arrested four drug traf- This includes Edappadi, the home ferring its votes to the party with masks attend a class fickers in Kashmir for their al- constituency of Chief Minister which it is in alliance and hence the after schools leged involvement in smuggling Edappady K Palaniswami. The PMK Edappady Palaniswami govern- resumed for classes heroin in huge quantities from got 5.3% votes in total across the ment has extended 10% reserva- 9th to 12th, Pakistan and supplying it in Jammu state in the 2016 elections. tion to the community as Extremely with COVID-19 and Kashmir and other parts of In the by-elections held in 22 as- Backward which will help them to safety guidelines, in the country, an official said. sembly constituencies along with be included under Special reser- Srinagar, Monday. Altaf Ahmed Shah of the 2019 general elections, the vation category". He added that PTI PHOTO Ganderbal, Showkat Ahmad AIADMK and specifically Chief with the solid alliance with the Parray of Bandipora, Mudasir Minister Edappady Palaniswami PMK and the Vanniyars, the Ahmad Dar of Shopian and Amin were fighting with their back to AIADMK front has gone one step Allaie of Anantnag have been ar- the wall and had to win at least 9 ahead in several constituencies of rested from Srinagar, he said. seats to retain power. While the Northern and Western Tamil Nadu. They have been arrested in con- nection with the case pertaining to the seizure of 21 kg heroin and Rs 1,35,89,850 cash from the mem- bers of a drug syndicate operating ‘VALLEY PEACEFUL AS PEOPLE WANT IT TO BE SO’ in Jammu and Kashmir. The case was registered in June PRESS TRUST OF INDIA bandhs -- have shown a dip,” Lt Gen cently. It was only done to convey a ability to check and control infil- last year in Kupwara. During the Raju told reporters here. message to the arriving EU dele- tration improves when there is a checking of vehicles in Kupwara, Srinagar, March 1: The past year Raju, who will take charge as gation that the situation is not ceasefire,” he said. accused Abdul Momin Peer's has been one of the most peaceful the new Director General of Military peaceful and that things are not Asked as to how the Indian Army Hyundai Creta was intercepted in Kashmir with all parameters of Operations (DGMO), said while normal. It was terrorism in a clas- would respond to any ceasefire vi- by the police. During a search of violence on a decline as people want many people would want to believe sic manner,” he said. olation from the Pakistani side, the the vehicle, Rs 20 lakh and two kg it to be so, a top army officer said that the situation in the valley was The Army officer was referring to Lt Gen said the Army was not trig- heroin were seized. After the NIA Monday, rejecting suggestions that "quiet" due to the COVID pandemic, the February 17 attack on Akash ger happy and would raise the issue took over the investigation, it filed the COVID-19 pandemic has led to “it is not (the case)”. Mehra – son of the owner of 'Krishna through a proper mechanism. a charge sheet against the six ac- the ‘quiet’ situation. “It is quiet because people want Dhaba' which is a popular eatery in “We have an established mech- cused in the special NIA court in General Officer Commanding it to be quiet. If something good is the high-security Durganag area. anism both at the local level as well Jammu in December last year. (GoC) of the Srinagar-based XV happening, it is because the peo- The attack took place on the day a 24- as in Delhi. Besides cross-border smuggling Corps, Lt Gen BS Raju also said ple want it to be,” he said, adding, member delegation of envoys had ar- "Definitely, we will give it the of heroin, the accused were in the ceasefire agreement on the LoC “We have lots of hopes from the rived on a two-day visit to Jammu and best shot. We will not be trigger regular contact with operatives with Pakistan is a conscious call by year 2021”. Kashmir. Mehra succumbed to in- happy. In case there is some prob- of proscribed terrorist organisa-

both the countries and the task at Acknowledging that there have juries at a hospital here Sunday. positive step and a conscious call by try to keep things under control lem, in case there is an incident, we tions Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and

k y m c hand is to make it successful. been isolated incidents, the GoC Lt Gen Raju welcomed the reit- both the countries. The task at hand and keep the population safe. We will tell the other side, we will speak Hizb-ul-Mujahideen through en- “The year 2020 has been one of said there were elements who want eration of the ceasefire agreement is to make it successful,” he said. He, hope the situation along the bor- to them,” he said. crypted chat platforms, the NIA of- the most peaceful times. The situ- to generate violence. between India and Pakistan, terming however, said that infiltration by mil- ders remains calm,” he said. He said the ceasefire would have ficial said. The proceeds of sales ation in the valley remains fairly nor- “They get directions from within it a positive step and a conscious call itants from across the LoC was still The GoC of the strategically lo- no major implication in the hin- were being used to finance the ac- mal. All the parameters of violence and across (the LoC) to attack. There by the two nations. a challenge. “Infiltration is still a cated XV Corps added that the cease- terland other than by helping check tivities of LeT in the Kashmir -- be it stone-pelting, agitations or was this Krishna Dhaba attack re- “The ceasefire agreement is a challenge, but we are up to it. We will fire helps to check infiltration. “Our the infiltration. Valley, he said. The BJP makes BEAUTY PAGEANT WINNER MANSI SEHGAL JOINS AAP P8 tall promises TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR before elections Mansi Sehgal, who won the title of Miss India Delhi 2019, but during the next five joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Monday. Besides being years, they do nothing a pageant winner, Mansi is a trained engineer, TEDx to fulfil them and speaker and an entrepreneur who has set up her own people have realised it startup. While giving her introduction at the Miss India Delhi y PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA | competition, she revealed herself to be a philanthropist national CONGRESS GENERAL SECRETARY

and showed a keen interest in organ donation

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of the day uote CICSE announces NOT AFRAID OF COVID-19, WON’T Tejashwi tells Biharis board exams: Class By taking the indigenously 10 exams from May 5 developed to vote for Mamata PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Covaxin by Bharat TAKE JABS: FARMER LEADERS Biotech, the Prime Minister has THE WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION WILL BE New Delhi, March 1: The Council effectively ended HELD IN 8 PHASES FROM MARCH 27 TO APRIL 29 for the Indian School Certificate any spread of misinformation and it Govt’s silence hints Examinations (CICSE) will conduct would also eliminate hesitancy board exams for classes 10 and 12 from the minds of people about the at plan against PRESS TRUST OF INDIA to stand with the ruling TMC, from May 5 and April 8 respec- vaccine which is facing a stiff challenge tively, officials said Monday. Patna, March 1: TMC supremo from the BJP in its bid for a third "The Indian Certificate of HARSH VARDHAN | UNION HEALTH MINISTER farmers’ stir: Tikait Mamata Banerjee and RJD leader straight term in office. Banerjee, on Secondary Education (ICSE), which BIJNOR: BKU leader Rakesh Tikait Tejashwi Yadav Monday discussed her part, referred to Lalu Prasad, is class 10 exam, will be conducted The country's has claimed that the Centre's the evolving political scenario in poll- the jailed RJD supremo and from May 5 to June 7. The Indian largest state "silence" for the past few days indi- bound West Bengal but there was Tejashwi's father, as a "father fig- School Certificate Examination had only two cates that it is planning some steps no clarity yet about seat sharing. ure" to her with whom she shared (ISC), which is class 12 exam, will international against the farmers' agitation over Emerging from a meeting with "mutual respect". be conducted from April 8 to June airports earlier – FILE PHOTO newly enacted agriculture laws. He Banerjee, Tejashwi, the Leader of She claimed Prasad, in jail fol- 16," said Gerry Arathoon, the Lucknow and also stressed that it is the govern- the Opposition in the Bihar as- lowing his conviction in fodder CICSE Chief Executive and Varanasi. But it will AGENCIES Balbir Singh Rajewal, a senior ment that will have to come forward sembly, said scam cases, Secretary. soon have five international member of the Samyukta Kisan with a proposal for talks to resume his first pri- was "delib- The board said the class 12 exams airports, including the upcoming New Delhi, March 1: Protesting Morcha which is spearheading the with the protesting farmers. Before ority was to erately" held will begin on April 8 with Computer ones in Jewar, Ayodhya and farmer leaders in the vulnerable age agitation, said he will not go to vac- leaving for Uttarakhand's Udham prevent the behind bars Science (Practical)-Planning Singh Nagar on Sunday night, the Kushinagar near Gorakhpur group Monday said they are not cination centres to receive the jabs. BJP's forward as his free- Session, which will be a 90-minutes Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader YOGI ADITYANATH | UTTAR PRADESH CHIEF afraid of coronavirus and won't "I don't need vaccine jabs. We told reporters in Bijnor's Afzalgarh, march in dom would paper, instead of three hours sched- MINISTER take vaccine jabs, even as the sec- have killed corona. Farmers' im- "The government's silence for the West Bengal. have meant uled for other subjects starting ond phase of vaccination drive got munity level is strong because they past 15-20 days is indicating that He ap- defeat for his April 9. "The results will be issued underway to inoculate senior citi- work hard on their fields. Farmers something is going to happen. The pealed to rivals in through the convenors to the heads The Congress zens and those above 45 with un- are not afraid of coronavirus,” government is planning some steps Biharis domi- Bihar, where of schools by July• The results government derlying medical conditions. Rajewal told PTI. Another senior against the agitation." ciled in the assembly will not be available from office of has hiked However, they also said they will leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan state to rally behind the West Bengal elections were held late last year. council in New Delhi and no queries power tariff by more not stop any farmer camping at sev- (75) said the fear of contracting the Ghazipur border, said if the local chief minister in the elections. She asserted the NDA government will be entertained from candi- than 30 per cent and eral Delhi borders from getting vac- disease is "not enough" to distract administration makes arrangements He parried questions by jour- in Bihar will not last long and that dates, parents or guardians," even increased cinated as it is an individual choice. them from their fight. for protesting farmers, Tikait will not nalists after the meeting at the the BJP's "dream" of clinching Arathoon added. state share of VAT Thousands of farmers, mostly state secretariat about whether the Usually, the CICSE board exams on petroleum products "There is no corona for farmers. have any problem getting vaccinated. power in West Bengal will not come phenomenally from Punjab, Haryana and west- I will not get vaccine shots, but we will The 70-year-old Kulwant Singh RJD will be contesting a few seats true. The Left Front and the are conducted in February-March. ern Uttar Pradesh, have been camp- not ask anyone to not get the shot," Sandhu, a member of Samyukta in West Bengal in alliance with Congress have forged an alliance However, the exams have been de- SUKHBIR BADAL | SHIROMANI AKALI DAL ing at three Delhi border points -- said the president of Bharatiya Kisan Kisan Morcha, said he will not re- the ruling TMC, merely saying in West Bengal, while they are layed this year due to the COVID- (SAD) PRESIDENT Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur -- for Union (Ekta Ugrahan), which is lead- ceive the vaccine shot. "We are not "when Mamataji is fighting, it is we vying for power in Kerala. 19 pandemic. The Central board over three months, demanding a ing the protest at Delhi's Tikri bor- afraid of coronavirus. Thousands who are fighting. We will put in Tejashwi Yadav criticised the of Secondary Education (CBSE), repeal of the three agri reform der. However, Dharmendra Malik, of farmers are staging sit-in protests all efforts to ensure that she wins. Centre for "selling off" public sec- which conducts board exams laws enacted by the Centre in the media in-charge of Bharatiya at Delhi borders, but not a single case Our full support is with her and her tor undertakings, including the around the same time every year, SHORT TAKES September last year. Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait of coronavirus has been detected party."Tejashwi urged the people railways and enterprises in the oil has also deferred its exams to The 80-year-old armer leader who is leading the protest at the there," Sandhu said. from Bihar living in West Bengal and steel sectors. May-June this year. Nikita seeks Last year, the CICSE had to can- cel its pending exams because of anticipatory bail the spike in COVID-19 cases and New Delhi: Mumbai-based TOGETHER IN JOY the result was declared on the activist lawyer Nikita Jacob SC: Can intercourse basis of an alternative assessment has moved a Delhi Court scheme decided by the board. seeking anticipatory bail in the 'Toolkit' case. The bail plea will come up for hearing between a live-in before Additional Sessions RACE IN SPACE Judge Dharmender Rana on Tuesday. Jacob, along with climate activist Disha Ravi couple be called rape? BRAZIL SEEKS and Shantanu Muluk, face charges of conspiracy and INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE cate Aditya Vashisth, the cou- INDIA’S SUPPORT sedition in the 'Toolkit' ple was in a romantic relation- conspiracy case related to New Delhi, March 1: While ex- ship, but she had clearly refused PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the farmers' agitation. amining the issue of consent for getting into a sexual intimacy Jacob's house was raided by sexual relationship between a New Delhi, March 1: Union min- the Delhi Police on February before marriage. Vashisth ar- 11, after which a non-bailable couple living together, the Supreme gued that his client's consent ister Jitendra Singh Monday dis- warrant was issued against Court Monday queried whether was obtained by fraud. cussed with Brazilian Science, her. On February 17, the sexual intercourse between them In 2019, the Allahabad High Technology and Innovation min- Bombay High Court granted can be termed as rape. Court had declined to entertain ister Marcos Pontes ways to fur- three weeks transit A bench headed by Chief a plea by the petitioner to quash ther explore space cooperation anticipatory bail to Jacob. Justice SA Bobde and compris- the FIR against him. The peti- between the two countries, in- ing Justices AS Bopanna and V tioner, through advocate Fuzail cluding India's support in pro- Ramasubramanian said: “If a Ahmad Ayyubi, moved the top curement of material and sys- Lalrinenga Sailo couple is living together as man court challenging this order. The tems for Brazil's launch vehicle and wife the husband may be woman's counsel highlighted Ducks swim in a pond after reopening of Naxatra Van in Ranchi UNI PHOTO programme, a statement said. new Aizawl mayor brutal, but could the sexual in- that the petitioner had also beaten Cooperation possibilities in fu- tercourse between the couple, up his client when they were liv- ture space science missions, utilising Aizawl: The 19 newly-elected who are living together, can be ing together and emphasised ISRO's PS4 orbital platform, space councilors of the Aizawl termed as rape?” consent for the sexual act was ob- weather studies were also discussed Municipal Corporation (AMC) The observations from the top tained by fraud, after she was Above normal summer temp in the virtual meeting, it added. were sworn in on Monday. Aizawl district magistrate R court came while hearing a plea made to believe that the mar- The meeting took place a day Lalramnghaka administered of a person accused of rape by riage was real. after the successful launch of the oath to the newly elected a woman, who had been in a live- The bench observed, "No one likely across country: IMD Amazonia-1 satellite of Brazil by councilors at a function held in relationship with him for over should falsely promise marriage Indian Space Research at the municipal office. two years. The woman had filed and break off. But that is differ- Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday. Lalrinenga Sailo, a Mizo an FIR for rape after the man ent from saying the act of sexual PRESS TRUST OF INDIA sions of south peninsula and ad- "The collaboration between the National Front (MNF) nominee married another woman. intercourse is rape." The bench joining central India," it added. two countries mark a beginning from ward-I, was elected the According to the complainant, noted that it had settled this mat- New Delhi, March 1: Day tem- It said above normal seasonal of robust bonding and is a role mayor, while ward XII who was represented by advo- ter in its earlier verdicts. peratures are likely to be above minimum (night) temperatures are model for other countries to follow," councillor R Thanglura of normal in north, northeast, parts likely over most of the of north Singh said, adding that the launch MNF was elected the deputy of east and west India, the India India along the foot hills of also marked the first dedicated mayor. Four councillors -- Meteorological Department (IMD) Himalayas, northeast India, west- mission of ISRO's commercial Lalringliana, Laltlanzova said Monday in its summer forecast ern part of central India and south- arm NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL). Khiangte, B Lalawmpuii and for March to May. ern part of peninsular India. "Brazil has also requested for H Zonunsanga, all from MNF, However, it has forecast a likeli- "However, below normal season India's support in procurement were nominated as executive hood of below normal tempera- minimum temperatures are likely of material and systems for its councillors by the mayor. tures in south and adjoining central over most of the subdivisions of launch vehicle programme," the India. "During the upcoming hot sular India," the forecast said. eastern part of the central India and statement said. weather season (March to May), There is a probability forecast for few subdivisions of extreme north- Since early 2000s, India and 13 spas sealed above normal seasonal maximum above maximum temperatures in ern part of the country," the IMD Brazil have signed cooperative in- (day) temperatures are likely over Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, added. The IMD added that moderate struments for exploration and Gurugram: Thirteen spa centres operating in zone-4 most of the subdivisions of north, coastal Maharashtra, Goa and La Niña conditions are prevailing peaceful uses of outer space, both of the Municipal Corporation northwest and northeast India, few coastal Andhra Pradesh. over the equatorial Pacific and sea at the government level (2004) of Gurugram (MCG) subdivisions from eastern and west- "However, below normal sea- surface temperatures (SSTs) are and space agency level (between jurisdiction were sealed by a ern parts of central India and few sonal maximum temperatures are below normal over the central and ISRO and Brazilian Space team led by the MCG Zonal coastal subdivisions of north penin- likely over most of the subdivi- eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Agency AEB in 2002). Taxation Officer Monday. They were allegedly found to be operating without a valid trade licence, said the MCG official. The centres were SC asks rape accused if he is willing to marry victim located at the Omex City Centre mall on Sohna Road. INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE the bench that his client is a gov- alleged. On February 5, the Bombay ernment servant, and he will face The girl lodged an FIR High Court had allowed the girl's ap- Elephant dies New Delhi, March 1: The Supreme suspension due to his arrest in the against the petitioner in plication, cancelling the anticipatory Court Monday asked a 23-year-old matter. bail granted to the petitioner. Udhagamandalam: A 13-year- man, who has been accused of rap- The Chief Justice replied: "You 2019 under Sections 376, Challenging this order, the peti- old male elephant was killed ing a minor girl, whether he will should have thought before seduc- 417, 506 of the IPC and tioner had moved the top court. in a fight with another jumbo marry the victim. ing and raping the young girl." "The petitioner's advocate in- at Nilakottai near Gudalur, under various sections of A bench headed by Chief Justice He added that being a govern- formed the top court that his client about 80 km from here in the S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices ment servant, the petitioner should the Protection of was already married. It is further Nilgiris District. Some A.S. Bopanna and V. have thought about the conse- alleged that after the execution of workers noticed two Children from Sexual

elephants fighting with each Ramasubramanian asked advocate quences. the notarised undertaking June 2, y other in a private tea estate Anand Dilip Langde, representing However, the Chief Justice Offences Act, 2012 2018, when the informant turned 18,

the petitioner, "Will you marry her?" stressed that the court is not forc- her mother requested the mother of

k y m and informed forest c department officials who To this, Langde replied that he ing the petitioner to marry the girl. raped her. The girl alleged that ini- the petitioner to perform the said rushed to the spot. The would need to take instructions "We are not forcing you to marry, oth- tially the petitioner's mother had promised marriage, but she refused officials found the elephant from his client and asked for a pass erwise you will say we are forcing the petitioner's plea seeking bail petitioner for four weeks. agreed for the marriage after she the same and therefore the in- dead with serious injuries all over, but the court was not inclined you to marry," the bench observed. and gave him the liberty to seek The girl had alleged that when turns major and also executed a formant lodged the present com- over the body, forest to it. During the course of the ar- After a brief hearing in the mat- regular bail. The top court also she was 16 years old, the petitioner, notarised undertaking for it. But the plaint against the petitioner," said department sources said. guments, Langde submitted before ter, the bench declined to entertain granted protection from arrest to the who was her distant relative, had petitioner's mother later refused, she the petitioner's plea. JAIDEEP BHATNAGAR TAKES OVER AS P9 Good conversation with PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR GENERAL OF PIB TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR FM of Madagascar Former head of the News Services Division of @Tehindrazanari1. Informed All India Radio, Jaideep Bhatnagar, Monday him that Indian humanitarian took over as Principal Director General of the assistance would be delivered in Press Information Bureau. He will take over the coming days. Will include from Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia, who y national food & medical supplies superannuated February 28, 2021

S JAISHANKAR | EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER

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of the day uote BSF ADOPTS NEW The massive Prominent leaders take COVID vax power outage in Mumbai in TRAINING REGIME October last year AGENCIES was caused by a INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE its Battle Obstacle Assault Co-WIN app not for public Course (BOAC) to boost the train- New Delhi, March 1: Prime cyber attack and it As the registration on the was an act of New Delhi, March 1: Amid the on- ing quality of its commandos Minister Narendra Modi, Home going terrorist influx from to the next level. Minister Amit Shah and Vice www.Cowin.Gov.In opened up at 9 am sabotage on Monday, people took to social media Pakistan along the International The commandos will now have President Venkaiah Naidu were NITIN RAUT | MAHA ENERGY MINISTER to flag glitches in the registration sys- Border (IB), the BSF, India's first to go through the modified BOAC among the host of top leaders who tem. The ministry in the afternoon also line of control, has changed its training regime that includes 26 took the first dose of the coron- In comparison clarified that the Co-WIN app on Play commando training module. different battle filed obstacles, avirus vaccine Monday with the to other Store is meant for use only by the states, Gujarat The Border Security Force which our soldiers may have to ne- start of the next phase of the in- administrators, and that registration was able to control (BSF) has adopted a new train- gotiate in battle conditions. oculation drive. and booking for appointment for COVID- the spread of the ing regime as Pakistan's pre- Rangers Swing, Spider Web, Nitish Kumar, External Affairs 19 vaccination has to be done through coronavirus in a mier intelligence agency Inter- Parallel Rope, Petroleum Towers, Minister S Jaishankar and NCP the portal www.Cowin.Gov.In. much better way Services Intelligence (ISI) has Tiger Leap, Burma Bridge, Tarzan president Sharad Pawar also took "Registration and booking for appoint- now started sending terrorists Swing and Successive Drop are the jab. Governors Kalraj Mishra of ment for #COVID19 vaccination is to be ACHARYA DEVVRAT | GUJARAT GOVERNOR through the IB in the Jammu among the 26 BOACs that the BSF Rajasthan and Banwarilal Purohit done through #CoWIN and Rajasthan sectors. will provide to all its comman- of Tamil Nadu also received the Portal:www.Cowin.Gov.In. "There is no Opposition It is happening after the Indian dos. Artificial Wall Climbing; shot, as well as Union minister #CoWIN App for beneficiary registra- should not Army strengthened its security Free Fix Knotted Jhumar climb- Jitendra Singh as the country fur- how our doctors and scientists have took his first dose of the vaccine at tion. The App on Play Store is for admin- misguide grid along the Line of Control ing; Seat Rappelling, Free ther opened its vaccination pro- worked in quick time to strengthen Government Medical College, istrators only," the ministry tweeted. farmers (on farm (LoC). Pakistan is not just push- gramme that started on January 16 the global fight against COVID-19," laws) Rappelling, Casualty Evacuation Chennai. ing terrorists but also arms and Rappelling and Team Slithering for healthcare and sanitary work- Modi tweeted at 7.06 am. Jaishankar got a dose of the in- Pawar, his wife Pratibha Pawar, PIYUSH GOYAL | drugs in these regions, said a are among the other obstacle ers. Though the registration opened "I appeal to all those who are el- digenously-developed Covaxin. "Felt and daughter and MP Supriya Sule, RAILWAYS MINISTER senior IPS officer looking after courses which are designed to at 9 am, the prime minister was igible to take the vaccine. Together, secure, will travel safely," he added. received the first dose of the security apparatus along the enhance the strength of BSF com- the first off the block. He visited the let us make India COVID-19 free!" Kumar was administered the AstraZeneca- Oxford's Covishield Western Border. mandos, equipping them to deal All India Institute of Medical he said. Shah, who had earlier tested dose at the IGIMS hospital in Patna vaccine at a civic hospital in SHORT TAKES Considering ISI's role in push- with extraordinary circumstances Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi early in positive for the virus, also took the in presence of Bihar Health Minister Maharashtra. ing terrorists as well as smug- during field duty. the morning to take his first dose first dose, officials said. Mangal Pandey and appealed to Rajasthan Governor Kalraj gling of arms and drugs in the The centre also attracts batches and appeal to everyone eligible to Doctors from the Medanta the people that they do not let their Mishra took the first dose at Raj Valley through different ways from neighbouring countries seek- get themselves inoculated. Hospital in Delhi administered the guard down in the wake of COVID- Bhawan in Jaipur, while Tamil JeM associate such as underground tunnels ing advance training for new re- "Took my first dose of the COVID- vaccine to Shah, a Home Ministry 19 active cases coming down dras- Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit held in Pulwama and drones, the BSF has updated cruits as well as senior officers. 19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable official said. The Vice President tically in the state. in Chennai. Srinagar: Security forces Monday arrested a terrorist associate of proscribed outfit Hackers hit SBI Jaish-e-Mohammad from PROTEST TURNS UGLY Pulwama district of Jammu Flash droughts set and Kashmir, police said. users with text "Based on specific information regarding the phishing scam presence of terrorists of JeM to increase in India in Larow Jagir village in Tral INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE area (of Pulwama), police EXTREME HOT AND DRY CONDITIONS THAT LEAD TO FLASH DROUGHTS along with 42 Rashtriya Rifles New Delhi, March 1: Several CAN OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE and 180 Bn CRPF launched a users of the State Bank of India search operation there. (SBI) have been targeted with a PRESS TRUST OF INDIA sonal variability during the sum- During the search, a terrorist phishing scam where hackers mer monsoon season on the flash associate identified as have flooded them with suspicious New Delhi, March 1: Climate drought occurrence over India. Muzamil Qadir Bhat was text messages, requesting them change will increase the fre- The researchers used soil mois- arrested," a police to redeem their SBI credit points quency of flash droughts in India ture simulations, observations spokesperson said. worth Rs 9,870. in the future, which will have a from India Meteorological The link associated with the negative impact on crop pro- Department (IMD), and climate text messages redirects the user duction, irrigation demands, and projections to examine the fre- Wild elephants to a fake website and on the land- groundwater abstraction, says a quency of flash droughts in the ing page, the user is asked to sub- study by researchers at Indian country under the observed and destroy crops mit personal information along Institute of Technology (IIT) future climate scenarios. Koderma: A herd of wild with sensitive financial details Gandhinagar. The team noted that the worst elephants destroyed like card number, expiry date, According to the researchers, flash drought in the observed standing crops in several CVV and Mpin in a 'State Bank of flash droughts occur due to rapid timeframe from 1951–2016 oc- villages in Jharkhand's India Fill Your Details' form. depletion of soil moisture. curred in 1979, when more than Koderma district, Forest According to the investigation In contrast to the conventional 40 per cent of the country was af- Department officials said. by New Delhi-based think tank droughts, they said, flash droughts fected. The herd of wild elephants CyberPeace Foundation along with can impact a large region within The frequency of concurrent destroyed standing crops in Autobot Infosec Private Ltd, the two-three weeks, severely af- hot and dry extremes, the re- several villages including website collects data directly with- fecting crop health and irriga- searchers explained, is projected Kharpoka under Jayanagar out any verification and is regis- tion water demands. to rise by about five-fold, causing block in the border area of tered by a third party instead of hav- However, the occurrence and approximately seven-fold increase Hazaribagh and Koderma ing the registrant organisation PTI PHOTO impacts of flash droughts in the in flash droughts like 1979 by the district in the last two days, name of State Bank of India, mak- current and future climate in end of the 21st century. the officials said. The Forest ing it all the more suspicious. Police baton charge a protestor during the Vidhan Sabha march, organised by the mebers of Inqilab Naujawan Sabha India are not well known. department is assessing the The researchers -- including damaged caused to the "Moreover, according to SBI, & All India Students Association (AISA), against the state government on the issues of education and health, in Patna The study, published in the Saran Aadhar and Shanti crops by the elephants, journal npj Climate and Shwarup Mahto -- both from IIT they said. Atmospheric Science, examined Gandhinagar, noted that India the role of human-caused cli- is projected to witness extreme cli- ‘MP records 93 tiger deaths in last 3 yrs’ mate warming and intra-sea- matic conditions in the future.

Fire in residential PRESS TRUST OF INDIA estimation, Madhya Pradesh has 526 building, mill tigers, the highest in the country, Bhopal, March 1: Madhya with Bandhavgarh with 104 big Surat: Fires broke out in a Pradesh, popularly known as the cats leading the state's tally. residential building and a 'tiger state' of India, has lost 93 of According to the forest department, textile mill in a span of less they never communicate with their the big cats due to poaching and 88 tigers were found in Kanha than 24 hours in Gujarat's customers via SMS or emails con- other causes in the past three Reserve, 61 in Pench Reserve, 25 in Surat city, leaving two taining links with regard to the years, state forest minister Vijay Panna Reserve, 40 in Satpura firemen injured, officials user's account. Any reputed bank- Shah told the Assembly Monday. Reserve and five each in Sanjay said Monday. An electric meter board on the ground ing entity also does not use In a written reply to a query by Reserve and Nauradehi sanctuary. floor of the five-storey Wordpress like CMS technologies Congress MLA Satish Sikarwar, Besides, 45 tigers are found in residential building in on their official website for secu- the minister said the 93 deaths oc- Ratapani, Singhori and Khivani Sagrampura locality caught rity reasons," the foundation said. curred from January 1, 2018 to sanctuaries, which are part of one fire due to a short-circuit The personal information sought January 1, 2021, with 25 of them tak- landscape. around Monday noon on the malicious website is name, ing place due to poaching, for which In the same reply, the minister following which smoke registered mobile number, email, 77 people had been held, and the rest said lions are not found naturally spread to its upper floors, email password and date of birth. due to natural causes, diseases, in the state and the Kuno National causing panic among After the form is submitted, the user mutual conflict, old age etc. Park has been developed for rein- REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE residents. is directed to a "thank you" page. As per the 2018 tiger population REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE troduction of the Asiatic lion. Prashant Kishor joins Punjab High-altitude expeditions to keep an eye on China Chief Minister as key advisor PRESS TRUST OF INDIA He had also cited China's ex- Those taking part in the skiing expedition pansionist strategy in the South Chandigarh, March 1: Punjab will negotiate forbidding mountain ridges, China Sea and asserted that India Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will not allow this to happen. Monday said poll strategist Prashant glaciers and multiple passes ranging from a Referring to India's resolve in Kishor has joined him as his prin- Ladakh, he said, "I think more than cipal advisor. height of 14,000 feet to 19,000 feet anything else, what we have achieved “Happy to share that is to show that this strategy will @PrashantKishor has joined me as INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE the high-altitude areas in Jammu not work with us and every move my Principal Advisor. Look for- and Kashmir. will be met resolutely." ward to working together for the bet- New Delhi, March 1: To counter "Army, civilians and foreign per- Despite the initial disengage- terment of the people of Punjab!,” ging 77 seats in the 117-member expansionist China's habit of creep- sons will also take part in various ment, the Army Chief had sounded said Amarinder Singh in a tweet. assembly. Kishor was the brain be- ing forward by making small in- upcoming skiing expeditions," said a warning while dealing with China The development assumes signif- hind Punjab Congress programmes cremental moves, the Indian Army a senior Indian Army officer. citing trust deficit. icance as the Punjab Assembly like “Coffee with Captain” and has planned mountaineering ex- in early May last year. Vivekananda International "In whatever we are doing, we elections are due early next year. “Punjab Da Captain” to drum up peditions and research studies at The Army planned the skiing About the 'salami-slicing' tactics Foundation, had said, "China is in also keep in mind that we have to Currently, Kishor's company, support for the party. high-altitude areas in the north- expedition after India and China of China, Indian Army Chief the habit of creeping forward by be wary. We will be very cautious and Indian Political Action Committee Last year, the Punjab CM had ern borders of the country. agreed for disengagement at the General Manoj Mukund Naravane making very small incremental I mentioned in my talk also that y (I-PAC), is assisting Mamata said Kishor told him that he would The Army is also coming up with disputed Pangong Lake in eastern had on 24 had stated that China changes wherein each change by it- there is a trust deficit. Unless that

Banerjee's Trinamool Congress be "quite happy" in handling the a skiing expedition -- ARMEX-21 -- Ladakh. India and China are en- has the habit of creeping forward self is not very big or worthy of a trust deficit is removed, we will of

k y m c (TMC) in the West Bengal elec- election campaign of the Congress covering the distance from the gaged in a 10-month-long standoff by making very small incremen- very strong reaction. Because of course continue to be very wary tions. in Punjab for the 2022 Assembly Karakoram Pass to Lipulekh Pass. along the Line of Actual Control tal moves to achieve its objective but the very small incremental moves, and watch whatever movement hap- Kishor had handled the Congress polls. His claims had come amid It will cover areas of Ladakh, (LAC). The confrontations began this strategy will not work with which were never contested, China pens on either side of the LAC. But poll campaign in the 2017 Punjab media reports that Kishor had said Himachal Pradesh, Garhwal and on the north bank of Pangong Lake, India. has been able to achieve its aims I think at the end of day, we have Assembly elections. The Congress no to handling the party's cam- Kumaon sectors. The skiing expe- both in the waters and on the banks General Naravane, while speak- without firing a shot or sans any loss achieved a lot," the Indian Army in 2017 had stormed to power by bag- paign in the state. dition will also be carried out at as Chinese incursions increased ing in a webinar organised by the of life." chief had said. We have the cleanest air VIRTUAL SHIVRATRI IN P10 and cleanest water… and TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR what good does it do when we’re DUBAI TEMPLE clean, but China is not and Russia is The Gurudarbar Sindhi not and India is not, so they are Temple in Dubai will pouring fumes... You know the world virtually celebrate the is a small piece of the universe and upcoming Maha Shivratri international we’re trying to protect everything festival in the wake of the

DONALD TRUMP FORMER US PRESIDENT

k y m | Covid-19 pandemic c of the day uote France’s Sarkozy Drug companies asked ‘DRAGON UPPING convicted of corruption, There have been times sentenced to jail where issues ITS N-ARSENAL’ of the past weren’t separated from to share vax know-how Hans Kristensen, a longtime watcher of US, Russian and those of the future Chinese nuclear forces, said the satellite imagery sug- and became WHO CALLED FOR VACCINE MANUFACTURERS TO SHARE THEIR intermingled with each other. This gests that China is seeking to counter what it may view has impeded forward-looking KNOW-HOW TO “DRAMATICALLY INCREASE THE GLOBAL SUPPLY” as a growing threat from the US development. The Korean government is always ready to sit ASSOCIATED PRESS down and have talks with the early 80% of the vaccines so far Japanese government Paris, March 1: In an industrial Nhave been administered in just 10 MOON JAE-IN | SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT neighborhood on the outskirts of countries AGENCIES Bangladesh’s largest city lies a fac- tory with gleaming new equipment ore than 210 countries and Paris, March 1: A Paris court territories with a collective I am coming imported from Germany, its im- M Monday found French former population of 2.5 billion hadn’t into one of the maculate hallways lined with her- President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty received a single shot as of last week most metically sealed rooms. It is oper- of corruption and influence ped- important ating at just a quarter of its capacity. dling and sentenced him to one institutions in the It is one of three factories that The What we see today is a stampede, a survival of year in prison and a two-year sus- world and we have a Associated Press found on three the fittest approach, where those with the pended sentence. lot of work to do. I continents whose owners say they deepest pockets, with the sharpest elbows are The 66-year-old politician, who feel ready to go could start producing hundreds of grabbing what is there and leaving others to die was president from 2007 to 2012, was NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA | WTO DIRECTOR- millions of Covid-19 vaccines on WINNIE BYANYIMA I EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNAIDS convicted for having tried to ille- GENERAL short notice if only they had the gally obtain information from a sen- blueprints and technical know- ior magistrate in 2014 about a legal how. But that knowledge belongs to Critics say this piecemeal approach population of 2.5 billion hadn’t re- action in which he was involved. Iran is the the large pharmaceutical companies is just too slow at a time of urgent need ceived a single shot as of last week. ASSOCIATED PRESS There’s no indication the United The court said Sarkozy will be greatest who produce the first three vac- to stop the virus before it mutates The deal-by-deal approach also States and China are headed to- entitled to request to be detained enemy of cines authorized by countries in- into even deadlier forms. WHO called means that some poorer countries Washington, March 1: China ap- ward armed conflict, let alone a at home with an electronic bracelet. Israel; I am cluding Britain, the European Union for vaccine manufacturers to share end up paying more for the same vac- pears to be moving faster toward nuclear one. But the Kristensen re- The court said the facts were determined to halt and the US — Pfizer, Moderna and their know-how to “dramatically in- cine than richer countries. South a capability to launch its newer port comes at a time of heightened “particularly serious” given that it. We are hitting it AstraZeneca. The factories are all crease the global supply.” Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Uganda nuclear missiles from underground US-China tensions across a broad they were committed by a former in the entire region still awaiting responses. “If that can be done, then im- all pay different amounts per dose silos, possibly to improve its abil- spectrum, from trade to national se- president who used his status to help BENJAMIN NETANYAHU | ISRAELI PRIME Across Africa and Southeast Asia, mediately overnight every conti- for the AstraZeneca vaccine — ity to respond promptly to a nu- curity. A stronger Chinese nuclear a magistrate who had served his per- MINISTER governments and aid groups, as nent will have dozens of compa- more than governments in the clear attack, according to an force could factor into US calcula- sonal interest. In addition, as a for- well as the World Health nies who would be able to produce European Union, according to stud- American expert who analyzed tions for a military response to ag- mer lawyer, he was “perfectly in- Organisation, are calling on phar- these vaccines,” said Abdul ies and publicly available docu- satellite images of recent con- gressive Chinese actions, such as in formed” about committing an SHORT TAKES maceutical companies to share their Muktadir, whose Incepta plant in ments. AstraZeneca said the price struction at a missile training area. Taiwan or the South China Sea. illegal action, the court said. patent information more broadly to Bangladesh already makes vac- of the vaccine will differ depend- Hans Kristensen, a longtime The Pentagon declined to com- Sarkozy’s two co-defendants meet a yawning global shortfall in cines against hepatitis, flu, menin- ing on factors such as production watcher of US, Russian and Chinese ment on Kristensen’s analysis of were also found guilty and given Philippines begins a pandemic that already has claimed gitis, rabies, tetanus and measles. costs, where the shots are made nuclear forces, said the imagery the satellite imagery, but it said the same sentence as Sarkozy. over 2.5 million lives. Pharmaceutical All over the world, the supply of and how much countries order. suggests that China is seeking to last summer in its annual report on Sarkozy will face another trial vax campaign companies that took taxpayer money coronavirus vaccines is falling far “What we see today is a stam- counter what it may view as a grow- Chinese military developments later this month along with 13 Manila: The Philippines from the US or Europe to develop in- short of demand, and the limited pede, a survival of the fittest ap- ing threat from the United States. that Beijing intends to increase the other people on charges of ille- launched a vaccination oculations at unprecedented speed amount available is going to rich proach, where those with the deep- The US in recent years has pointed peacetime readiness of its nuclear gal financing of his 2012 presi- campaign Monday to contain say they are negotiating contracts countries. Nearly 80% of the vac- est pockets, with the sharpest elbows to China’s nuclear modernization forces by putting more of them in dential campaign. one of Southeast Asia’s worst and exclusive licensing deals with cines so far have been adminis- are grabbing what is there and leav- as a key justification for investing underground silos and operating on coronavirus outbreaks but producers on a case-by-case basis be- tered in just 10 countries, accord- ing others to die,” said Winnie hundreds of billions of dollars in a higher level of alert in which it faces supply problems and cause they need to protect their in- ing to WHO. More than 210 countries Byanyima, executive director of the coming two decades to build an could launch missiles upon warn- Nepal Prez summons public resistance, which it tellectual property and ensure safety. and territories with a collective UNAIDS. all-new US nuclear arsenal. ing of being under attack. hopes to ease by inoculating lower house session top officials. Cabinet officials, along with health workers PRESS TRUST OF INDIA and military and police FROZEN FALLS personnel, were among the Activists rally in B’desh Kathmandu, March 1: Nepal first to be vaccinated in six President Bidya Devi Bhandari hospitals in Metropolitan Monday summoned a session of Manila, after President the House of Representatives Rodrigo Duterte and other top to protest prison death officials received 600,000 March 7, days after the apex court doses Sunday of COVID-19 ASSOCIATED PRESS “We want justice,” she said. reinstated the lower house in a vaccine donated by China. There were no immediate re- landmark verdict that annulled Dhaka, March 1: About 300 student ports of any violence. embattled Prime Minister K P activists rallied in Bangladesh’s Ahmed’s death Thursday night Sharma Oli’s unconstitutional de- capital Monday to denounce the sparked protests on streets and on cision to dissolve it. Europeans get death in prison of a writer and com- social media, and prompted global President Bhandari called for the ‘right to repair’ mentator who was arrested last human rights groups, including commencement of House on rec- year on charges of violating a sweep- Human Rights Watch and Amnesty ommendation of Government of Berlin: Companies that sell ing digital security law that critics International, to urge Bangladesh’s Nepal, in accordance with Article refrigerators, washers, say chokes freedom of expression. government to conduct a thorough 93 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, hairdryers or TVs in the The protesters marched through investigation. The New York-based according to a notice issued by European Union will need to the Dhaka University campus and Committee to Protect Journalists, the President’s Office Monday. ensure those appliances can Dhaka’s streets toward the coun- or CPJ, demanded that the gov- As per the notice, the 275-mem- be repaired for up to 10 years, try’s Home Ministry to also demand ernment cancel the security act. ber lower house will begin at 4pm to help reduce the vast mountain of electrical waste the annulment of the digital security Ahmed was arrested in Dhaka on the slated date. that piles up each year on the law and the release of seven student May last year for making com- The presidential order to sum- continent. The “right to activists arrested during recent ments on social media that criticised mon the House meeting follows repair,” as it is sometimes protests denouncing the death of 53- the government’s handling of the the Supreme Court’s decision to called, comes into force year-old Mushtaq Ahmed. They coronavirus pandemic. He was de- overturn Prime Minister Oli’s across the 27-nation bloc broke a barricade by removing nied bail at least six times. At least move to dissolve the House Monday. It is part of a barbed wire fences on the way to 10 other people were charged with Ice sits at the base of the American Falls due to cold temperatures in Niagara Falls, New York REUTERS December 20. broader effort to cut the the ministry, but were intercepted by sedition under the digital security environmental footprint of a few hundred police officers out- law in the same case Ahmed faced. manufactured goods by side the ministry in downtown Dhaka. The CPJ has demanded the re- making them more durable “The state must take responsi- lease from prison of political car- and energy efficient. bility. He has been killed; it was toonist Kabir Kishore, who was ar- More charges against Suu Kyi, protests continue not a natural death. How come he rested in the case last year. Kishore’s was held for nine months in jail lawyers said during previous court REUTERS ate, who leads the National League The next hearing will be on March UK finds Brazilian without any justice” said one pro- proceedings that he was “merci- for Democracy (NLD), has not been 15. Critics of the coup say the tester, Mahfuza Akhter. lessly tortured” in custody. Yangon, March 1: Myanmar’s seen in public since her government charges were trumped up. virus variants ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted and she was detained Sunday, police fired on crowds in London: Health officials in appeared at a court hearing via along with other party leaders. several places killing 18 people, the Britain have identified six video conferencing Monday as sup- She was initially charged with il- United Nations human rights of- cases of a highly contagious porters marched in several towns legally importing six walkie-talkie fice said. A committee representing coronavirus strain first and cities in defiance of a crackdown radios. Later, a charge of violating lawmakers elected last year said identified in the Brazilian city after the bloodiest day since the health during her appearance be- a natural disaster law by breaching 26 people were killed but Reuters was of Manaus - including one in a Feb 1 military coup. fore a court in the capital Naypyidaw, coronavirus protocols was added. unable to verify that. person who has not been Police fired tear gas and stun one of her lawyers said. Two more Two more charges were added The military has not commented traced. Scientists say the grenades to disperse hundreds of charges were added to those filed Monday, one under a section of a on Sunday’s violence and police variant is more transmissible protesters in the main city of Yangon against her after the coup, she said. colonial-era penal code prohibit- and military spokesmen did not and may be more resistant to Monday, witnesses said. They later “I saw Amay on the video, she ing publication of information that answer calls. The state-run Global existing vaccines than the combed through side streets firing looks healthy,” lawyer Min Min Soe may “cause fear or alarm”, and the New Light of Myanmar newspa- original virus, and may be rubber bullets and at least one per- told Reuters, using an affectionate other under a telecommunications per warned that “severe action will able to infect people who son was hurt, media reported. term meaning “mother” to refer law stipulating licences for equip- be inevitably taken” against “an- have previously had Covid-19. Suu Kyi, aged 75, looked in good to Suu Kyi. The Nobel Peace laure- ment, the lawyer said. archic mobs”. Direct flights from Brazil to the UK have been halted.

Biden to meet ‘Perseverance rover’s exciting work to happen in weeks to come’ Mexican Prez THE ROVER, THE SUPERCAM AND ITS OTHER DEVICES TOGETHER WILL HELP SCIENTISTS SEARCH FOR CLUES OF PAST LIFE ON MARS Wilmington: President Joe Biden is planning a virtual PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Mars,” Sridhar told ABC7 channel. was important that the mission neering remotely. And we went meeting Monday with SuperCam is a remote-sensing was happening despite the ongo- through all that we learned and Mexican President Andres Houston, March 1: Vishnu Sridhar, instrument that will use laser spec- ing COVID-19 pandemic. now we are successful on Mars and Manuel Lopez Obrador - a a 27-year-old Indian-American lead troscopy to analyse the chemical “NASA missions are clearly try- it's a great achievement for hu- chance for the pair to talk system engineer with NASA’s composition of rocks on the Martian ing to explore and answer the basic mankind,” he said. more fully about migration, Perseverance rover, has said that the surface. It analyses terrain that the question. Perseverance is also trying The US space agency Monday re- confronting the coronavirus most exciting work on the awe-in- rover cannot reach. It is an instru- to seek that, and eventually answer leased the first audio from Mars, a and cooperating on economic spiring Mars mission will happen ment designed to scan rocks and the question that was there life on faint recording of a gust of wind and national security issues. in the coming weeks. minerals—from up to 20 feet away— Mars, was there life outside Earth, captured by the Perseverance rover. Mexico’s president has said “We’re going to be taking more im- to determine their chemical makeup. he intends during the meeting and it was definitely a tough period Perseverance will attempt to collect

ages of Mars, we’re going to be shoot- The Perseverance rover was for us during Covid-19 and for every- 30 rock and soil samples in sealed

k y m to propose to Biden a new c Bracero-style immigrant labor ing lasers with the SuperCam in- launched July 30 last year and suc- one else around the globe,” he said. tubes to be sent back to Earth some- program that could bring strument, we’re going to be recording cessfully landed on Mars February “And that’s why I love the name time in the 2030s for lab analysis. 600,000 to 800,000 Mexican audio with our microphone, and 18 this year. The rover, the of Perseverance because we per- The rover is only the fifth to set and Central American eventually, soon in near future, we SuperCam, and its other devices ecessor Curiosity is still function- mission is NASA’s latest and most severed through the pandemic and its wheels down on Mars. The feat immigrants a year to work are going to deploy our helicopter, together will help scientists search ing eight years after landing on advanced mission to find evidence there was a paradigm shift, we was first accomplished in 1997, and legally in the United States. and do the first powered flight on for clues of past life on Mars. Its pred- Mars. The two-year Perseverance of past life on Mars. Sridhar said it learned a lot about how to do engi- all of them have been American. There is a need GOLD PRICE RISES BY `241 P11 for post harvest TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR revolution or food processing Gold prices Monday rose by `241 to `45,520 revolution, and value per 10 grams in New Delhi in line with the additions. It would have been strong global bullion market trend, better if food processing according to HDFC Securities. The precious was given attention 2-3 metal had closed at `45,279 per 10 grams in

business decades earlier the previous trading session

k y m NARENDRA MODI | PRIME MINISTER c of the day uote FEBRUARY GST Automakers report double digit sales growth in Feb COLLECTION STANDS Making PRESS TRUST OF INDIA month were driven by compact and company sold 15,391 units last FASTags Both domestic and AT `1.13 LAKH CR utility vehicle segments. month, as compared with 10,938 mandatory for New Delhi, March 1: Leading car Last month, sales company's com- export demand have highway users for units in the year-ago period. collection of makers Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai pact segment models, including recorded healthy double "Demand continues to remain electronic toll has and Tata Motors reported robust Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and digit growth last month, buoyant for our range of SUVs and significantly sales growth in the domestic mar- Dzire, increased by 15.3 per cent to Pick-ups and we have a robust order reduced delays at toll plazas. This ket in February as the demand for 80,517 units, as against 69,828 cars reflecting an all-round pipeline. However, supply of semi- will result in a significant saving to personal mobility amid Covid-19 in February last year. improvement in conductors, as we all know, is a global the tune of `20,000 crore per annum pandemic continues to drive the Similarly, utility vehicle dis- issue and it is likely to continue for on fuel cost market. patches to dealers, including Vitara buyer sentiment another 3 to 4 months," M&M Chief Others, including Toyota Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga, rose Executive Officer Automotive INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE NITIN GADKARI | UNION MINISTER Kirloskar Motor (TKM), Mahindra 18.9 per cent to 26,884 units, as com- against 40,010 units in February ble digit growth last month, re- Division Veejay Nakra said. Going & Mahindra, and Honda Cars India, pared to 22,604 units in the year- 2020. "The company has been con- flecting an all-round improvement forward, the company will continue New Delhi, March 1: The gross also reported strong wholesale dis- ago month. Sales of mini cars, com- sistently striving to drive a resur- in buyer sentiment, he added. to monitor the situation and closely GST revenue collected in February A large patches to dealers last month. prising Alto and S-Presso, however gence in sales, thereby contributing Tata Motors saw its passenger work with its suppliers to minimise 2021 increased 7 per cent on a year- percentage of The country's largest carmaker declined by 12.9 per cent to 23,959 towards economic recovery and vehicle sales surging over two-folds this supply risk, he added. Japanese on-year basis to over `1.13 lakh our users have Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said its units, as compared to 27,499 in the crore. now adopted & bringing the industry closer to pre- to 27,225 units in the domestic mar- automaker TKM posted a 36 per domestic sales increased 11.8 per cent same month last year. Covid level sales," HMIL Director ket last month. Similarly, Mahindra cent increase in domestic sales at Out of the total good and serv- embraced our ` financial services. to 1,52,983 units last month, as Rival Hyundai Motor India re- (Sales, Marketing & Service) Tarun & Mahindra reported a 41 per cent 14,075 units in February. The com- ice tax collection of 1,13,143 crore, ` By incorporating against 1,36,849 units in February ported a 29 per cent increase in its Garg said. Both domestic and export increase in its passenger vehicle pany had clocked domestic sales of CGST was 21,092 crore, SGST technological advancements, we 2020. The company's sales during the domestic sales at 51,600 units as demand have recorded healthy dou- dispatches to dealers last month. The 10,352 units in February last year. was `27,273 crore, IGST was v55,253 have now brought in the next wave crore, including `24,382 crore col- of digital payments revolution with lected on import of goods and cess our Paytm All-in-One Android POS was `9,525 crore, including `660 devices & Soundbox ` crore collected on import of goods, said an official statement. NARENDRA YADAV | VICE-PRESIDENT, PAYTM BIDS WORTH 77,146 CR ‘Feb manufacturing The government has settled `22,398 crore to CGST and `17,534 crore to SGST from IGST as reg- The ular settlement. hospitality MADE ON DAY 1: PRASAD In addition, the central gov- industry came ` forward to assist the growth remains flat’ AGENCIES wise details of quanity won and ernment has also settled 48,000 SPECTRUM AUCTION government in its amount payable will be available crore as IGST ad-hoc settlement hour of need and AGENCIES New Delhi, March 1: The first only after conclusion of the auction. in the ratio of 50:50 between hoteliers, day of the much anticipated tele- A total of 2,308.80 MHz spectrum Centre and States or Union restaurateurs and the people New Delhi, March 1: India’s man- com auctions attracted `77,146 crore is being put to auction, our of which Territories. working in hotels and restaurants ufacturing sector growth remained of bids, said Telecom Minister Ravi there have been bids for 849.20 MHz The total revenue of Centre and continued to serve the public during flat-to-positive in February, as im- Shankar Prasad. Bidding took place so far. According to the govern- the states after regular settlement the worst phase of the pandemic proving business environment for spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 Mhz, ment, excluding spectrum in 700 and ad-hoc settlement in the month ` GURBAXISH SINGH KOHLI | pushed order flow. Accordingly, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz and 2,300 MHz and 2,500 MHz bands, bids of February 2021 is 67,490 crore ` VICE-PRESIDENT, FHRAI the headline seasonally adjusted IHS MHz bands. However, the partici- have been received for almost 60 for CGST and 68,807 crore for the Markit India Manufacturing pants did not bid in 700 MHz abd per cent of the spectrum. The auc- SGST. The GST revenues crossed Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) 2,500 MHz bands. tion is likely to conclude Tuesday. `1 lakh fifth time in a row and stood at 57.5 (index reading) in Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Four rounds of bidding took place crossed `1.1 lakh crore third time SHORT TAKES February easing a bit from 57.7 in HS Markit India Vodafone Idea were the bidders till 6 p.m. Monday, another two rounds in a row post pandemic despite January. IManufacturing PMI stood at in the latest auction against are expected on Tuesday. The e-auc- this being revenue collection of Siemens’ major However, the index remained 57.5 in February easing a bit seven bidders in the previous tion is based on Simultaneous the month of February. above its long-run average of 53.6. from 57.7 in January auctions in 2016. Multiple Round Ascending Auction This is a clear indication of the acquisition The PMI ranges between 0 and 100, ew export orders rose Reliance Jio had submitted an (SMRA) methodology. economic recovery and the im- with a reading above 50 indicat- halfway through the final earnest money deposit (EMD) of on the other hand submitted an The ongoing auction does not pact of various measures taken by New Delhi: Siemens Ltd N ing an overall increase compared quarter of fiscal year 2020-21, `10,000 crore for the auctions, the EMD of `3,000 crore and Vodafone include frequencies in 3,300-3,600 tax administration to improve Monday said it has to the previous month. albeit at a modest rate that was highest among the three private Idea submitted EMD of `475 crore. MHz bands that were identified for compliance, said the Finance completed the acquisition of "Better demand conditions and softer than in January 99.22% equity shares in C&S telecom operators. Bharti Airtel, A statement said that bidder- 5G services. Ministry statement. Electric Ltd from the successful marketing campaigns company’s promoters for reportedly underpinned a further the strongest increase in input `2,100 crore. The Competition increase in new orders during inventories in the survey history Commission of India (CCI) February," said IHS Markit in the as firms reacted to rising pro- had given its approval for the February PMI report. "Although duction needs by lifting purchas- ‘Credit demand may almost deal August 20, 2020, easing from January, the pace of ing activity. The expansion in Siemens Ltd said in a BSE growth remained sharp in the con- input buying was the fastest in filing. According to the text of historical data." almost a decade." company, it has “acquired Besides, new export orders rose Furthermore, survey members 99.22% (approximately) halfway through the final quarter noted greater prices for a number double to 9-10% in FY22’ equity shares of C&S Electric of fiscal year 2020-21, albeit at a of items such as chemicals, metals, Ltd from its promoters, for an modest rate that was softer than in plastics and textiles. As per the re- AGENCIES aggregate consideration of January. According to panel mem- port, the overall rate of cost infla- INR 21,000,000,000 on a cash- bers, the Covid-19 pandemic re- tion hit a 32-month high. Mumbai, March 1: On the back of free/ debt-free basis.” stricted international demand for Although factory gate charges timely government and regulatory Indian goods. increased in February, the rate of measures this fiscal, which helped "In response to another robust inflation was modest and eased the economy to recover faster than Royal Enfield sales increase in total new orders, pro- from January's 13-month high. expected, bank credit is seen grow- duction was raised again in "Indian goods producers re- ing 400-500 bps to 9-10 per cent in the up 10% in February February. The pace of expansion ported a healthy inflow of new next financial year, according to a New Delhi: Motorcycle maker eased from January, but was nev- orders in February, that under- report. Royal Enfield Monday ertheless sharp and among the pinned a further upturn in output In the current fiscal, bank credit reported a 10 per cent quickest seen over the past nine and quantity of purchases,"said is expected to rise 4-5 per cent de- increase in total sales at years." "February data pointed to Pollyanna De Lima, an economist. spite the sharpest contraction in the 69,659 units in February. The economy since Independence. antee scheme, serving as credit company had sold 63,536 While bank credit As per the Crisil report, the econ- growth had contracted 0.8% substitutes. units in the same month last omy is likely to grow at 11 per cent Growth in corporate credit, which BIZ BUZZ in the first half of this fiscal, year, Royal Enfield said in a in FY22. is 49 per cent of overall bank credit, statement. Domestic sales Skechers launches Arch Fit collection While bank credit growth had it recovered sharply in the is expected to contract this fiscal as last month were at 65,114 contracted 0.8 per cent in the first third quarter by growing 3% companies have put Capex on the units as against 61,188 units Bhubaneswar: Skechers India launched the Arch Fit Range which offers new and innovative half of this fiscal, it recovered sequentially. In the fourth backburner but will change next fis- in February 2020, a growth of technology to improve the comfort and support for the feet. The Arch Fit Insole is resilient, sharply in the third quarter by quarter, too, it should clock cal when corporate credit is ex- 6 per cent, it added. Exports provides better foot guidance, and patented shape retention capabilities. By distributing arch growing 3 per cent sequentially. In 3% sequential growth pected to grow 5-6% on a likely re- witnessed a jump of 94 per pressure, Arch Fit offers more balance and stability and it comes in easy, washable styles so cent last month at 4,545 units the fourth quarter, too, it should KRISHNAN SITARAMAN I vival in demand. that one can look and feel great for a longer period of time. The collection, synonymous to SENIOR DIRECTOR, CRISIL as compared to 2,348 units in clock 3 per cent sequential growth, But the share of corporate loans comfort is developed using over 20 years of data, is certified to offer arch support for men and women and for the year-ago month, the Krishnan Sitaraman, a senior di- in the overall credit pie will continue everyone who’s always on the move. When it comes to more comfort for your feet, take it from a podiatrist. company said. rector at Crisil said Monday. pick up. But a faster-than-expected to shrink with faster growth of In June 2020, Crisil had pegged uptick in economic activity since other segments. Sonalika crosses 1 lakh domestic tractor sales bank credit growth to be at 0-1 per the relaxation of lockdowns, and Retail lending is likely to slow BPCL to sell cent this fiscal. pent-up and festive season demand down to 9-10% this fiscal before re- Bhubaneswar: Sonalika Tractors has created a new record of excellence by clocking its The government measures, in- helped thereafter. turning to the mid-teens growth Refinery stake highest-ever cumulative domestic sales of 1,06,432 tractors in just 11 months, registering cluding the `3 lakh crore emer- In absolute terms, net credit rose of the past couple of years. growth of 35.5% as compared to same period last year. With this, it has achieved a gency credit line guarantee scheme to `2.3 lakh crore in the first nine Banks are expected to benefit New Delhi: Privatisation- significant landmark for the fastest-ever 1 lakh domestic tractor sales by any tractor (ECLGS), have been supportive, he months of FY21, of which dis- from the lower competition as non- bound Bharat Petroleum brand in the Indian market since its inception. The country’s fastest growing tractor manufacturer, Sonalika has added. bursements under ECLGS was `1.6 banks see tepid growth. With deposit Corporation Ltd (BPCL) overall sold 11,821 tractors in February as compared to 9,650 during the same period last year. Raman Mittal, In the first half of this fiscal, lakh crore in this period. growth outstripping credit growth Monday said it will exit Executive Director, Sonalika Group, said, “We crossed our highest-ever cumulative domestic sales of 1,06,432 the pandemic forced borrowers Banks also deployed `1.4 lakh so far, banks would use the sur- Numaligarh refinery in tractors in just 11 months (April’20-Feb’21), registering a growth of 35.5% as compared to same period last year. and lenders to tread cautiously, crore via targeted long-term repo plus liquidity to wrench credit mar- Assam by selling its entire Notably, it is also the fastest-ever 1 lakh domestic tractor sales by any tractor brand in the Indian market.” stake to a consortium of Oil leading to a contraction in credit operation and partial credit guar- ket share,” said, an agency director. India Ltd and Engineers India Ltd for `9,876 crore. The sale of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd clears the way for privatisation of India's Analysis: Central banks will happily ignore inflation-mongers second-largest fuel retailer. In keeping with the Assam The argument behind borrowing costs depressed and ig- threat. “Inflation dynamics do off growth - a costly blunder with Peace Accord, the noring the inflation hawks at least change over time but they don’t tens of millions still out of work after government had decided to the inflation warning is until growth is back to pre-pandemic change on a dime,” Federal Reserve the biggest peacetime economic keep Numaligarh Refinery Ltd that once economies levels -- and not just fleetingly. Chair Jerome Powell said. crisis in a century. In the worst (NRL) in the public sector. The Reserve Bank of Australia “We don’t really see how a burst case, higher borrowing costs would reopen, massive already launched a surprise bond of fiscal support or spending ... that even raise debt sustainability con- govt stimulus will combine buying operation while the doesn’t last for many years, would cerns, particularly in heavily in- Maruti Suzuki’s European Central Bank has re- actually change those inflation dy- debted southern Europe and across with pent up consumer peatedly warned investors not to namics.” Even if inflation accel- emerging markets. Feb sales up 11.8% demand, unleashing push yields too high, unless they erates, a big if given that big cen- And lastly, the Fed and European New Delhi: Automobile major spending-fuelled price want to fight its 1 trillion euro war tral banks are all undershooting Central Bank both tightened policy Maruti Suzuki Monday chest. The argument behind the in- their 2% goal, tightening policy too too quickly in the past decade, forc- reported a growth of 11.8% in pressures unseen flation warning is that once hastily is seen as a bigger evil than ing them into the type of credibil- its overall sales during for decades economies reopen, massive gov- moving too slowly. ity-damaging reversal they are now February 2021 on a y-o-y ernment stimulus will combine First off, much of the inflation rise keen to avoid.

REUTERS with pent up consumer demand, is temporary, driven by the rebound The message from the Fed has

k y m basis. The company sold c 1,64,469 units of vehicles last ulus are all but certain to be proved even rewriting their own rules so unleashing spending-fuelled price in oil, one-off stimulus measures and been uniform and emphatic: its month, against 1,47,110 units Frankfurt, March 1: The world’s wrong. After a decade of underes- they can let price growth overshoot pressures unseen for decades. the base effect of tanking prices a $120 billion monthly bond purchases sold in February 2020. On a biggest central banks will happily timating inflation, central bankers their targets. Although top economists are year ago. So this is not the sort of will not change until the economy sequential basis, the live with higher inflation and in- in the United States, Europe and If anything, central banks are weighing in on both sides of the sustained inflation policymakers has more fully recovered, and any company sold 1,60,752 units vestors now aggressively betting Japan have every reason keep money more likely to nudge up stimulus, par- debate, the voices that really count are looking for. actual interest rate increase is even of vehicles in January 2021. on a quicker end to monetary stim- taps open and policymakers are ticularly in the euro zone, keeping all seem to be downplaying the Tighter policy could also choke further into the future. P12 TUESDAY | MARCH 2 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR sports

Welsh forward scores brace in Spurs’ 4-0 win over

y Atletico seal win to Burnley; Liverpool, Arsenal back to winning ways, while

k k y y m m c rebuild 5-point lead Bale turns Chelsea, Manchester United play out goalless stalemate c

ASSOCIATED PRESS league match postponed from the second round because of the coro- Madrid, March 1: Atletico Madrid navirus pandemic. got back to winning, beating It was Atletico’s first clean sheet Villarreal 2-0 to halt their slump and after eight matches, which had restore a five-point lead at the top marked the team’s worst streak back time of the Spanish league. conceding goals since Simeone ar- An own-goal by Alfonso Pedraza rived in late 2011. Unai Emery’s ASSOCIATED PRESS Chelsea’s new identity under in the first half Sunday and a goal Villarreal, winless in six consecu- Tuchel is taking shape. There’s in- by forward Joao Felix in the second tive Spanish league games, dropped London, March 1: Gareth Bale tense, German-style pressing, but helped Atlético end a three-game to seventh place. turned back time for Tottenham, also a newfound compactness and winless streak and rebuild their Atletico went ahead in the 25th while Chelsea and Manchester United solidity in the defense at Stamford lead over second-place Barcelona, minute after Savic’s header was seemed happy just to play out time. Bridge, compared to former man- who won 2-0 at fourth-placed Sevilla saved by Villarreal goalkeeper Bale looked like the star player ager Frank Lampard’s open but de- Saturday. Atletico has a game in Sergio Asenjo but the ball rico- who left Tottenham for Real Madrid fensively vulnerable style. hand compared to the Catalan club. cheted off Pedraza and went in. in 2013 as he scored twice in the Against United’s counterattack- Third-place Real Madrid can get The goal was initially disallowed club’s 4-0 win over Burnley, prompt- ing specialists, both teams seemed back to within three points of for offside but later confirmed by ing Spurs manager Jose Mourinho risk-averse, even in the final min- Atletico Monday with a win against video review. to pronounce him ‘better than ever’ utes. The upshot was a ninth game fifth-place Real Sociedad at home. Felix, who recently was side- though still not suitable to start unbeaten in all competitions for Madrid will have played one more lined for testing positive for COVID- week-in, week-out. Tuchel at Chelsea, seven of them game more than Atletico. Atletico 19, scored his first goal since While Bale found his form, without conceding a goal, but it will host Real Madrid in the city January with a low shot from in- Harvey Barnes had his good run cut also meant that Chelsea missed an derby next Sunday. side the area in the 69th. The short by a knee injury in Leicester’s opportunity to overtake West Ham Diego Simeone’s team were com- Portugal forward, who came off 1-3 loss to Arsenal. He is likely to need for fourth in the table. ing off a 0-1 loss to Chelsea in the the bench after halftime, celebrated an operation and miss six weeks. The draw also highlighted first leg of the round of 16 of the profusely and put a finger to his Chelsea kept their unbeaten United’s inability to mount an un- Champions League Tuesday. They mouth, as if asking someone to be record under manager Thomas likely challenge to cross-city rival also lost 0-2 to Levante at home in quiet. It wasn’t clear to whom he was Tuchel in a 0-0 draw with Man Manchester City for the title. City the Spanish league, and had pre- sending a message. United as both teams appeared re- leads by 12 points from second-place viously drawn with Levante in a luctant to risk losing one point in United. the hope of getting three. United were left grumbling about Liverpool put a stop to the run of the refereeing at Chelsea after not four straight league defeats which being awarded a penalty in the first effectively finished off its title half for what looked like handball chances, but a 2-0 win over last- by Callum Hudson-Odoi. place Sheffield United was still The first goal against Sheffield short of Liverpool’s best. United was made in Liverpool's Bale opened the scoring after 68 academy as Trent Alexander-Arnold seconds and the Welsh forward hit a deflected cross for fellow acad- added another early in the second emy graduate Curtis Jones to send half, both off assists from Son past the otherwise impressive Heung-min. Back on loan from Sheffield goalkeeper Aaron Spain, it was his first two-goal game Ramsdale. since 2019. However, Mourinho In the 64th, Roberto Firmino Gareth Bale (R) celebrates one of his goals with a teammate during Spurs’ win over Burnley, Sunday warned that Bale would still have thought he’d ended his run of six to rest for some upcoming games to games without a goal in all com- Pepe scoring one goal and winning more in his team’s previous 10 win in a 0-0 draw with a Crystal manage his form and fitness. petitions when his deflected shot a penalty when Wilfred Ndidi league games. Manager Brendan Palace team which rarely presented Harry Kane and Lucas Moura went in but the Premier League blocked his shot with an arm. Rodgers said Barnes will likely any sort of attacking threat. The also scored for the hosts, and it ruled it was an own-goal for However, the game was over- need an operation and will be on the draw left Scott Parker’s team un- could have been more if not for Sheffield’s Kean Bryan. shadowed by an injury likely to sidelines for at least six weeks. It beaten in five league games, with some good saves from Nick Pope Arsenal returned to form and keep Leicester’s in-form midfielder comes as Leicester is already with- only one goal conceded during that when Burnley was already four the top half of the table with a 3-1 Barnes out until April. He had out the injured James Maddison. time, but still 18th and three points Joao Felix reacts after scoring against Villarreal, Sunday goals down. win over Leicester, with Nicolas scored six goals and assisted three Fulham missed a chance for a adrift of safety. Lukaku 32-second goal lifts Inter Police raids Barcelona’s Camp Nou ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED PRESS Milan, March 1: Romelu Lukaku scored after just 32 seconds and Madrid, March 1: Spanish police helped to set up two goals as league detained several people after raid- leader Inter Milan beat Genoa 3-0 ing Barcelona’s stadium Monday in in Serie A. a search and seizure operation. Inter dominated but took until the The operation was related to last 69th minute to double its lead, year’s ‘Barcagate,’ in which club through Matteo Darmian. Substitute officials were accused of launching Alexis Sanchez sealed the win to en- a smear campaign against current sure Antonio Conte's side remained and former players who were crit- four points above second-place AC ical of the club and then-president Milan, who won 2-1 at Roma. Josep Maria Bartomeu. It was Genoa’s first league de- Police said detentions were made feat since early January and left it but did not say who or how many 13th, eight points above the drop people were taken into custody. The zone. Inter were bidding for a fifth club said authorities were at the straight league win and it got off to team’s headquarters but did not the perfect start when Nicolo Barella provide any more detail. sent a ball through to Lukaku, who Spanish media said Bartomeu played a quick one-two with Lautaro and other former club officials were Martinez before drilling into the bot- among those detained. A text mes- the “presumption of innocence.” using fake social media accounts to coronavirus pandemic. tom left corner. sage sent to Bartomeu was not im- Court officials said a judge ordered discredit opposition figures when The club has been managed by a The Nerazzurri wasted a number mediately answered. the search and seize operation but the they expressed views that went caretaker board since Bartomeu of chances and Barella also hit a The detentions come less than a detentions had been made at the dis- against the club. Some of the figures left in October while facing a no-con- long-range stunner off the crossbar out for offside but was awarded on when Franck Kessie converted a week before presidential elections cretion of the police agents involved. supposedly included players such fidence motion supported by thou- in the 17th. Inter finally doubled video review. penalty after Federico Fazio had are to be held at the club. One of the Authorities said the operation was Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué, as sands of club members furious at their lead when Lukaku drew de- AC Milan kept up the pressure fouled Davide Calabria. three presidential candidates, Joan being carried out by the police’s fi- well as former coach Pep Guardiola. the team’s poor performances and fenders toward him before setting on city rival Inter despite having Henrikh Mkhitaryan had a goal Laporta, told Lleida Radio that what nancial crimes department. The club later released an inde- the club's financial situation. up an unmarked Darmian. goals ruled out and hitting the ruled out for Roma, which leveled happened Monday ‘was a conse- Barcelona had denied accusations pendent audit report showing that The club’s struggles began to Sanchez was brought on in the woodwork. Fikayo Tomori and five minutes after the break thanks quence of the bad management by that it hired — and overpaid — a there was no wrongdoing. Bartomeu surface after the team’s embar- 76th and the Inter forward imme- Zlatan Ibrahimovic both had goals to Jordan Veretout’s curled effort. the previous administration’. company to make negative comments and his board of directors resigned rassing 2-8 loss to Bayern Munich diately scored as he turned in the ruled out for offside for Milan and But Ante Rebic restored Milan’s He said the news of Bartomeu’s about its own players and opponents last year amid fallout from the con- in the quarterfinals of the rebound after Genoa goalkeeper Simon Kjær hit the crossbar be- lead in the 58th with an impres- reported detention was ‘shocking’ on social media in order to boost the troversy surrounding Messi. The Champions League last season, Mattia Perin parried Lukaku’s ef- fore the visitors broke the dead- sive swiveling effort into the far and ‘not good’ for the club, but noted image of senior club officials. club has been mired in political which was the first without a title fort. The goal was originally ruled lock three minutes from halftime bottom corner. that the former president deserved The company was accused of turmoil and debt prompted by the for the Spanish club since 2007-08. Paddlers Desai, Batra Viv slams critics of Indian pitches Indian top guns go

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA you’re going to India, you should ex- off to winning starts pect that. You are going to spin New Delhi, March 1: West Indian land. You should basically prepare full throttle at nets men’s singles qualifiers. batting legend Viv Richards is not yourself to know what you’re going MANIKA The season-opener is also the first amused with past and present to encounter.” PRESS TRUST OF INDIA BATRA international tournament Indian English cricketers ‘moaning and Richards said that India have players are participating in after groaning’ about the spin-friendly pushed England out of their com- Ahmedabad, March 1: Big guns the long coronavirus-forced break. pitches in India and said the visi- fort zone, weeks after the visitors Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and However, Sutirtha Mukherjee, tors did not prepare well for the started the series with a big win. Ajinkya Rahane went full throttle Mudit Dani and Diya Chitale suf- challenge. “Ever since that first Test match, at the nets as the Indian cricket fered defeats in their respective The newly-laid Motera track in England were in their comfort zone. Monday trained in earnest for the singles qualifying round matches. Ahmedabad became a subject of They have now been taken out of upcoming fourth and final Test Two-time national champion debate after India crushed England realise that there are times that their comfort zone at present and against England. The fourth Test PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Mukherjee failed to get the better inside two days in the third Test. The you’re going to get a seaming track, they have got to find ways and starts here, Thursday. of Ukraine’s Tetyana Bilenko 5- severe criticism came from former a ball that is basically jumping off means to cope with what they are Captain Kohli, his deputy Rahane Doha, March 1: Ace Indian paddlers 11, 3-11, 12-10, 9-11 while Dani, who England captains like Michael a good length and everyone thinks going to encounter. and senior opener Rohit were seen Manika Batra and Harmeet Desai is ranked 200, went down 8-11, 6-11 Vaughan and a section of the British that’s a problem for batters,” he “Spin is also a part of the game, batting at the nets in a video posted made an impressive return to the in- 11-8, 6-11 against World No.85 Olah media. reasoned. this is what a Test match brings. The by the BCCI on Twitter. The three ternational circuit by registering Benedek of Finland. “I’ve been asked questions re- Weighing in on the debate, the bat- Indian pacers have been brilliant senior players drove, pulled and straight-game victories in their re- Chitale started off well against cently about the Test match that was ting great said, “But now you’ve over the past few years in terms of flicked against the fast bowlers spective qualifying round-2 matches Romania’s Irina Ciobanu with a played in India, the second and seen the other side, and this is why substance, the wicket-taking abil- and spinners at the Narendra Modi Virat Kohli at the World Table Tennis (WTT) game’s lead, but she couldn’t cap- third Test match against England. I think it was given the name Test ity and stuff like that.” Stadium here. at the nets Contender series here Monday. italise on the momentum and lost And I am a little confused about match cricket, because of the test The legend urged the English Head coach Ravi Shastri was y Batra, the 2018 Commonwealth the match 11-8, 9-11, 3-11, 8-11 against the question really because there of the mind and will and every- team to work harder and face the seen interacting with Rohit and of the world’s best batsmen.

Games gold-medallist, registered the World No.98. seems to be a lot of moaning and thing else that goes with it when challenge resolutely. “Now that Kohli before the two star batsmen They were also seen fielding

k k y y m m c c a 12-10, 14-12, 11-8 victory over Spain’s Achanta Sharath Kamal and groaning about the wicket that they you’re competing. you’re in India, you are going to sat together for a discussion. Left- with Rahane, standing next to Rohit Sofia-Xuan Zhang in women’s sin- Sathiyan Gnanasekaran have re- were playing on,” Richards said in “And the complaints have been encounter things and have got to find arm spinner Axar Patel, who bagged in the second slip position, taking gles, while World No.73 Desai ceived direct entries into the men’s a video posted on his Facebook that the wicket is spinning too a way. You’re going to get dirty. 11 wickets in India’s thumping win a one-handed diving catch to his notched up an easy 11-5 12-10 11-6 win singles main draw, while 10 other page. much and all that sorts of stuff. There is nothing in the rule book in the pink ball third Test at the right. The Indian team had a full- over compatriot Anthony Amalraj Indians are playing in the qualifiers “I just felt that the ones who are This is another side of the coin that says I’ve got to score my runs same venue, was seen rolling his fledged practice session here Sunday to progress to the third round of the at the event. moaning, in my opinion, should guys. People seem to forget that if in pretty, classical ways,” he said. arms over at the nets against some as well.

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