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DARING ACT SHOWDOWN BY FARMERS US HOUSE OVERRIDES TRUMP Actor Disha Patani has lived her Aquaman Patna police resort to lathi-charge on The US House of Representatives has voted by an fantasy standing on a surfboard in the protesting farmers during a massive overwhelming majority to override Trump’s veto of a $741bn defence Bill water in a yellow bikini LEISURE | P2 showdown TWO STATES | P8 INTERNATIONAL | P10

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 268 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 | 2020 12 PAGES | `4.00 6 UK returnees test +ve for new Covid variant AGENCIES one in the National Institute of Virology night, about 33,000 passengers dis- (NIV) Pune. All these persons have been embarked at various Indian airports New Delhi, Dec 29: Six persons who kept in single room isolation at des- from the UK. All these passengers Genome sequencing returned to India from the United ignated health care facilities by re- are being tracked and subjected by of all Covid+ flyers Kingdom have tested positive for the spective state governments and their states and UTs to RT-PCR tests. new mutated strain of coronavirus, the close contacts have also been put under So far 114 have been found positive NEW DELHI: All international passen- gers who arrived in India between Union Health Ministry said Tuesday. quarantine, the ministry said. for COVID-19. These positive samples December 9 and 22 and tested positive It said the UK variant genome of "Comprehensive contact tracing have been sent to 10 INSACOG labs for Covid-19 will be subjected to SARS-CoV-2 was detected in three has been initiated for co-travellers, (NIBMG Kolkata, ILS Bhubaneswar, genome sequencing as part of the samples in the National Institute of family contacts and others. Genome se- NIV Pune, CCS Pune, CCMB Centre's strategy to detect the mutated Mental Health and Neuro Sciences quencing on other specimens is going Hyderabad, CDFD Hyderabad, InSTEM coronavirus strain that has emerged in Quota for govt school Hospital (NIMHANS) Bangalore, two on. "The situation is under careful Bangalore, NIMHANS Bangalore, IGIB the United Kingdom recently. Others in the Centre for Cellular and Molecular watch and regular advice is being pro- Delhi, NCDC Delhi) for genome se- will be followed up by the state and Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and vided to the states for enhanced sur- quencing. "A total of 6 samples of 6 UK district surveillance officers and will be students kicks up row veillance, containment, testing and returnee persons have been found to tested as per ICMR guidelines, even if dispatch of samples to INSACOG labs," be positive with the new UK variant they are found asymptomatic between BMC launches move to trace UK returnees the ministry said. The presence of genome," the ministry said. The Centre fifth and the 10th day of their arrival. P9 POST NEWS NETWORK behind in this direction, she the new UK variant has already been took cognizance of the reports of virus alleged. BHUBANESWAR: In the wake of several returnees from the UK going untraceable, the reported by Denmark, the Netherlands, reported from UK and put in place a 23rd December till 31st December 2020 Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: The BJP demanded that Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation launched an operation to trace the missing per- Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Politics heated up in the the government convey a sons. The State Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra said, “A BMC team is tracing the pro-active and preventive strategy to and mandatory testing of all UK re- untraced persons in the capital who recently returned here from the UK. Most of the Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, detect and contain the mutant variant. turnees through RT-PCR test. The state over the state Cabinet’s special session of the persons who returned from the UK hailed from Bhubaneswar. The returnees from the Lebanon and Singapore, so far. This strategy included temporary samples found positive in RT-PCR test decision for reservation of Assembly to pass bills for UK have gone to 18 different districts of the state.” The ministry said that from suspension of all flights coming from to be genome sequenced by a consor- seats in medical and engi- reservation of seats for OBC November 25 to December 23 mid- UK with effect from the midnight of tium of 10 government labs. neering colleges for stu- and economically weaker dents who pass out from section. Senior Congress government-run schools. leader Suresh Routray too Questioning the move of criticized the move of the IRREGULAR by MANJUL Anubav, Varsha WILD BUT PLAYFUL the Cabinet, BJP leader government and said, “The Lekhashree government doesn’t have put in appearance Samantasinghar said, “The the power to implement it. state government has failed The decision of the Cabinet before SCW to ensure basic facilities is just an eyewash.” like providing text books Reacting to this, BJD POST NEWS NETWORK and uniforms to students spokesperson Elina Dash in the schools. Now, the gov- said, “We are shocked that Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: Noted ernment should clarify what the BJP is opposing such a Odia movie star and Kendrapara promoted them to announce historic and pro-student an- BJD MP and his actress wife this reservation in medical nouncement of Chief Varsha Priyadarshini Tuesday and engineering colleges Minister Naveen Patnaik appeared before the State for students of government- providing reservation for Commission for Women (SCW) run schools in the state.” students studying in gov- in connection with the marital The government is yet to ernment-run schools.” Take my advice. If you want to discord they find themselves in. implement 27 per cent reser- “We hope this is the per- avail world-class healthcare, Earlier, Varsha had approached vation for OBC students and sonal opinion of Lekhashree join politics and become a CM! the commission over the matri- 10 per cent for economically and not that of her party monial dispute December 15. weaker section students in ed- BJP,” she said. She hoped The commission had also is- ucation and the recruitment that entire country includ- SHORT TAKES sued notice to Anubhav and his par- process, Samantasinghar ing BJP ruled states would ents to depose before the com- said. Almost all states pro- follow this decision in some Bothra rewarded mission on the issue. However, vide at least 27 per cent reser- time. The BJP is actually Bhubaneswar: The state Anubhav Tuesday reached SCW vation in education and em- unnerved by the popular- government Tuesday promoted alone as his parents failed to appear Leopards in a playful mood inside their enclosure at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. The zoo observed its ployment sector while the ity of this decision taken three senior IPS officers reportedly due to health reasons. 61st foundation day Tuesday. PIC: BIKASH NAYAK state government is lagging by Naveen Patnaik. including Arun Bothra to the rank of additional director general of police. As per a notification by the General Administration department CSS funds release to be tougher UK flight suspension Tuesday, along with Bothra, Sanjay Kumar Singh and POST NEWS NETWORK The second instalment will be Sunita Kakran have been released after utilization of 75 per promoted to the ADG rank. likely to be extended Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: The Centre cent of the sanctioned fund. Bothra has recently cracked will tighten the procedures for re- However, this rule will not be ap- AGENCIES who returned to India from the the sensational Nayagarh The couple presented their sides lease of funds to the states and plicable, if the Union Cabinet de- United Kingdom have tested posi- minor girl rape and murder in connection with the family dis- union territories (UTs) under var- cided to release a specific quan- New Delhi, Dec 29: India is likely tive for the new strain of the virus. case. All three officers are pute before chairperson Minati ious Central Sponsored Schemes tum of fund under a scheme. to extend the suspension of pas- The presence of the new UK vari- from the 1996 batch and their promotion will be effective Behera. The closed-door counsel- (CSS). The revised norms will come Similarly, all implementing of- senger flights to and from the United ant has already been reported by from January 1, 2021. ing of the couple continued for into effect from next financial year fices will have to refund balance Kingdom to check the spread Denmark, the Netherlands, more than two hours. Both (2021-22). amount of CSS to the state nodal ac- of the new strain of coro- Australia, Italy, Sweden, Anubhav and Varsha reportedly The Department of Expenditure count by April 1, 2021. The amount navirus, Aviation and other countries. Goods train derails engaged in heated arguments under the Ministry of Finance has so refunded will be taken as the Minister Hardeep Singh Meanwhile, Airports Bhubaneswar: At least 13 many times during the counseling. sent the draft norms to the state fi- “For the seamless management opening balance for that scheme Puri said Tuesday. The Authority of India wagons of a goods train Anubhav, who first came out of nance department seeking its sug- of funds, the main account and all and the concerned ministry will ministry had last week Chairman Arvind derailed inside a tunnel the office of the chairperson, told gestions and observations. subsidiary accounts will be main- release the fund for the next fiscal suspended all flights be- Singh told the press con- between Jarati and Maliguda the waiting media outside that As per the proposed norms, the tained with the same bank. However, accordingly. tween the two countries ference the government railway stations in Odisha's the SCW has been created to re- state government will have to des- the state governments may choose The state governments will have from December 23 to is planning to hold the next Koraput district Tuesday, dress the problems of womenfolk. ignate a single nodal agency for different PSU banks for opening to release its share within 30 days December 31 over the mutated round of privatisation of air- officials said. The incident He came here out of his respect for implementation of a CSS and the single nodal accounts of different from the release of the central variant of the virus which is more ports in the first half of 2021. took place early in the the commission. He refused to fund will be transferred to a single CSS,” the department of expendi- share. contagious. "As far as the next round of air- morning in the Waltair division make public the facts he presented nodal account in a public sector ture said in the letter. Commenting on this, a senior "I foresee a slight extension of ports' privatisation is concerned, of the East Coast Railway before the commission. Meanwhile, bank authorized to carry out the In the beginning of a financial officer of the finance department temporary suspension of India- we are at the final stages of ob- zone, when the train was on its Varsha left the SCW without in- state government business. year, the Centre will release max- said, “We have forwarded the draft UK flights," the minister told a taining government approvals. way to Visakhapatnam from teracting with the reporters. With an aim to avoid parking of imum 25 per cent of the amount ear- procedures to all departments for press conference here Tuesday. "In Once the approvals are received, Kirandul, they said. Though Speaking on the issue, chair- public funds in different bank ac- marked for a state for a CSS for the their comment on them. The draft a day or two, we will find out if I think we will start the process of there is no casualty, the person Behera expressed satis- counts, the Centre has decided to year in first phase. If any unspent procedure is a welcome step for any additional steps need to be bidding in the first quarter of railway track has been damaged, the officials said. faction over the result of the first maintain the fund for a CSS ac- balance of CSS (centre and state proper maintenance of the public taken, or when we can start easing 2021," he said. The AAI had in Restoration work is underway, round of talks between the couple count in one designated bank. share) available with the state gov- money. However, the single bank the current temporary suspen- September recommended the they said, adding, train services over the matrimonial dispute. She Whenever a field level agency re- ernment, then the concern min- thing may create problem for our sion," he said. Centre now privatise airports at between Koraput and voiced hope over some positive quires funds, it can draw the istry will release the first instal- state as we don’t have enough bank Earlier in the day, the Union Amritsar, , Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam were disrupted. outcome of the discussions. amounts from the nodal account. ment deducting the balance amount. branches across the state.” Health Ministry said six persons Indore, Raipur and Trichy. MARKET WATCH INDEX VARIATION Rajini does a U-turn; backs out on political plunge SENSEX 47613.08 259.33 AGENCIES matically asserted that he was even his current venture 'Annatthe' test- election campaign to media and so-

BOURSES NIFTY 13932.60 59.40 ready to risk his life for the sake of I inform with great ing positive for coronavirus despite cial media and that it would not DOLLAR 73.81 `0.14 Chennai, Dec 29: Making a U-turn people's welfare by making a foray regret I am unable safety measures put in place and give the desired public 'resurgence' on his political plunge, superstar into politics. to come to politics pointed out he had tested negative for he had mentioned in March this EURO 89.83 `0.05 Rajinikanth Tuesday announced Discharged from a Hyderabad by floating a the contagion. He had participated year. In physical meetings, he would CURRENCY that he will not join politics and hospital on Sunday after being treated political party. Only in the shoot, involving about 120 peo- have to meet lakhs of people, he GOLD `50,015 `2 start a party as announced earlier, for blood pressure fluctuations, the I know the pain ple, despite doctors advising him said, adding "I had to be hospitalised SILVER `68,153 `664 citing his frail health. He had first top actor expressed fears over those behind making this against it, he said adding, later he suf- for three days after being in a group BULLION announced in 2017, after years of accompanying him in his possible announcement fered from blood pressure fluctuations. of 120 and now a new strain of coro- speculation, that he would indeed political journey facing "mental and "Clinically, there should not be any navirus has also emerged." RAJINIKANTH enter politics ahead of the 2021 economic" problems in the due course fluctuation in my blood pressure Though there may be a vaccine,

WEATHER Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu over his possible health issues. as it would severely affect my al- he was, however, consuming "im- y BHUB CTK and field candidates from all 234 After earlier acknowledging re- his severe health concerns and that actor said in a statement, days after ternate kidney and therefore I was muno suppressant", the actor said.

seats in the state. ports of him undergoing renal trans- he did not want to "make a victim" declaring he will float his own out- under medical observation for three Under these conditions amid the

k y m c MAX 30.2° 29.4° The veteran announced earlier plant in 2016, he recalled the hos- of his supporters now. fit in January and face the polls. days," he said. "I see this as a warn- pandemic, if he suffers a health

TEMP MIN 15.2° 13.6° this month that he will launch his pitalisation for blood pressure "Therefore, I inform with re- He, however said he will serve peo- ing given by God to me," he said issue, those accompanying him on Forecast political party in January and dis- fluctuation and said it could affect gret I am unable to come to politics ple in whatever ways he can with- and pointed out that the movie's his political journey may have to face Humidity 94% 90% Fog/mist close the specifics by December 31. his kidney. He indicated that he did by floating a political party. Only I out entering electoral politics. producer, Kalanidhi Maran of Sun many issues and embarrassments, Rainfall Nil Nil in the The top star, promising his brand not want to sound chivalrous by know the pain behind making this In the detailed statement, he re- Pictures, had postponed the shoot. besides "mental and economic" morning of spiritual politics, had then dra- saying he will join politics despite announcement," the 70 year-old called four of the crew members of He said he cannot confine his problems, he said. P2 TATUM SET TO JOIN BULLOCK EMMA WELCOMES HER WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR IN THE LOST CITY OF D FIRST BABY WITH HEDLUND Hollywood star Channing Tatum is in final negotiations to Actress Emma Roberts has reportedly given star opposite Sandra Bullock in upcoming film, The Lost birth to her first child, a baby boy. Emma and City Of D. In the film, to be directed by Adam and Aaron her partner Garrett Hedlund have reportedly

Nee, Bullock plays a romance novelist, while Tatum is set named the child Rhodes. “Everyone is y

leisure to act as a cover model, reports variety.com. healthy,” a source told eonline.com.

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FORTUNE FORECAST When Amitabh failed to Disha lives her ‘Aquaman’ ARIES imitate Michael Jackson

Today, you may get to : Iconic actor Amitabh share your ideas and opinions with like-mind- Bachchan is looking back at the time fantasy ed people. Ganesha says you may finally when he tried to replicate late king of pop have a heart-to-heart chat with your Michael Jackson in a film, and failed mis- Mumbai: Actress Disha Patani lives out beloved, and express your deep com- erably. her ‘Aquaman’ fantasy in a new picture she mitment. You may even talk of your long Big B posted a picture on Instagram posted on Instagram, where she looks stun- cherished dreams. taken on the set of Manmohan Desai’s ning in a yellow bikini. 1988 film In the image, Disha stands on a surfboard Gangaa Maddy to take in the middle of a water body holding a long TAURUS wooden stick. Logic may be your forte “Aquaman feels,” she wrote alongside the today, but in the game of audience on image. Disha will next be seen in Radhe, co- life, sometimes the heart starring Salman Khan and Randeep Hooda.The wins and sometimes the head. Your ana- ‘magical journey’ film is directed by Prabhudeva. lytical skills will help you understand Disha also has the starring role in KTina, pro- things better, in turn, making you wiser. Chennai: Actor R Madhavan, also duced by Ekta Kapoor. The film also features known as Maddy, has unveiled the Akshay Oberoi and Sunny Singh. Jamunaa Saraswathi, and shared trivia trailer of his next film Maara, which Rumours suggest the film GEMINI about the old film. is set in a picturesque world. could bear shades of “When Manmohan Desai thought Tweeting the trailer of the upcoming Ekta’s life. Disha You will witness a marked that I could replicate MJ in our film Tamil musical drama, Madhavan wrote: will also be seen improvement in your emotional quotient, says Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi. What a fail- “A magical journey that fills UR heart in Malang 2. Ganesha. This change may either come ure I was,” Big B captioned the post. with love,hope,N warmth.Trailer out Recently, the through watching a film, listening to a song In the film still, Big B is seen wearing now. Meet #MaaraOnPrime on Jan 8, Baaghi actress had or just a simple insight. At the workplace, a black leather jacket and leather pants, 2021, @PrimeVideoIN.” revealed several se- people will be lavishing praise on you for much in sync with Michael Jackson’s The trailer showcases the life of crets about her with your excellent performance. signature style which was all about Paaru (Shraddha Srinath), and how fans on social media, jacket, matching studded she finds a diary full of sketches and and has also shared what she pants, a sequined paintings in her new apartment. learnt during lockdown. IANS CANCER shirt and matching Awestruck by the paintings, Paaru You know how to make gloves. heads out to find the artist, Maara (R money, and you are Directed by Madhavan). Her journey traverses even better in putting it Manmohan Desai, through a realm of art, music, drama, to good use. Today, you will have your one eye on the develop- the movie also romance and hope. ments in the stock market, and the other starred Mithun “Maara extends from being a person on brochures of tourism companies. Yes, Chakraborty, Jaya to a world filled with pleasant people. The you may plan to spend some money on Prada, Meenakshi role of my character has been crafted with leisure, entertainment and getting closer Sheshadri, Amrish foremost importance given to the honesty to your family. Puri, Nirupa Roy in the relationships he shares with oth- and Aruna Irani. ers. And that trait makes the person as IANS somebody that the audience falls in love LEO with instantly,” said Madhavan. IANS It may be that the best daffodils bloom early in the morning, but good ideas can come any time of the day, says Ganesha. So spruce up your management skills, as you shall need them to help organise Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles parody comes to stage and cash in on the multitude of ideas that will bombard you today. THE PLAY IS A FUNNY whimsical parody of the parody of this famous story be- stick, gloriously silly kind. The murder mystery The Hound comes special with greater reason kind you can enjoy with the full fam- AND INVENTIVE TAKE AOf The Baskervilles by Sir - the three seasoned actors -- Madan, ily, kids definitely included. This fun VIRGO ON ONE OF THE Arthur Conan Doyle is all set to Lahiri and Khan -- play not 3 but a and inventive take on one of the clas- A la Sisyphus, you may make its debut on the digital sea- total of 15 characters. sics of English literature has been realise the futility of CLASSICS OF ENGLISH son of Aadyam, the theatre initia- In a display of pure virtuosity and shot the Aadyam way - on a set, in your efforts and con- tive by the Aditya Birla Group. prowess, the veteran actors take an auditorium, with a multi-cam- stant failure in achiev- LITERATURE WHICH The play, directed by Aakash up multiple roles in the play also era set up. So if your New Year's res- ing success. But do not despair, says Ganesha. Recharge your imagination, HAS BEEN SHOT ON A Khurana, will be screened via in- adding to the comic element of the olution is to forget the blues and inquisitiveness and intelligence and focus sider.in’s online streaming serv- show. At one instance, Vivek Madan start afresh, then be sure not to on your long-term goals, says Ganesha. SET, IN AN AUDITORIUM ice making it the second play of is Sherlock, at another he is the miss this ridiculously funny spoof.” AND WITH A Aadyam’s Digital Edition. Adapted guard, the scary lady, Mrs On his experience with creat- by Steven Canny and John Barrymore, and several other char- ing a play for the screens, Director MULTI-CAMERA Nicholson, this is a comic take on acters. In similar fashion, Lahiri and Akash Khurana says, “It’s certainly LIBRA the Sherlock Holmes story that Khan also essay multiple roles with a very new experience but the ac- Ganesha says today you SET UP, SAYS FAMOUS turns a tale of terror into an en- brilliance. tors and the entire crew have been will try to be adept in ACTRESS AND ART gaging burlesque. Actors Nadir Khan and Arghya Lahiri enacting a scene According to Shernaz Patel, extremely supportive through the your favorite subject. The cast features Vivek Madan Aadyam’s Artistic Director, “There making of this play.” Today you will be buying DIRECTOR antique artistic things too. If there are any as Sherlock Holmes, Arghya Lahiri a cult novel from over a century ago, that is thoroughly entertaining is no better way to welcome 2021 The play will be staged Jan 9, 16 legal proceeding going on then the results SHERNAZ PATEL as Dr Watson and Nadir Khan as the artistes along with the entire pro- while delivering remarkable per- than with laughter. Not the intel- and 17 at 7 pm while the audience will be in your favor. You shall be a success Sir Charles Baskerville. Celebrating duction team have created a piece formances. The gloriously funny lectual kind. The farcical, slap- can get tickets on insider.in. in everything that you touch today.

SCORPIO There is a big black hole in SUDOKU your pocket, and it's high post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, time you looked for reme- PEANUTS CROSSWORD dies there. Loved ones will column and box must contain the numbers make use of your money as suntan 0 to 9 and the letters A to E. cream – liberally and carelessly. You are most likely to burn the holes larger by spending lavishly, especially to impress a member of the opposite sex.

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

CAPRICORN Like you weren't already overworked, new respon- sibilities will keep you occupied throughout the SOLUTIONS day, says Ganesha. The excitement with which you work every day will weaken, and eventually die down by the end of the day.

AQUARIUS You get a pat on the back due to your brilliant aca- demic standing. People will admire your business BREVITY CROSSWORD acumen and may imitate your choices. But this doesn't mean you become haughty and unapproachable. Carry on the good work with a humble attitude, says

Ganesha.

y

k y m PISCES c Anticipation is all the fun. Sadly, this only alludes to your months-in-prepara- tion travel plans that are

most likely to be delayed today on one count CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU or the other. COVID-19 TRACKER P3 MURMU CALLS ON CM WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD CAG of India, Girish Chandra World 8,18,23,212 5,79,50,217 17,84,652 Murmu, calls on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the latter’s India 1,02,25,062 98,06,777 1,48,194 residence in Bhubaneswar,

downtown Tuesday. They discussed issues Odisha 3,29,001 3,24,775 1,868

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Bodies of youth, girl found hanging Most UK returnees from Capital city Lawyer nabbed for POST NEWS NETWORK POST NEWS NETWORK Municipal Corporation (BMC) is Sakhigopal, Dec 29: In a shock- tracing the untraced persons in the raping son’s friend ing incident, the bodies of a youth Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: The state state capital who recently returned Four more fatalities push and a girl were found hanging government has claimed that a ma- to the state from the UK. Most of the from a tree at Jeepur village of jority of the returnees from the persons who returned from the UK state’s Covid toll to 1,868 POST NEWS NETWORK Alagum panchayat under United Kingdom (UK) to Odisha hailed from Bhubaneswar. On the Satyabadi police limits in Puri are from the Capital city. other side, the returnees from the Odisha’s positivity rate stands at 4.78 per cent Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: There is no district Tuesday. The information was furnished UK have gone to 18 different districts let-up in sexual abuse of minor The deceased were identified by the State Public of the state,” tate’s Covid-19 caseload each Covid-19 patient succumbed girls in the state despite the efforts as Balabhadra Nayak, 24, and Health Director The state govt has Mishra said. Tuesday surged to 3,29,001 to the infection in Balasore, by the police. In yet another shame- Narmada Nayak, 20, of Jeepur Niranjan Mishra. asked the untraceable He also said Safter 263 more people tested Kalahandi, Khurda and Puri ful incident, Commissionerate Pradhansahi. It is suspected that He interacted with that there are positive for the infection, while districts. Police arrested a lawyer for raping the duo was in a relationship. But, the media Tuesday persons to report to the some phone num- four fresh fatalities As many as a 7-year-old girl under Lingaraj po- there is no confirmation whether and tried to allay government about their bers, given by pushed the toll to 53 patients died lice limits here. the incident was a case of suicide the fears of the com- them which are 1,868, a senior due to comor- The accused identified as Rabi or murder. mon people from the return to the state and not getting con- Health and Family bidities. The Dash of Ganjam district has been According to sources, a vil- new strain detected get tested nected or not Welfare (H&FW) de- coastal state’s staying in Lingaraj police station lager spotted the bodies near an in UK and its over- working. “But we partment official positivity rate area. Police claimed that the orchard in the morning and in- all impact on the are trying our best said. stands at 4.78 The victim resides with her lawyer sexually abused formed the incident to the de- Covid-19 scenario across the state. to reach out to them. All those who 0f the 263 cases, per cent. family near the lawyer’s resi- the minor girl when his ceased’s families. The state government has asked have come to the state after 151 were reported At least 68.82 dence. She used to visit the house On being informed, police the untraceable persons to report December 23 must inform the gov- from various quar- samples have of the accused to play with his wife was away reached the spot and recovered to the government about their re- ernment about the same. This is antine centres and been examined minor son. Monday evening the bodies. Balabhadra’s body was turn to the state and also get tested in the interest of the nation and the remaining dur- for Covid-19 in Police claimed that the lawyer found hanging with a pair of as soon as possible. This comes they must act accordingly,” he said. ing contact tracing, the official the coastal state so far, including sexually abused the girl when his trousers while Narmada’s body after several persons returned to the He also added, “I request all of said. Sundargarh recorded the 26,722 Monday, the official added. wife was away Monday evening. a complaint with the police in this was hanging with a dupatta. The state from the UK in the wake of new them to come forward and get tested. maximum number of new cases at Meanwhile, another 383 Covid pa- He also allegedly threatened the regard. Police swung into action hands of Balabhadra were found strain of the virus came to the fore. There is no need to be afraid. Not 32, followed by Bargarh 23 and tients recovered in Odisha, taking girl not to reveal the matter before and arrested the accused late tied with a handkerchief while a Many of the contact numbers given a single death has been reported nor Bolangir 22. the total recoveries in the coastal anyone. Monday night. bottle of pesticide was found from by them are allegedly not working. there is any rise of death rate or hos- Four districts—Dhenkanal, state to 3,24,775, the H&FW de- However, the victim revealed He was produced before the a nearby place, villagers said. The government also said that there pitalisation in the countries where Gajapati, Kandhamal and partment tweeted. the whole incident before her court after medical examination Family members of the de- was no need to panic about the new the new strain was detected. If there Koraput—did not register any new The recovered cases include 52 mother who enquired after spotting Tuesday afternoon. The POCSO ceased, meanwhile, revealed that Covid strain. is no rise in death rate, there is no case since Monday. from Sundargarh, 36 from blood stains on her dress. court later sent the accused to 14- they had no idea about the duo’s “The team from the Bhubaneswar need to panic.” According to the official, one Jharsuguda and 35 from Khurda. Subsequently, her parents lodged day judicial custody. relationship. “We have sent the bodies to Puri district headquarters hospital for postmortem. The exact reasons POLITICKLE MANJUL for the duo’s deaths can be ascer- Nandankanan to be made tained after receiving the post- mortem reports,” said Satyabadi IIC Debiprasad Patra. world-class zoo: Sharma Utkal varsity’s focus on 61st foundation day of the zoological park marks inauguration of the job-oriented courses rejuvenated exit path and a safari stand at the nature’s paradise

POST NEWS NETWORK media that Nandankanan will be de- veloped in accordance with the Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: In line technology used at Auckland Zoo, with the Vice-Chancellor's vision a 16.35-hectare zoological garden, of adopting a student-centric ap- at Auckland in New Zealand. proach and introducing job ori- Principal Chief Conservator of ented curriculums, a students’ Forests (Wildlife) Harisankar employability enhancement pro- Upadhaya welcomed the ‘adopt an gramme was organised as the first animal’ initiative of Nandankanan. step to achieve these goals. “People from across the coun- Addressing the valedictory ses- try, especially schoolchildren, sion of the programme, Tuesday, Dignitaries at the 61st foundation of Nandankanan Zoological Park OP PHOTO adopted many species at NZP dur- Utkal University’s Vice-Chancellor ing the pandemic. This is definitely Sabita Acharya, said, “Preparing POST NEWS NETWORK sures. “NZP houses 13 species of a noble gesture,” Upadhaya said. our students for future job search mammals, 15 species of reptiles, According to Nandankanan di- and improving their sense of self- Barang, Dec 29: If things go well, 71 species of birds and 85 species rector Shashi Paul, NZP will soon awareness are needed in the cur- Nandankanan Zoological Park of butterflies among others. start animal exchange programmes rent scenario. Apart from such (NZP) here will soon become a Nandankanan will soon introduce with zoos in Mizoram, Jaipur, trainings, we are also working on world-class zoo with the authorities more animals and birds. NZP au- Singapore and Sri Lanka. collaborating with different aca- planning to develop it with tech- thorities have prepared a 20-year Sources said that the cubs of ti- Reopen Ghatgaon demic institutions and organisa- nical knowhow from the Auckland mega development plan and sub- gress ‘Sneha’ were named as ‘Laba’ tions to introduce job-oriented Zoo in New Zealand. mitted with the Central Zoo and ‘Kusha’ on the basis of sug- Hike in incentives temple: Niranjan courses like Bio Physics, Bio The revelation from the NZP Authority for its approval,” said a gestions received online. Annual Chemistry, Cyber Security, Data came during the 61st foundation zoo source. magazine and calendar were also POST NEWS NETWORK Science, Artificial Intelligence, of the zoo. The event marked in- Attending the foundation day as inaugurated on the occasion. Clinical Psychiatry and several auguration of the rejuvenated exit chief guest, Forest and Environment Jatni MLA Suresh Kumar likely for marrying Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: Odisha others for the development of our path and a safari stand of the na- Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha Routray, Bhubaneswar (North) Pradesh Congress Committee University.” ture’s paradise. said that the zoo will soon have a chil- MLA Susant Kumar Rout, State (OPCC) President Niranjan Patnaik Utkal University has stepped It was in 1960 when Nandankanan dren’s train and a multi-level park- Bank of India’s Chief General Tuesday urged Chief Minister up its career guidance and place- began its journey with just 11 wild ing. Manager (Bhubaneswar Circle) specially-abled Naveen Patnaik to consider open- ment services with the introduc- animals. Currently, the zoo hosts Additional Chief Secretary to Ruma Dey and key functionaries of ing the Maa Tarini temple in tion of this type of training pro- around 3,787 varieties of animals Forest and Environment depart- Jindal Steel and Power Limited Keonjhar. grammes. and birds in as many as 212 enclo- ment, Mona Sharma, informed the were preset on the occasion. POST NEWS NETWORK to lead a normal and dignified life “I would like to draw your at- and also to encourage other persons tention to the fact that there are Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: The Social to marry the persons with dis- many shrines in every corner of 4 ANMs suspended for Security and Empowerment of ability,” the SSEPD department Odisha which are not only the Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) said in the proposal. seats of public faith and trust, but CBI nabs 4 including 3 GST officials visiting the Trinity department is contemplating to Earlier, there was an annual also the source of income for many POST NEWS NETWORK tion regarding a deal between the increase the incentive for normal budget provision of Rs 2 crore with families. One such ancient shrine SETTLING DUES alleged officials and the institute to Puri: Puri CDMO Nilakantha Mishra persons tying knot with differ- Rs 50,000 per couple. Now, it would is that of Maa Tarini at Ghatgaon Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: The Central settle some pending GST dues. The Tuesday suspended four auxiliary ently-abled partners. require a budget of Rs 50 crore in in Keonjhar district,” he said. Bureau of Investigation (CBI) CBI sleuths subsequently laid a nurse midwives (ANMs) for visiting Earlier, there was a provision five years for the same whereas Rs “Devotees from all corners of sleuths Tuesday arrested four per- trap to catch them red-handed. The Srimandir December 27 in violation of Rs 50,000 incentive for marrying 10 crore would be required annu- Odisha pay homage to Maa Tarini sons including three GST and cen- superintendents have demanded of the guidelines laid down by Puri specially-abled, but now the state ally for implementation of the every day. As a result, the whole tral excise officials while receiv- Rs 10 lakh from the authorities to administration. The ANMs were government is planning to increase scheme. The department said that of Odisha is bound by the god- ing bribe from the staffers of a settle the pending dues. deployed near the shrine to it to Rs 2.50 lakh. The proposal has the plan has been made in order to dess,” he wrote in his letter. private technical institute at a The accused were arrested while conduct thermal screening of the been sent to Finance department mainstream persons with disabil- Patnaik expressed displeasure prominent hotel here. doing the transaction as per the devotees, sources said. “The ANMs for approval. The SSEPD depart- ities in the society and achieve in- over the closure of the temple. The accused were identified as deal at the hotel here. visited Srimandir without ment claimed that this would help clusive development as mandated “Devotees from different parts of Artabhanjan Kar, Pradip Kumar also arrested Ashutosh Padhy, the The CBI sleuths have been car- producing any identity proof. the vulnerable section of the society. in United Nations Convention on Odisha are unable to send co- Acharya and NN Sahoo, all super- accounts officer of the private in- rying out raids at the residences Moreover, they did not have any “The State Government has been the Rights of Persons with conuts to the shrine. As a result, intendents of GST & Central Excise stitution. of the accused till the last report tokens issued by the administration pleased to approve the enhance- Disabilities (UNCRPD) and National the day-to-day rituals of the tem- department. The central agency The CBI had received informa- came in. to visit the shrine,” said a source. ment of incentive for marriage be- Policy for the differently-abled. ple are being affected and the shop- tween persons with disabilities The department has decided to keepers and traders associated and other persons, irrespective of implement the above scheme out with the temple are incurring category of disability, from the ex- of the State Sector scheme. The losses. My request is that imme- isting quantum of 50,000/- to scheme is likely to be implemented diate steps be taken to ensure that Two more shelters for City’s homeless 2,50,000/- so as to bring to the main- at state level by Director, SSEPD and devotees visit the Ghatgaon Tarini stream the persons with disabili- at the district levels by District Mandir like the Srimandir and POST NEWS NETWORK Despite the civic more number of homeless. ties in the society and enable them Social Security Officers (DSSOs). Lingaraj temple,” he said. At present, the BMC has seven Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: After it body’s efforts, many SUHs – Ghatikia, Baramunda Bus came to the notice that many peo- homeless were found Terminal, Unit VI, Ashok Nagar, ple in city are still sleeping under Chandrashekarpur, Bhimpur and MeT predicts chilly weather as NYD nears the open sky, the Bhubaneswar sleeping in open Kharavel Nagar. While the Ashok Municipal Corporation (BMC), during winter in the Nagar SUH is exclusively built for POST NEWS NETWORK perature of 5.5 degrees Celsius was Tuesday, stated that it would add two FILE PHOTO the elderly, the Chandrashekarpur recorded at Phulbani, while new temporary SUHs (Shelter for Capital city SUH caters to female refugees only. Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: The pre- Daringbadi in Kandhamal district Urban Homeless) to accommodate Meanwhile, Bhimpur SUH has been vailing cold-wave situation is likely recorded 6.5 degrees. more homeless people. “It has come to the notice of of the two schools. exclusively made as a de-addiction to intensify further during the New The places recorded a minimum Earlier, in a letter issued by the BMC that some of the labour- Patnaik also mentioned that these centre. While two agencies have Year’s Day celebrations, director temperature of below 15 degrees Housing and Urban Development ers are residing on the pavement two temporary shelters can ac- been deployed to mobilize the urban of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Celsius include are: Balasore (12.6), FILE PHOTO (H&UD), the state government had near Nayapalli Durgamandap and commodate an additional 100 in- homeless, the civic authority has also Centre, HR Biswas, said here, Chandbali (13), Cuttack (13.6), Angul instructed all urban local bodies Cuttack Road near Kalpana mates. Moreover, on demand claimed to formulate a dedicated Tuesday. Celsius in coastal Odisha, Biswas (12.6), Baripada (10), Jharsuguda

(ULBs) to strictly provide shelter Square. So, the BMC has decided arrangements would be made for WhatsApp number for resolving The cold-wave will intensify said. Predicting intense cold-wave (11.2), Keonjhar (11.2), Sambalpur

k y m c to the homeless and prepare a win- to run two temporary shelters at more beneficiaries. It can be men- issues within hours. mainly in interior pockets of the situation in next three days, the (13.7), Sundargarh (10.5), Hirakud ter action plan to avoid any Government Nodal UP School in tioned that earlier witnessing dense Furthermore, the H&UD depart- state from the night of December Met Centre has issued yellow warn- (13.2), Talcher (12.7), Bhawanipatna mishaps. However, despite BMC’s Sector 6 at IRC village and Station fog during night amid falling tem- ment has revealed that a ULB-wise 30 till December 2, he said. The ing for Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, (11.2), Balangir (12.2), Koraput (10), best efforts, many homeless were Bazar UP School at Budheswari perature, the BMC had decided to survey will soon be initiated to meas- minimum temperature is likely to Deogarh, Angul, Boudh and Titlagarh (13), Malkangiri (12.5), found sleeping in open during the Colony,” wrote Abani Kanta increase the capacity of urban shel- ure performances of the urban bod- fall by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in in- Kandhamal. As per a bulletin issued Sonepur (13), Nayagarh (13.5), Boudh winter here. Patnaik to Block Education Officer ters from 50 to 100 to accommodate ies in rehabilitating the urban poor. terior areas and by 2 to 3 degrees by the Met Centre, the lowest tem- (10.5) and Rayagada (10). P4 WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR power post

FOCUS POLITICAL CULTURE In order to see, you have to

stop being in the middle of

k y m the picture. c SRI AUROBINDO A POST-NATIONALIST BIDEN

he first step in estab- broadened and changed again, and lishing an authoritarian nationality became our pivotal iden- culture in a country is tity. We learned to take pride in our Mission Possible T to train its citizens to country in the way we once took misread statistics. This is actu- pride in our tribe, race, or other he State Government has, in a Cabinet meet held 28 Dec 2020, de- ally not hard to do; the rest is marker of identity and belonging. cided to reserve seats in Engineering and Medical courses for students smooth sailing. Luckily for the Today, we think of racial or Tpassing out of government schools. This has been done to encourage United States, President Donald caste supremacy as shameful. And government school students who are currently dropping out in large num- Trump will leave the White House I believe that a time will come in bers. This is a very welcome step. However, improving government schools in January before the curriculum the not-too-distant future when in Odisha is a long and arduous task. There is a belief that to build a tall and could be completed. we will feel as embarrassed about sturdy structure, one needs to dig deep foundation. The government education To be sure, the Trump admin- national pride as we now do about system in the state is in complete disarray. A lack of physical infrastructure istration’s handling of the statis- white supremacy and caste- or re- like classrooms, labs, toilets and in many cases playgrounds may not be the tics and science of the COVID-19 ligion-based cliques that exclude only hindrance. The major issue that is noticeable is the non availability of pandemic severely harmed peo- and exploit others. qualified teachers in sufficient numbers. Most schools in rural areas of the ple’s health and the economy. But We have reached a stage when state are pitifully understaffed. Many a school has a single teacher teaching President-elect Joe Biden is ex- we must learn to regard our human multiple subjects in different grades. The involvement of the teaching staff pected to reverse many of Trump’s identity as the most important. can safely be assumed as nonexistent. Most of the schools that previously Kaushik Basu follies and foibles and boost the Fortunately, philosophers, a few had private management were aimed at creating wealth for those who es- economy – starting with helping good politicians, and even some re- tablished the institutions. Today, in changed circumstances, government ap- those on the bottom rungs of the ligious leaders have taken the view pointed managing committees comprising local residents have not helped WE HAVE income ladder, who have been hit that racial, religious, and even na- improve the standard of education. Most of the members of these committees hardest by the pandemic. tional supremacy is morally un- are eyeing the benefits as they are suppos- REACHED A But as this dismal year draws to acceptable. edly temporary members. To put all the STAGE WHEN WE a close, I want to dwell on a larger Quite apart from the moral ur- problems related to school education into and harder task facing Biden and Most hyper-nationalist citizens do not realise gency of elevating this larger iden- one nutshell, it must be accepted that pri- MUST LEARN TO Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. that they are excellent fodder for greedy and tity, we are approaching a point in mary and secondary education system in With his narcissism and hyper- our history when narrow nation- the state has been a miserable failure. While REGARD OUR nationalism, Trump has not only unscrupulous politicians and financial leaders. alism will no longer be viable. government can obviously be blamed for the Piate HUMAN polarised America, but also fu- I have argued elsewhere that many of the goals Globalisation has advanced rapidly present situation, it is also important to eled right-wing authoritarianism since the end of World War II, and note that local residents and guardians also Tathagata IDENTITY AS around the world. And his sup- we strive for in life are not innate cravings, as the rise of digital technology over play a major role in the decline in the level Satpathy THE MOST porters’ identification with him has mainstream economics assumes, but rather the last three or four decades has of education in government schools. O spawned an obsession with ma- flattened the world even more. It may be exciting to claim that there IMPORTANT terial wealth to the neglect of basic “created targets” like sporting success. This economic globalisation is no will be reservations in state run engineering and medical colleges for stu- human decency, empathy, and the Nationalism also belongs in this category longer compatible with the polit- dents passing out of these government schools. The ocean of students ap- environment, along with a xeno- ical balkanisation that hyper-na- pearing for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) may give an impression that phobic disdain for the “other” that tionalism underpins. the old rut of education is still alive and kicking. This impression may not should have no place in our glob- tionalist citizens will soon be wait- must be not just to make America America’s foreign-policy record be completely wrong. However, reality is that a lot of students are now opt- alised world. ing with bated breath to see if genuinely great again (although is not blemish-free. But America ing for courses such as liberal arts and humanities. No doubt, there still are Most hyper-nationalist citizens their country’s richest person will four years of Trump have created can be a catalyst if it actively en- enough parents forcing their wards to go in for competitive exams to join do not realise that they are excel- top the global list. ample scope for doing that). To gages with the world once again government service. On the other hand, with prosperity has come a desire lent fodder for greedy and un- Then, once this excitement put US presidents’ global reach – and not with a view only to its to do something independent. As opportunities for jobs are shrinking, the scrupulous politicians and fi- reaches a certain level, start a to good use and address some of the own interest this time. Biden and course of education too has to be modified. Students and especially girls need nancial leaders. I have argued fund to which all citizens can con- world’s ills, Biden should adopt Harris should show vaulting am- to be academically and emotionally equipped to face modern challenges of elsewhere that many of the goals tribute in order to boost their na- an internationalist mindset. bition and set their sights high. society and individual life. Although girls of middle and upper class fami- we strive for in life are not innate tional champion’s chances. In ancient economies based on They need to restore America’s lies perform well in academics, the lower middle class and poor sections of cravings, as mainstream economics Whether or not they win the race, hunting and foraging, people’s status in the world not for its own society accept their daughters dropping out early in school. With this female assumes, but rather “created tar- some of these very rich people lives were defined by their tribal sake, but to make the world a bet- workforce remaining uneducated and untrained, it will become impracti- gets” like sporting success. will now be able to sit back and be- allegiances, and that worked fine. ter place. cal to expect balance in society. Nationalism also belongs in this come even richer by the folly of As our ancestors learned farm- Admittedly, the reach and spread of government primary and secondary category. their country’s nationalists. ing, and work became more spe- The writer, a former Chief schools cannot be matched by private schools. For most of rural India in- With this in mind, there might These propensities are already cialised, they moved from those nar- Economist of the World Bank cluding Orissa, the only choice for schooling is government operated insti- even be a business opportunity at work in subtle ways, and are cre- row loyalties to the broader and Chief Economic Adviser tutions. Therefore, the state government’s intention of giving a fillip to the in drumming up excitement about ating global strains that will con- categories of race and caste. to the Government of India, is students from these schools may be considered a noble thought. But a thought how your country’s richest people tinue to cause considerable dam- As economies of scale in pro- Professor of Economics at is not enough. Government schools desperately need simultaneous focus are faring against other countries’ age unless they are reversed. For duction and manufacturing grew Cornell University and on infrastructure, teaching staff as well as curriculum. This is a very dif- richest people. Whip up the com- the sake of America and the world, even greater and whole regions Nonresident Senior Fellow at ficult job but not unattainable. The example of the efforts of the Kejriwal petition through commercials and the Biden administration must specialised in different kinds of the Brookings Institution. government in Delhi is a point to ponder. In its first term, the Aam Aadmi pliant reporting, and hyper-na- take up this challenge. The aim economic activities, our allegiances ©PROJECT SYNDICATE Party government scrutinized and improved Delhi government schools as a core mission. The schools not only got improved infrastructure but also an overhaul of curriculum and teaching staff. Resultantly, many par- ents are now shifting their wards from private to government schools. Interestingly, this drive of the AAP benefitted Kejriwal politically also and it is said that the improvements in education led to the second time mas- sive win of the party. Orissa also needs focus to be laid on primary and secondary education. IN JEST THIS Baby steps need to be taken in revamping teachers’ training and testing their abilities. Once the human resource improves in quality, other aspects will slowly fall in line. This requires a missionary zeal of few individuals. Finding these individuals to lead this movement is of prime importance. Make resolutions that you’ll actually keep WISDOM CORNER have always loved this time of 300 words per day, which is quite the year, mostly because it allows achievable. Eventually you may Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the me to dream of all the possi- want to increase your daily output torments of man. FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE I bilities that the New Year will from 300 words to 500 words, but Let come what comes, let go what goes. See what remains. bring. This is a time to make New don’t do it until you’ve written 300 RAMANA MAHARSHI Year’s resolutions and transform words a day for at least 21 days. our lives. It’s amazing what a dif- That’s three weeks, which is ap- You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, ference a few resolutions can make. parently how long it takes for a prepare to win, and expect to win. ZIG ZIGLAR For example, a few years ago, I habit to stick. After three weeks, was determined to change the the “new habit” is now the “new Melvin Durai shape of my body, so I resolved to normal.” And soon you’ll have WORDSWORTH “exercise for 90 minutes a day” publishers telling you to slow down and “avoid all forms of junk food.” and give Chetan Bhagat a chance. After one month, I evaluated my It’s also important not to give up Whilom NEW YEAR’S progress and realised that I had on your resolutions easily. If your RESOLUTIONS spent 90 minutes a day eating junk resolution to run for 10 minutes a his adjective is one of four — the others being erstwhile, quondam and food and avoided all forms of ex- they’re going to run for an hour a go from 40 minutes of exercise all day crumbles, create another res- Tumquhile — with the same meaning: formerly, in the past. All are unfamiliar CAN INDEED ercise. My body had indeed day, beginning on Jan. 1. This usu- the way down to 40 seconds of olution right away to run for five and un-English in appearance, though whilom is not the least odd. None is changed. ally results in a long line at the excuses. minutes a day. If that fails, try common but whilom is rare enough today to the extent that current TRANSFORM OUR What had I done wrong? I had doctor’s office on Jan. 2. It’s important to keep your goals three minutes a day. You will even- dictionaries mark it as archaic. This may not be a surprise to the writer of this LIVES, BUT set my goals too high. This is a mis- First patient: “Ouch, my foot!” realistic. Remember: small goals tually be successful, even if you’re letter, an expatriate professor of English and Irish Literature in a German take I’ve made many times in my Second patient: “Ouch, my back!” help you achieve big goals. If you’re running for just 30 seconds a day. university: As a whilom Irishman since 1961, I follow the news rather seriously. USUALLY NOT AS life: set high goals and set Third patient: “Ouch, my wallet!” hoping to compete in the Hyderabad If that doesn’t seem like a big (The Irish Times, 18 May 2010) It was once part of the vocabulary of literate DRAMATICALLY AS myself up for failure. Trust me, you are better off run- marathon, don’t try to run 26 miles achievement, just take a look English speakers, such as JM Barrie, who wrote in The Little White Bird of 1903: New Year’s resolutions can in- ning for 10 minutes a day consis- right away. Begin by running 26 laps around you. How many people do “Whom did I see but the whilom nursery governess sitting on a chair in one of WE’D LIKE deed transform our lives, but usu- tently than aiming for something around your coffee table. If you you see running for even 10 seconds these gardens.” He meant that that the lady had once been a governess, but was TO BELIEVE ally not as dramatically as we’d longer and wishing you had mar- collapse halfway, don’t worry. You when there isn’t a dog one no longer. Barrie wrote that at what proved to be the peak of the word’s like to believe. If there’s one piece ried a doctor. But here’s what usu- can try again tomorrow. chasing them? popularity. By the time of this next appearance, it had been rapidly falling away of advice I want everyone to heed, ally happens to people: they aren’t Over a period of weeks, perhaps The average person in big cities from favour for a couple of decades: His might have been, as his whilom it’s this: Don’t aim high—aim low. happy with 10 minutes, so they months, you can turn your small like Mumbai or New York runs playmate, the Hon. Galahad Threepwood, had made so abundantly clear in Aiming high is how most people fail. try 20 minutes, then 30, then 40. goals into bigger goals. Just say for only 20 seconds a year—just Chapters Four, Seven, Eleven, Eighteen, and Twenty-Four of his immortal work, a Some people have never exercised Before long, their body resists this you want to write a 350-page novel long enough to take a photo for frivolous youth, but in his late fifties he was taking life extremely seriously. in their entire lives, yet they some- big change, perhaps through a in 2021. All you need to do is write their annual “I ran the marathon” (Heavy Weather, by P G Wodehouse, 1933) The word dates to Old English, at a how convince themselves that muscle strain or illness, and they one page a day, right? That’s about post on Facebook. time when the language was heavily inflected — adjectives, nouns, and verbs taking different endings depending on the job they were doing. Whilom — then spelt hwilom — was the dative plural of hwil, the same word as our modern while. As English progressively lost its inflections, the word became a fossil, with Social media honey traps Jolt to BJP its ending stuck to it permanently; at the same time the meaning shifted to mean something of a former time, a change that was complete by the fifteenth century. Sir, With evolving technology we are stumbling upon new faces online these days. Social media allows us to Sir, Tamil Nadu’s ruling interact with people from different fields and different parts of the world. The best part is we become friends AIADMK asserting that EK etters easily with new people. But relationships based on technological ties can sometimes put one in trouble if Palaniswami will be the chief LOL the person is not cautious about the way one conducts with others. The number of honey trap gangs has in- ministerial face of the alliance creased these days. The gangs target men and interestingly, women are enlisted to set the trap. The gangs for the 2021 Assembly elections TOL THE EDITOR extort money by threatening men after taking their nude pictures through video calls. In the beginning, the while ruling out any chance Investment counsellor question.” She leaned Readers of Orissa POST honey trappers send friend requests from profiles of women. Once their friend requests are accepted, they of a coalition government must forward. “Mr. Mayberry, are most welcome to contribute letters start sending messages to the victims’ inboxes. They make friends through obscene conversations. The trust come as a jolt to the BJP. The n investment counsellor decided are you an honest lawyer?” “Honest?” (200 words), articles and of the victims is gained by exposing nudity through video calls. Meanwhile, the victims also share their nude AIADMK launched a veiled at- columns (between 750-1250 Ato go out on her own. She was replied the job prospect. “Let me tell words). Contributors are pictures. Once the victims fall into the trap, the women would vanish from the scene. Then men take over tack on the saffron party by shrewd and diligent, so business kept you something about honest. Why, I’m requested to send their and demand large sums of money by threatening to send the images and videos to family members and friends. alleging that a few national coming in, and pretty soon she so honest that my father lent me contact numbers and full With their reputation at stake, the victims don’t file police complaints. The police have warned that incidents parties are trying to ‘discredit’

realised that she needed an in-house $15,000 for my education, and I paid postal address/email ID. They may also of honey trap, targeting prominent people have been on the rise. Even if the culprits were tracked down, the 50-year rule by Dravidian

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c counsel. The investment banker began back every penny the minute I tried and suggestions, preferably by email, the chances of retrieving the money were bleak, they say. All honey trap cases exploit basic human weak- parties. The BJP which is toy- to interview young lawyers. my very first case.” “Impressive. And to: [email protected] ness. In most cases, the video being played to arouse a victim is either a pre-recorded one or completely fake. ing with the idea of a coali- “As I'm sure you can understand,” she what sort of case was that?” asked There are enough online tools available to stream a fake webcam video. These criminals buy details of po- tion government in Tamil Nadu started off with one of the first the investment counsellor. The lawyer tential victims before trapping them. They also target people by hacking their email accounts and access- would do well to revisit its applicants, “in a business like this, our squirmed in his seat and admitted, B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, ing personal details. Before it is too late every social media user must be careful about unknown friends and strategy. NJ Ravi Chander, personal integrity must be beyond “He sued me for the money.” Bhubaneswar-751010 should report to the nearest cyber police station in case of urgency. K Ravi, BHUBANESWAR BANGALORE P5 WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR state

ICDS goes for a toss

k y m No electricity for farmers in Angul c As over 200 lift irrigation points remain defunct due to short supply of electricity in Angul, farmers continue to suffer in Kalahandi district POST NEWS NETWORK administration has provided funds POST NEWS NETWORK for construction of buildings of Bhawanipatna, Dec 29: Given many Anganwadi centres. But due Angul, Dec 29: Defunct lift irri- the way Anganwadi centres are to apathy of the Women and Child gation points have left the farming functioning in parts of Kalahandi Development department, build- sector in mess in the industrial district, it is apparent that the ings of these centres have remained Angul district. Farmers continue to Integrated Child Development incomplete over years. suffer while no efforts are being Scheme (ICDS) has gone for a toss, A case in point is the Juanga made by the concerned depart- a report said. Anganwadi centre in Karlapata ments to set things right in the According to the report, most panchayat. The Rural Development larger interests of the farmers, a re- of the Anganwadi centres are either department provided Rs5 lakh for port said. run in rented houses, under trees its building five years ago. According to the report, over 200 or with temporary arrangements, The work of the building has lift irrigation points are lying unuti- even though the government is not progressed beyond the plinth lized for lack of electricity supply. Sorry state providing a lot of funds for infra- level foundation. Farmers in some areas have been structural development. As the AWC has no building of struggling for water. here are 897 lift irrigation Anganwadi centres play a cru- its own, it is run on the verandah Due to non-cooperation of the Electricity department, On the other hand, industrial to pay Rs20,000. A farmer can irri- Tpoints, but 205 of them cial role in pre-school education, nu- of a person’s house in the same have been lying defunct units in the district allegedly suck lift irrigation points are going defunct. After gate an acre of land while four trition, vaccination of kids and village. privatisation of the electricity distribution, such water away, making water crunch farmers can form a pani panchayat he irrigation points aim to even healthcare, nutrition and vac- Locals lamented on the sorry for the agriculture sector. As a re- problems have increased and use water from any source. Tirrigate 22,146 hectares of cination of expectant and post de- state of the AWCs while the de- sult, the farming sector in the dis- SANTOSH MISHRA | EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, LIFT IRRIGATION DEPT In rainy season, farmers fail to land in the dist livery women. partment concerned has failed to trict has taken a beating, the re- get benefits of lift irrigation scheme There are 2,268 Anganwadi and carry forward the work. ith only 692 lift port said. Many lift irrigation points were set up near creeks and for lack of electricity. Farmer mini Anganwadi centres in the They suspected that the AWC Wirrigation points, 16,488 Angul district has many dams, rivers. Many have become defunct. As the district is Manas Kumar Pal (Angul) said, hectares of farmlands are district. building might have been shown as rivers, underground water sources. industrially rich, the agriculture is being sidelined by “Many lift irrigation points had being irrigated Of them, about 1,000 AWCs do not complete in official records while Lift irrigation projects are being the administration been set up near creeks and rivers. have houses of their own. funds might have been misappro- executed to feed water from these Many have become defunct. As the In remote areas under T. Rampur, priated. MANAS KUMAR PAL | FARMER sources to the farmlands. The ir- district is industrially rich, the Santosh Mishra, executive en- Lanjigarh, and M Rampur, most The villagers have demanded rigation points aim to irrigate 22,146 agriculture is being sidelined.” gineer of the Lift Irrigation de- of the AWCs are functioning from an investigation into the utiliza- hectares of land in the district. for lift irrigation points becoming plain about it before the officials, the Another farmer Ramani Ranjan partment said that owing to non-co- rented houses, under trees and ve- tion of the funds. There are 897 lift irrigation points, defunct. Due to disasters or technical latter always plead for their help- Pradhan of Kishorenagar said as the operation of the Electricity randahs of schools. Same is that condition of scores but 205 of them have been lying de- reasons, supply has been disrupted lessness. faulty management of the Lift department, lift irrigation points are It was learnt that the district of other AWCs in the district. funct due to the alleged negligence or transformers have gone out of There are two systems working Irrigation department is not set going defunct. After privatization of the departments. order. Farmers alleged that they in lift irrigation sector. Farmers right, farmers are not getting sub- of the electricity distribution, such With help of 692 lift irrigation have been exhausted from fre- can have deep bore wells on their sidies. Ranjit Pradhan of problems have increased, he added. points, 16,488 hectares of farmlands quenting to the local lift irrigation own efforts with certain amount Chendipada alleged that after pani “Feeder wires are being stolen are being irrigated. offices to set things right, but no cor- of deposits at the department. panchayat, lift irrigation points while in some cases transformers It is alleged that lack of power in- rective measures have been taken. BPL farmers will have to pay have been left in a mess and ulti- go out of order. But they are not frastructure is the major reason They said that when they com- Rs10,000 while general farmers have mately farmers have to suffer. being repaired,” he pointed out.

Goods train derails WALKATHON FOR HEALTH Farmer critical in Koraput dist in jumbo attack

POST NEWS NETWORK POST NEWS NETWORK Representative pic Koraput, Dec 29: A major tragedy Bhanjanagar, Dec 29: Two days was averted on the railway line be- after two persons were killed in an tween Maliguda and Jarti rail- elephant attack in Galeri forest way stations in Koraput district range under Ghumusar north for- Man held for killing wife as 13 wagons of a goods train de- est division in Ganjam district, railed in the early hours of another farmer was rendered crit- POST NEWS NETWORK Tuesday morning after some neigh- Tuesday. ical in jumbo attack in bours of Khairu came across a foul Sources said the train was head- Jagannathprasad forest range, Sundargarh, Dec 29: Tension pre- smell which was coming out of a pit ing towards Visakhapatnam from Tuesday. vailed in Sabadega under Talsara located on the backyard of his home Kirandul. It had left Maliguda The injured farmer was iden- police limits in Sundargarh dis- and called up the police. Police re- railway station at 4.30 am. tified as Surendra Nayak of trict Tuesday after police exhumed covered her decomposed body after The derailment could have re- Haripur village. He has been ad- the dead body of a woman after reaching the spot and carried out an sulted in a major mishap but thank- mitted in Bhanjanagar hospital three days of her murder and ar- excavation later. fully no injury was reported in from where he will be shifted to rested her husband in connection The deceased was working as a the accident. But the railway track MKCG Medical College and with the case. maid in the society. However, she had got damaged in the mishap, af- Hospital for advanced treatment, The identification of the victim been missing since last Saturday. fecting traffic on the route. Wednesday. The incident has is yet to be ascertained, while the ac- Suspecting this, the locals ques- Kirandul–Visakhapatnam sparked panic in the area as jumbo cused has been identified as Khairu tioned Khairu on his wife’s where- Express was learnt to have re- menace continues unabated with Nayak. The murder which had taken abouts. He answered that he had no turned to Koraput as it could not pachyderms camping in the area place last Saturday came to light information regarding his wife. proceed on the route due to the de- As part of Fit India programme, BSF Jawans of 76 Battalion take part in a walkathon at MV-79 village in Malkangiri with their herd members. Forest railment. Tuesday OP PHOTO officials advised people not to ven- ture into the area where presence of elephants has been sighted. The incident occurred when he had lit a bonfire near his farm- THEY LEFT A NEEDLE IN HER, NOW land and guarding his crops. A tusker suddenly approached him and threw him to a distance with SHE DEALS WITH PAIN EVERYDAY its tusk. LATA WAS ADMITTED TO A MEDICAL FACILITY TO DELIVER HER BABY BUT LITTLE DID SHE KNOW POST THAT SHE WILL BE DEALING WITH EXCRUCIATING PAIN DAILY

POST NEWS NETWORK Proper steps will be Her husband Prabhat with lit- taken to get her treated tle money in hand finds it difficult Nayagarh, Dec 29: A woman has at Cuttack or to take his wife to Cuttack with her been going through excruciating Bhubaneswar. There is no health condition remaining critical. pain for the last five days due to al- problem He has alleged that the doctors have leged negligence of a staff nurse in opened the stitch a number of times SHAKTI MISHRA | CDMO, NAYAGARH the Khandapada health centre in to trace the needle but in vain. this district. Moreover, they are yet to issue him The woman is identified as Lata stitch in her womb. She was dis- discharge certificate referring her Bahuka, wife of Prabhat Bahuka, charged from the hospital after her to Cuttack. He has become appre- of Gochhabari village under delivery but experienced pain after hensive of his wife’s health with Khandapda block. The staff nurse her arrival at home. Family mem- money and time running out of is alleged to have left a needle in her bers rushed her to the hospital from hand. womb while performing a stitch Lata Bahuka where she was shifted to the dis- A doctor at the Khandapada hos- after her delivery in the hospital, trict headquarters hospital after pital said that steps will be taken December 25, a report said. The neg- The woman from an economi- the doctors tried to take out the nee- after holding consultations with ligence of the nurse in perform- cally poor background was admit- dle but in vain. Doctors at the dis- the chief district medical officer. ing the stitch has sparked resent- ted to the hospital December 25. trict headquarters hospital referred When contacted, CDMO Dr Shakti ment among the family members There she delivered a baby girl her to the SCB Medical College and Mishra said proper steps will be and residents in the area. She has under the supervision of a doctor. Hospital in Cuttack. But, they also taken to get her treated at Cuttack become bed-ridden even though However, a staff nurse allegedly proved unsuccessful in taking out or Bhubaneswar and ruled out any she had a normal delivery. left a needle while performing a the needle. problem. Eco tourism boost for Talsari-Udaipur beach 50 ACRES OF FOREST LAND TO BE HANDED OVER TO REVENUE DEPT

POST NEWS NETWORK ment to hand over 50 acres of land to the Revenue department as soon as Bhograi, Dec 29: Eco tourism is going possible. to get a boost in Bhograi area of It was learnt that 506 high mast light Balasore. About 50 acres of forest land posts will be set up at Talsari-Udaipur will be handed over to the Revenue de- beach, Sahabajipur and Chandaneswar- partment so that various infrastructures Subarnadweep main road. will be developed along Talsai-Udaipur At the meeting, the officials dis- beach. cussed on a deer park at Bichitrapur eco Collector K Sudarshan Chakraborty tourism centre, cottages and con- visited Talsari-Udaipur beach Tuesday File photo struction of a foot-fly bridge from and held a review meeting with mem- Talsari to Subarnadweep. bers of Belabhoomi Unnayan Parishad, He observed that Digha beach in The MLA revealed that the state gov-

officials of Irrigation and Drainage, West Bengal, which is close to Talsari- ernment has sanctioned Rs3.05 crore

k y m c Energy and Rural Development de- Udaipur beach, has become a major for restoration of famous Chandaneswar partments at OTDSC here. tourist hub while this beach’s devel- temple. The meeting was presided over by opment has lagged behind. The Collector and the MLA laid Bhograi MLA Ananta Das. He expressed He pressed for a special package for stress on a demand of Bajitpur and his displeasure over tardy pace of de- its development. Huguli sarpanchs for appointment of velopment work of the tourist spot. The MLA asked the Forest depart- eight staff for sanitation of beaches.

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WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR

The year 2020 was marked by the might of microbial forces, but it was nothing less than a spectacle in terms of exercise of power by elected representatives and mass leaders. Be it the US presidential elections or the application of force to contain dissent in India, Hong Kong and elsewhere, we saw new faces entering the power corridors and the incumbents exercising their authority. For Odisha too, it was a Herculean task to make the citizens follow Covid norms, and the most difficult of all— conducting the Rath Yatra amid the protocols. Orissa POST takes a look at the ‘Most Powerful Personalities of the year’…..

VK PANDIAN PRAMOD KUMAR MISHRA AMIT SHAH MUKESH AMBANI RAHUL GANDHI MOHAN BHAGWAT 5T SECRETARY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO PM UNION HOME MINISTER RIL, CHAIRMAN & MD CONGRESS LEADER RSS CHIEF

DHARMENDRA PRADHAN UNION CABINET MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND STEEL AJIT DOVAL UDDHAV THACKERAY MAMATA BANERJEE GAUTAM ADANI DARSHAN PAL NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR CHIEF MINISTER, MAHARASHTRA CHIEF MINISTER, WEST BENGAL ADANI GROUP, FOUNDER-CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT, KRANTIKARI KISAN UNION

NARENDRA MODI PRIME MINISTER

PRANAB PRAKASH DAS BJD GEN SECY (ORGANISATION) YOGI ADITYANATH JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA JUSTICE SHARAD ARVIND BOBDE PRASHANT BHUSHAN SONU SOOD CHIEF MINISTER, PRESIDENT, BJP CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA SENIOR LAWYER ACTOR NAVEEN PATNAIK CHIEF MINISTER

SURESH CHANDRA MOHAPATRA CHIEF SECRETARY DESIGNATE

XI JINPING KAMALA HARRIS DONALD J. TRUMP VLADIMIR PUTIN BORIS JOHNSON JOSHUA WONG CHI-FUNG EMMANUEL MACRON PRESIDENT, CHINA VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT, USA PRESIDENT, USA PRESIDENT, RUSSIA PRIME MINISTER, UNITED KINGDOM OPPOSITION LEADER, HONG KONG PRESIDENT, FRANCE

KRISHAN KUMAR SJTA CHIEF MANAS MANGARAJ BJD GENERAL SECRETARY (MEDIA ADVISOR)

JEFF BEZOS RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN VIKTOR ORBÁN JUSTIN TRUDEAU ELON MUSK HASSAN ROUHANI JACK DORSEY

CEO, AMAZON PRESIDENT, TURKEY PRIME MINISTER, HUNGARY PRIME MINISTER, CANADA FOUNDER, CEO AND CTO, SPACEX PRESIDENT, IRAN CEO, TWITTER

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WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m Cops resort to lathi-charge Fluoride in water cripples many in Agra c INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

Agra, Dec 29: Amid all talks of de- velopment in India in the 21st cen- during farmers’ showdown tury, hundreds of residents of Pachgai Patti village -- just a few kilo- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE We are standing by metres from the iconic 17th century the farmers agitating monument of love, Taj Mahal -- Patna, Dec 29: Hundreds of farm- at the borders of are still forced to lead the lives of ers reached Patna Tuesday and Delhi. Centre wants to grab cripples in the absence of safe assembled near the Gandhi Maidan lands through these farm potable drinking water. before they took out a mega march laws to benefit corporates These villagers move to the Bihar Raj Bhawan. around with crooked Imagine, RAMESH YADAV I FARMER District administration had limbs or with other a whole village placed barricades at Gandhi physical deformi- full of physically Picture used for representation Maidan to prevent those already these farm laws to benefit corpo- ties due to the ill- challenged persons camping there for the last few days. rates. We have no faith on the effects of excess with no hope or light at toxic for human con- physically challenged persons with Now with the added reinforcement Centre’s promises. The intention fluoride in under- the end of the tunnel sumption. no hope or light at the end of the more barricades were set up to of the Modi government is not ground water they GIRISH CHANDRA SHARMA I “A large number tunnel,” he quipped. block the farmers march from the right. They want monopoly in the are forced to con- ADVOCATE of people have fallen Last winter, 50-year-old Than historic ground. agriculture sector as well after sume and use it for victims to the malady, Singh, a daily wager, died in agony However, the farmers already privatising the Indian Railways, other routine chores as leading to their physi- due to his physical deformities. huge in numbers, quickly gained telecom sector, aviation sector and they have no other alternative. cal deformities. Many cannot even He had not stirred out of his mod- strength with every passing minute others. We will not let that hap- The village, situated in Agra dis- walk straight,” he pointed out. est home since 2012, except for a few and broke the barricades between pen,” Ramesh Yadav, a farmer from trict, is said to have the dubious dis- “The Prime Minister had visits to the doctors. His last day was Gandhi Maidan and Dak Banglow Nalanda district said. tinction of reporting maximum launched a `4.18 crore water proj- spent on a cot, as his wife fed him Chowk. “It is not a fight for the rights of number of disabled persons from ect for the area January 9, 2019, to keep the flame of life Police had to resort to baton- Police personnel baton-charge on All India Kisan Khet Mazdoor Sangathan farmers only but it is a fight for the area. More than seven decades but we do not want underground flickering. charge the farmers on Frazer Road (AIKKMS) members during their protest march towards Raj Bhawan against every poor person, salaried class, after Independence, this village water through handpumps or over- Than Singh had told IANS a few in a bid to disperse them from the the new farm laws, in Patna, Tuesday. PTI PHOTO middle class, small traders and with a population of more than a head water tanks, as such water is months before his demise: area. The tussle between farmers businessmen. If the NDA govern- 1,000 faces shortage of potable unfit for human consumption. The “Someday, I will hang myself or and police has been underway at contentious farm laws passed in in Parliament. The NDA govern- ment is successful in this, we will drinking water. Ganga Jal pipeline should be ex- throw myself before an oncoming several places apart from the city's Parliament by the Narendra Modi ment is trying to impose these leg- face huge consequences in terms For the past several days now, the tended to our villages, which is truck to end the agony of my ex- famous Dak Banglow Chowk. government in September. islation on farmers. We will not of price hike of every commodity villagers have been on a relay fast not too far from here.” istence.” He showed a bagfull of The Patna administration has de- This is the first ever major ag- allow that to happen. We will not and it will subsequently affect to demand piped Ganga Jal, which Sharma pointed out that high medicines which he was forced to ployed a large number of police per- itation started by a non-political withdraw the agitation until the other sectors. For example, we is planned to be supplied to the fluoride content in groundwater consume to remain alive. sonnel at every road connecting unit apart from some supporters Centre rolls back these three laws,” are buying wheat at the rate of neighbouring urban clusters on had reduced its residents to “walk- Like Than Singh, there are scores Gandhi Maidan to Raj Bhawan, of left parties in Bihar. Earlier, said one of the farmers Sudhakar `35 per kg, which will then be the Shamshabad Road. ing skeletons.” of other villagers who cannot move including the Bailey road to prevent RJD, JAP and Congress have taken Mahto, who came from Darbhanga available at `80 to 100 per kg and Advocate Girish Chandra Efforts by various government around due to their physical dis- their march. out marches in solidarity with last night. the price will be controlled by cor- Sharma, who is leading the agita- agencies to treat water have run abilities. Women in their 30s look Farmers under the umbrella of the farmers. “We are standing by the farmers porates,” said Rahul Kumar, an- tors, told IANS that the under- aground for want of proper mon- older than their grandmothers. A Kisan MahaSabha came out on “We are only demanding a roll agitating at the borders of Delhi. other protester of Sampatchak in ground water in the entire area is itoring and follow-up action. few move around with hunched streets to protest against three back of the three farm laws passed Centre wants to grab lands through Patna district. affected by fluoride and thus highly “Imagine, a whole village full of backs. Nitish plays another gamble by appointing new JD-U chief Kanpur post office issues

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE the last few days, questions were the JD-U’s overall organisational stamps featuring gangsters raised about who the ‘number structure, he added. Patna, Dec 29: Bihar Chief two’ in the party It is also said that Nitish -- a Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision after Nitish Nitish master of ‘social engineer- to hand over the reins of Janata Kumar was. Kumar ing’ in politics -- has played Dal-United to his most trusted With understands the the caste card well by aide Ram Chandra Prasad Singh Singh’s party’s strengths during handing over his party’s to focus on Bihar only and not the appoint- this transition phase, which command to a person party’s overall organisation is his ment, is why he has entrusted the from his own Kurmi new political gamble, experts said. Nitish party’s responsibility to community. By appointing Singh as JD-U has given an experienced Bhelari said that all national president, Nitish has sent an answer political leader leaders nowadays play out a clear message to other re- -- Singh is ABHISHEK JHA I caste, ethnic and regional gional parties that his party does in the fore- JD-U SPOKESMAN cards and Nitish is not promote dynastic or family front of his most no exception. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA desk released 12 stamps each with rule politics. trusted leaders. RCP Singh, a former IAS the pictures, Varma said. JD-U spokesman Abhishek Jha Political analyst Kanhaiya officer, is also said to be an ex- Kanpur, Dec 29: The Kanpur postal Philately department in-charge asserted that with RCP Singh Bhelari said that it is usually seen pert in stitching alliances with department has ordered an inquiry Rajneesh Kumar, who was prima spearheading the party, it would to an experienced political leader,” that even the saffron party had that a party assigns the top post other political parties. It is said that after stamps featuring underworld facie found guilty, has been placed hopefully move forward. “Nitish he added. always been against promoting to a leader who is seen as a skilled Nitish Kumar interacted earlier for don and slain gang- under suspension, he said. Kumar understands the party’s BJP spokesperson and former family and dynastic rule from the party organiser. Singh has not maintaining alliance with BJP ster Munna Bajrangi were issued “We have also issued show-cause strengths during this transition party MLA Manoj Sharma said very start. RCP Singh has been only been a trustworthy colleague leaders, but now will pass on the by the main post office in the city, notices to some other employees in phase, which is why he has en- that Singh’s appointment was an considered a close confidant of of Nitish Kumar, but has also responsibility to Singh and him- officials said Tuesday. this regard,” the postmaster gen- trusted the party’s responsibility internal matter of the JD-U, adding Nitish Kumar from the start. For played a key role in strengthening self take charge of Bihar. Twelve stamps each of Rajan eral said. “Efforts are on to zero in and Bajrangi were printed under on the person who got the photo- the ‘My Stamp’ scheme, which was graphs of the criminals printed launched by the department a few under the 'My stamp' scheme,” STF probe into ‘unverified’ years back, an official added. he added. Purvanchal as centre of Calling it was a lapse by the per- It has been decided to take strict son manning the ‘My Stamp’ desk, measures in the future to ensure teachers in Uttar Pradesh Postmaster General VK Varma such errors are not repeated, Varma said, “A probe has been launched.” said. Under the 'My Stamp' scheme, The department The deadline has now been ex- It has been found that the re- anyone paying `300 can get stamps tended to January 4. religious, cultural tourism quest for these stamps having face with their photos or that of their intensified the According to an official value of `5 was made anonymously family members printed and re- digitisation process after spokesman, the government will ask The region in Uttar Pradesh is culturally rich, but it has been beset with lack of by a person who paid `600 for them, leased. the STF to probe the cases of teach- he added. Rajan is currently in a Mumbai a ‘fake’ teacher scam was ers who have not verified their basic facilities, proper rural education and employment since the beginning Without asking for identifica- prison, and Bajrangi was mur- reported in June this year, service books. tion papers, which is essential, the dered in UP’s Baghpat prison Over 6.1 lakh teachers, appointed Ram, and Gorakhpur, the seat of person manning the 'My Stamp' in 2018. in which a full-time in the basic education department, Guru Gorakhnath, are also a big science teacher named were asked to verify their service draw for both domestic and inter- Anamika Shukla was books. The process was followed by national tourists. around 5.9 lakh teachers, which is It was also said that small fairs New reading techniques for found working at 25 around 97.2 per cent of the total ver- and cultural events of Purvanchal, Kasturba Gandhi Balika ifications sought by the depart- on the lines of Deepotsav and Dev ment. During this exercise, teach- Deepawali, be held to promote 1.5cr UP school students Vidyalayas ers were required to make tourism. Purvanchal is a very cul- simultaneously for corrections, if any, in a Google turally rich region, but it has been INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE school. According to official sources, sheet. They also had to upload their beset with lack of basic facilities, the Department of Basic Education 13 months educational documents - from high proper rural education and em- Lucknow, Dec 29: The Basic had recently conducted a school to degree level. ployment since the beginning. Education Department in Uttar Supportive Aptitude Test (SAT) to INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE The education department has The government spokesman said Pradesh is now providing graded enhance education skills in the intensified the digitisation process INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE continuity with the western part of that the Purvanchal Expressway reading books to enhance the ed- students. In this test, students were Lucknow, Dec 29: The Yogi after a 'fake' teacher scam was re- Bihar. The area will be the focal on the one hand, and the develop- ucational skills of more than 1.5 given grades from A to E. Separate Adityanath government in Uttar ported in June this year, in which Lucknow, Dec 29: The Purvanchal point of Buddhist tourism as al- ment of tourism on the other will crore students studying in primary remedial classes will be run in Pradesh has decided to order a a full-time science teacher named area in Uttar Pradesh will now be most 65 per cent of the tourists end unemployment and the basic schools. schools for students, who got grades Special Task Force (STF) probe Anamika Shukla was found work- developed as a centre of religious, coming to Uttar Pradesh prefer to problems of the area. These graded reading books will D and E, officials said. The de- into the 'unverified' teachers issue ing at 25 Kasturba Gandhi Balika spiritual and cultural tourism, gov- visit Kushinagar and Varanasi. The presentation suggested im- increase the students' ability to partment of basic education has if they do not verify their service Vidyalayas (KGBV) simultaneously ernment sources said Tuesday. In a recent presentation made provement of the road, rail and air read and learn. The language of also introduced a system of real- books by January 4. for 13 months and taking home ap- According to a government before Chief Minister Yogi connectivity in the area, promo- this book has been kept very sim- time monitoring to check the At least 16,838 teachers in the proximately `1 crore as salary. spokesman, an action plan has been Adityanath, it was suggested that tion of local festivals like 'Saawan ple, which will enable the children progress of students studying in state have not verified their serv- A STF probe was then initiated drawn up to develop the possibili- places of Buddhist interest be con- Mela', setting up of film shooting to learn easily. primary and upper primary ice books by the December 17 dead- to identify fake teachers in the ties of tourism in Purvanchal, nected to other tourist places in destinations in Mirzapur and Apart from this, the report card schools. line on the 'Manav Sampada' web- state and more than 350 primary which is ideally an area spanning Purvanchal. Sonbhadra and also re-branding of the students studying in pri- This will identify the average site which is an online database teachers working on the creden- the eastern end of Uttar Pradesh in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord of the 'Magh Mela' in Prayagraj. mary and upper primary schools students and conduct separate of teachers, created for the digiti- tials of other teachers, were of the state will be shared with classes for them, so that they can sation of records. arrested. their parents during the formal also compete for top ranks with 4 held for siphoning off `6L from meeting with the parents in the other students, said the officials. Ram Mandir Trust’s bank account

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA worth `2.5 lakh and 3.5 lakh with high-value cheque. The transaction forged signatures of the trustees, was stopped in the nick of time when Ayodhya, Dec 29: Four people were Ayodhya DIG Deepak Kumar said. Rai confirmed he did not approve arrested Tuesday for allegedly si- This scam was busted after a third of any withdrawals and the account

phoning off `6 lakh from the Ram cloned cheque of `9.86 lakh was in- was seized. An FIR was lodged at the

k y m c Mandir Trust's bank account in tercepted at an SBI clearing house in Ayodhya Kotwali in this case on September, police said. Lucknow. This cheque was presented September 10. The Ayodhya police The amount was transferred to in Bank of Baroda. Tuesday arrested four accused, the Punjab National Bank in A senior bank official contacted residents of Bombay and Thane, Maharasthra from State Bank of Trust secretary Champat Rai to ver- however, the mastermind behind India here using two cloned cheques ify whether he had signed on the the fraud is still absconding. The government brought farms DELHI SHIVERS P9 laws, but the farmers are out on WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR the roads protesting in chilly winter. If Cold wave conditions intensified the laws are not accepted by the farmers, in north India on Tuesday with can they be beneficial to them. If you fresh snowfall reported from hill bring laws which are not acceptable to areas and Delhi recording a people, you are disrespecting the minimum temperature of 3.6 y Constitution of the country

national degrees Celsius

k y m MEHBOOBA MUFTI | PDP PRESIDENT c

of the day uote FARMERS’ STIR Genome sequencing of infected flyers The BJP PRESS TRUST OF INDIA gers who have arrived in India whole genome sequencing of the Epidemiological Surveillance and government during the last 14 days (from coronavirus in the country, aiding Response in the context of new has crossed all Govt finalises stance New Delhi, Dec 29: Samples of all December 9 to 22), if symptomatic limits of injustice in the understanding of how the variant of SARS-CoV-2 has al- and atrocities. international passengers who ar- and tested positive, will be sub- virus spreads and evolves. India ready been issued by the Health Whoever raises rived in India from December 9 to jected to genome sequencing," the has put in place a pro-active and pre- Ministry. their voice, the 22 and tested positive for COVID- document stated. ventive strategy to detect and con- The purpose of this initiative government muzzles it. Democracy ahead of talks 19 will be subjected to genome The presence of the new UK vari- tain the mutant variant of the virus. is to ensure proper screening of will be safe only when this sequencing as part of the Centre's ant of the coronavirus has already It includes temporary suspension international travellers arriving government goes strategy to detect the mutated been reported by Denmark, the of all flights coming from the UK in India for early detection of coronavirus strain that has Netherlands, Australia, Italy, with effect from the midnight of new SAR-CoV-2 variant cases. AKHILESH YADAV | emerged in the United Kingdom Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, December 23 till December 31 and PRESIDENT Further, epidemiological sur- recently. Germany, mandatory testing of all UK veillance of the passengers, who Others will be followed up by Canada, NEW COVID returnee air passengers have arrived in India since the state and district surveil- Japan, through November 23, will be conducted Delhi has lance officers, and will be tested Lebanon and STRAIN RT-PCR test. Ten regional in the community through ac- witnessed as per ICMR guidelines, even if Singapore so laboratories have been iden- tive follow up. three waves of asymptomatic, between fifth and far. tified by the Centre where states All these people have been kept coronavirus and the 10th day of arrival, according to The health ministry has estab- will send five per cent of their in single room isolation at designated third wave was an the Union Health Ministry's guid- lished the Indian SARS-CoV-2 intense one when COVID-19 positive samples for health care facilities by respective cases went up to ance document on genomic se- Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) genome sequencing to detect the state governments and their close 8,500 (fresh cases reported daily) quencing. for laboratory and epidemiologi- new coronavirus variant. Standard contacts have also been put under but we managed to control it. We "All the international passen- cal surveillance and to expand the Operating Procedure (SOP) for quarantine, the ministry said. are fully prepared to deal with it

ARVIND KEJRIWAL | DELHI CHIEF MINISTER AGENCIES ment's invite followed a proposal ITBP finally gets land made by the unions last week to hold WHITE BLANKET New Delhi, Dec 29: A day before the talks on Tuesday on agendas in- to build HQ in Delhi We want the the next round of talks between cluding modalities for the repeal of farmers to the Centre and the farmers protest- the three new laws. So far, five stay in touch with their family. We ing against the three new agri laws, rounds of formal talks have re- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE have identified a Union ministers Narendra Singh mained inconclusive. The last round few spots to install Tomar and Piyush Goyal met sen- was held on December 5, while the New Delhi, Dec 29: Almost six the WiFi hotspots. ior BJP leader and Home Minister sixth round of talks originally decades since it was set up, the This is an initiative of Arvind Amit Shah. scheduled for December 9 was Indian government's specialised Kejriwal and the party Sources said they discussed and called off a day after an informal high-altitude paramilitary force, finalised the government's posi- meeting of Home Minister Shah the ITBP has been allotted land to RAGHAV CHADHA | AAP LEADER tion for the Wednesday meeting, a with some union leaders failed to construct its headquarters in the source said. reach any breakthrough. national capital. The new ITBP Agriculture Minister Tomar, The government has presented HQ building is expected to be con- SHORT TAKES Railway Minister Goyal and MoS these laws as major agriculture structed by 2023. Commerce and Industry Som reforms aimed at helping farmers Ever since it was raised on Parkash have been representing and increasing their income, but the October 24, 1962 under the CRPF Gujarat MP the Centre in dialogues with the protesting unions fear that the new Act in the wake of the India-China farmers. It has been over a month legislations have left them at the war of 1962, the Indo-Tibetan quits BJP now that thousands of farmers, mercy of big corporates by weak- Border Police Force (ITBP) head- Bharuch: Gujarat BJP MP and especially from Punjab, Haryana ening the MSP and mandi systems. quarters was located in various former Union minister and parts of Uttar Pradesh, are Meanwhile, protesting farmer government office structures, but Mansukh Vasava Tuesday camping at Delhi's borders seeking unions Tuesday wrote to the Centre the force was not yet to get its own quit the party and said he repeal of the three farm laws en- on the talks scheduled between the A man clears snow from the roof of his house after heavy snowfall at Bhaderwah in Doda district PTI PHOTO dedicated land or building so far. would also resign from Lok acted in September by the Centre. two sides on Wednesday, saying The land, allotted December 24 Sabha in the budget session They have threatened to intensify the discussion will only be on the by the Land and Development of Parliament. In his their stir in the coming days if modalities of repealing the three Authority under the Ministry of resignation letter, Vasava their demands are not fulfilled. legislations, giving a legal guar- Urban Development, is on Mathura (63) did not specify any The government has invited 40 antee on the MSP, and on two other ‘Men account for 70% of nCoV deaths in India’ Road, around 2 km from the cur- reason for quitting the party, protesting farmer unions December issues they proposed earlier this rent ITBP HQ at Block 2, Central but sources said the six- term 30 for the next round of talks on all week for a resumption of the dia- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA deaths were reported in those Government Offices (CGO) com- MP, who is vocal on tribal issues, relevant issues to find a "logical logue. The government has invited aged 60 and above, 33 per cent in plex in south Delhi's Lodhi Road has been critical of BJP's solution" to the current impasse the protesting farmers for the sixth New Delhi, Dec 29: About 45 per the age group of 45 to 60 years, area which has offices of impor- policies after he was dropped cent of all COVID-19 deaths in as Union minister in 2016. over the three laws. The govern- round of talks Wednesday. 10 per cent in the age group of tant government ministries and de- the country have been reported 26-44 years and one per cent partments like the National in those below 60 years of age each in those aged between 18- Informatics Centre (NIC), the BJP can buy a few MLAs, but not TMC: Mamata while 70 per cent of total fatal- 25 years and in those below 17 Directorate of Revenue Ex-Himachal ities from the infection were years, according to the data pre- Intelligence, the headquarters of CM’s wife dies registered in men, the Health sented by Bhushan. other central paramilitary forces INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE tions will not impact the party at ministry said Tuesday. He said the number of active and the Ministries of Environment Shimla: Two-time Himachal all as the people are with us." Addressing a press confer- cases of COVID-19 has been reg- and Forests and New and Pradesh Chief Minister and Kolkata, Dec 29: West Bengal Banerjee held a party meeting at ence, Union Health Secretary istered at 2.7 lakhs, sliding to a Renewable Energy. BJP veteran Shanta Kumar's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Jambuni ground in Bolpur before Rajesh Bhushan said 63 per cent low after six months. The cu- As per the ITBP source the gov- wife Santosh Shailja, 83, died on Tuesday said that the Trinamool holding a mega roadshow Tuesday. of the total cases were reported mulative positivity rate stands ernment has allotted the piece of of a heart attack in a hospital Congress would win the 2021 She said that outsiders are coming in males and 37 per cent cases at 6.02 per cent while the posi- land which is in two parts. "The early Tuesday. She was Assembly elections, showing the to Bengal and insulting the life's in females. he said. Bhushan further said 45 tivity rate during last week was first part of 3.83 acre will be used earlier diagnosed with way ahead to the people of Bengal. philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore "Eight per cent cases have per cent of the COVID-19 deaths 2.25 per cent. to construct the headquarters coronavirus, doctors said. Launching a pointed attack at the and Nazrul Islam. "Conspiracies been reported below the age of so far have been reported in Bhushan further said India's building while the second piece of She was undergoing treatment (BJP) for are being hatched to destroy the 17 years, 13 per cent in the 18-25 those below 60 years of age and rate of cases per million popu- land of 4.85 acre will be used to de- along with her husband at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government welcoming Trinamool renegades, culture of Bengal. I genuinely feel years age group, 39 per cent in 70 per cent of total fatalities lation -- at 7,408 -- is among the velop greenery. The second part of Medical College in Tanda in the CM said: "You can buy a few bad when I see efforts being made 26-44 years group, 26 per cent from the infection were regis- lowest in the world while the land will be on temporary basis," Kangra district. MLAs, but you cannot buy to pursue communal politics at in 45-60 years group and 14 per tered in men. number of deaths per million the source said. The land has been Trinamool Congress. The defec- Visva Bharati," she said. cent cases above 60 years," About 55 per cent COVID-19 population stood at 107. given on "as is where is" system, the source said. Suvendu Adhikari holds roadshow Kolkata: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari Tuesday led a grand MAJOR ORDERS PASSED BY SC IN 2020 roadshow in East Midnapore's Nandigram, and POST NEWS NETWORK In February 2020, the Supreme provide employment to migrant from giving prescriptions to Covid- claimed that people of his old Court, in a significant judgement, workers. The court also asked the 19 patients. Assembly constituency New Delhi, December 29: The ruled that reservation is not a fun- Union government to provide trains n SC exempts factories from supported his decision to leave year 2020 saw major changes in damental right. The top court held within 24 hours of the demand. paying overtime wages the Trinamool Congress and n join the BJP. People thronged the functioning of the Supreme that there is no fundamental right Daughters’ right to paternal The Supreme Court quashed a to greet Adhikari by showering Court. Battling the Covid-19 to claim reservation in govern- property notification of the Gujarat gov- him with flower petals and pandemic, the apex court heard ment jobs. It also held that it is The Supreme Court in August ernment that exempted factories flags, as he began his roadshow thousands of cases in virtual mode within absolute discretion of a ruled that daughters would have from paying overtime wages to its from Tengua to Nandigram. and passed significant judgements state government to decide whether equal rights in Hindu Undivided workers. The top court held that in 2020. or not to provide for reservation and Family (HUF) properties. The apex pandemic cannot be an excuse to Here are some of the prominent also there is no obligation on the court held that a daughter is for a junk statutory provisions that en- orders passed by the Supreme states to mandatorily do so. The life time and held that daughter sure dignity and right to proper Sanjay Raut’s wife Court in 2020. apex court order came in a batch will remain coparcener (one who wages to workers. skips ED summons n Right to Internet of petitions seeking reservation shares equally with others in in- n SC refuses to direct transfer of In the first month of 2020, the for SCs and STs in promotion. heritance of an undivided joint fund from PM CARES to NDRF Mumbai: In an anti-climax of Supreme Court, while hearing a nPermanent commission to women family property) throughout life The Supreme Court had refused sorts, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay batch of petitions on the blackout In another significant judgment, medical exams Initially refusing to pass any di- even if the father was not alive at to direct the transfer of fund collected Raut's wife Varsha Raut of Internet services in Jammu and the Supreme Court in February The Supreme Court in April up- rection to the government with re- the time of the 2005 amendment to under PM care to National Disaster Tuesday skipped the Kashmir, held that right to access granted permanent commission held the National Eligibility-cum- gard to plight of migrant labour- summons issued to her by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Response Fund (NDRF) citing that the Enforcement Directorate Internet is a fundamental right by to women in Defence forces. The Entrance Test (NEET) for admis- ers returning to home, the Supreme In 2005, an amendment was made contributions to the PM Cares fund (ED) for appearance and extension. Therefore, it can be de- Supreme Court directed the sion in graduate and post graduate Court took Suo Moto cognisance in in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 are voluntary and there was no questioning and sought more manded as such before a government to give permanent medical and dental courses in the May and passed slew of directions to give daughters the same rights statutory prohibition on contribu- time. "We have sought four Constitutional court. Further, every commission to all serving women country. A three-judge bench of to the Union and state govern- in the coparcenary (parental) prop- tions made to the NDRF. “The funds more days. We have full blackout order must specify reasons officers who have completed 14 the apex court made it clear that ments. The court asked the state erty as the sons. collected in the PM CARES Fund are respect for the central and has to be reviewed regularly years of service and to also give NEET will be only the test for ad- governments to identify migrant n AYUSH docs restrained from entirely different funds which are agencies," Raut, who is by the authorities concerned, the pension benefits to those who were missions in medical courses and in- workers and transport them to na- prescribing for Covid-19 funds of a public charitable trust and Executive Editor of the court had said. retired on account of not being stitutes cannot hold separate test tive their states within 15 days. The Supreme Court upheld the there is no occasion for issuing any Saamana Group of publications, n Reservation not a fundamental granted the commission. for the same. The court also asked the state gov- order of the Kerala High Court direction to transfer the said funds

told media persons. right n NEET is constitutionally valid for Suo Moto PIL on migrant crisis ernments to open help desks to that restrained AYUSH doctors to the NDRF.

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k y m c Right now, we GENES LINKED TO COMMON P10 just aren't WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR getting all the BRAIN DISORDER IDENTIFIED information that we Researchers have found that a need from the outgoing common brain disorder called administration in key Chiari 1 malformation can be national security caused by variations in two international area(s) genes involved in brain

JOE BIDEN US PRESIDENT-ELECT

k y m | development c of the day uote US House overrides Trump’s veto of defence Bill Russia tells Navalny With the implementa The Democratic-controlled House voted 322 to 87 to override Trump's veto of the $740.5 billion defense Bill tion of the CPEC, to appear or face jail Pakistani seaports with 109 members of the President’s own Republican Party siding with Democrats will be better connected with land PRESS TRUST OF INDIA ASSOCIATED PRESS routes and the country’s exports US House passes would be able to reach international Washington, Dec 29: Delivering a Moscow, Dec 29: Russia’s fed- markets powerful blow to President Donald Bill to increase eral penitentiary service has given IMRAN KHAN | PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER Trump, the US House of top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny Representatives has voted by an over- Covid stimulus one day to report to its office or face whelming majority to override his Washington: The Democratic- imprisonment, if he comes back I welcomed veto of a $741 billion defence Bill. controlled US House of to Russia after the deadline. the Trump last week vetoed the Representatives has passed a Bill Navalny is convalescing in importance of National Defense Authorization to meet President Donald Germany after his August poi- the UK/EU Act (NDAA) 2021, which had bi- Trump's demand for increasing soning with a nerve agent, which Agreement as a new partisan support, arguing it had direct coronavirus relief he has blamed on the Kremlin. starting point for provisions that would damage na- payments to some Americans to Russian authorities have de- our relationship, tional security. $2,000, but the measure faces an nied their involvement. between sovereign equals In the Democratic-controlled uphill battle in the Republican- The Federal Penitentiary Federal Penitentiary Service's ref- BORIS JOHNSON | UK PRIME MINISTER House, as many as 109 Republicans eral manner for sixty years, and it The President must end his run Senate. The Caring for Service issued a statement on erence to the article in The Lancet broke from Trump to vote in sup- will become law, despite the eleventh-hour campaign of chaos, Americans with Supplemental Monday saying that an article by amounted to the government ac- port of overriding the veto, deliv- President’s dangerous sabotage ef- and stop using his final moments Help (CASH) Act of 2020 was doctors from Berlin’s Charite hos- cepting he was poisoned. The Secretary- ering a 322-87 defeat to Trump only forts,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the office to obstruct bipartisan passed Monday by the House pital and published in medical “That means that the state has with a 275-134 vote. In a rare General weeks before he leaves office. said. and bicameral action to protect US journal The Lancet indicated that officially recognized the poison- reiterates the holiday House session, 231 The bill that funds the annual The vote puts it on track to be the military and defend American se- Democrats joined 44 of their Navalny has fully recuperated. ing,” he tweeted. UN continued American defence spending now first legislation to become law over curity,” Pelosi said. The prison service demanded And where is the criminal support to the Republican colleagues in passing moves to the Republican-controlled Trump’s objections. House Majority Leader Steny that Navalny report to its office in case then? Navalny fell into a people and the measure. “We are a Senate, which also needs to override line with the terms of a 3 1/2-year Government of “The president’s reckless veto Hoyer said: “It is one that will go consumer economy. Putting coma while aboard a domestic Niger in their efforts to further the presidential veto by two-thirds would have denied our service mem- down in history as one of the final money into the hands of the suspended sentence he received for flight from Siberia to Moscow consolidate democracy and of votes. bers hazard duty pay; our families actions of a President who has American people is a boost to a 2014 conviction. If he misses August 20. sustainable development in the Both the House and the Senate, paid family leave, child care, hous- spent four years denigrating the our economy," House Speaker the deadline, he could be impris- The plane made an emergency country early this month, had voted over- ing improvements and health pro- service of those who wear our na- Nancy Pelosi said. oned, the statement said. landing, and he was transferred whelmingly to pass the NDAA. tections; and our veterans their tion's uniform.” Navalny’s lawyer, Vadim Kobzev, from a hospital in Siberia to the ANTONIO GUTERRES | “With this overwhelmingly bi- benefits,” she said. Congressman Adam Smith, tweeted that the agency told the Berlin hospital two days later. UN SECRETARY-GENERAL partisan vote, the House has up- “It would have senselessly de- Chairman of the House Armed if it didn't repeal Section 230 of the politician to show up at its office Labs in Germany, France and held our sacred Constitutional re- prived our allies and country of Services Committee, urged Senate 1996 Communications Decency Act, on Tuesday morning. Sweden, and tests by the sponsibility to keep our country key protections for global peace Majority Leader Mitch McConnell which shields big technology com- Navalny, who previously said Organization for the Prohibition SHORT TAKES and our people safe. The National and security — including for cyber- to move swiftly in the Senate. panies from liability for contro- that he planned to return to Russia of Chemical Weapons, established Defense Authorization Act has been security, following a massive at- Trump vetoed the NDAA last versial content posted to their web- once he fully recovered, scoffed at that he was exposed to a Soviet-era Republicans sue passed on a bipartisan and bicam- tack on our country," she added. week, after warning he would do so sites by third parties. the demand, saying that the Novichok nerve agent. Vice Prez Pence Washington: Several WELCOMING THE NEW Scandals sap public Republicans have sued US Vice President Mike Pence in Targeted killings of journalists support for Suga an improbable bid to overturn President-elect Joe ASSOCIATED PRESS Biden’s victory, according to surged in 2020, says Report media reports. The last-ditch Tokyo, Dec 29: Prime Minister legal effort, filed on Sunday, ASSOCIATED PRESS deadliest country for media work- Yoshihide Suga came to office on came from Representative ers, counting at least eight jour- a wave of popularity, pledging to Louie Gohmert, an eight-term Paris, Dec 29: More journalists nalists killed there in connection combat the coronavirus and fix congressman from Texas, are being killed outside of war with their work in 2020. Among Japan’s languishing economy. along with 11 Arizona zones, and the overwhelming ma- them was Julio Valdivia, a news- Three months after he took over residents who had been jority of this year’s grim total of paper reporter whose decapitated from his former boss Shinzo Abe, nominated by that state's at least 50 dead was deliberately body was found in September in a more charismatic leader from an Republican Party to serve as targeted, many of them murdered an area ridden with organized influential political family, Suga electors, The Hill reported. It while investigating organized crime. seems to be struggling to find his comes over a week before crime, corruption and environ- Among six media deaths that the feet. His support ratings have sunk Pence is scheduled to preside mental degradation, Reporters group counted in Iraq was the amid flaring virus outbreaks and over a joint session of Without Borders said Tuesday. killing in July of Hisham al- scandals within the ruling party, Congress where the Electoral Its tally of journalists and media Hashimi, a leading expert on the even as the economy appears to be College votes for Biden and workers killed in connection with Islamic State and other armed recovering. President Donald Trump will their work by mid-December was On Monday, the Nikkei financial be tallied. groups, who was shot dead outside just slightly lower than in 2019, his Baghdad home. newspaper said its latest survey when the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders also found approval ratings for Suga's counted 53 dead, even though noted an increase in the killings government had sunk more than 4 killed in firing many journalists reported less of investigative journalists, in- 30 points to 42% from 74% in late in Pakistan from the field in 2020 because of cluding four who were looking September. The 48% of those ques- the coronavirus pandemic. into organized crime groups, 10 tioned who disapproved mainly Peshawar: At least four The group said 68% were killed who were reporting on corrup- cited a lack of leadership and poor persons were killed in an outside of war zones this year. tion and the misuse of public funds A food delivery courier rides a bicycle past 2021 numbers installed to celebrate the upcoming New Year in Moscow, handling of the pandemic. exchange of fire between two That confirms a trend noted by the and three who were working on en- Russia PTI PHOTO groups over a land dispute in group since 2016, when only four vironmental issues including illegal Pakistan’s restive out of 10 deaths were in countries mining and land grabs. northwestern tribal district not at war. Reporting on civil unrest also Tuesday, the police said. The Targeted killings of journal- proved particularly deadly, the Pandemic severe, but not necessarily the big one: WHO incident took place in North ists surged in 2020, accounting group said, with seven journal- Waziristan tribal district. All for 84% of deaths, sharply up ists killed while covering protests AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE infected. progress to address the coronavirus the four deceased are close relatives, the police said, from 63% in 2019, the group said. — four of them in Iraq, two in “This pandemic has been very se- crisis, including developing vac- adding that one person was It again listed Mexico as the Nigeria and one in Colombia. Geneva, Dec 29: The novel coro- vere,” Ryan acknowledged. cines at record speed, it remained injured in the incident. The navirus has had a devastating “It has spread around the world far from prepared to ward off future One big source of trouble has police rushed to the spot impact around the globe, but the extremely quickly and it has af- pandemics. been the government's “GoTo following the incident. World Health Organization fected every corner of this planet, “We are into second and third Travel” campaign, which provides warned Monday that worse pan- but this is not necessarily the big waves of this virus and we are still steep discounts for domestic travel. demics could lie ahead, urging one.” not prepared to deal with and man- The programme was launched the world to get “serious” about He stressed that while the virus age those,” he told the briefing. in the summer, before Suga took Strong quake hits preparedness. is “very transmissible, and it kills “So while we are better prepared... office. It was suspended as of central Croatia “This is a wakeup call,” WHO people... its current case fatality we are not fully prepared for this one, Monday, but many Japanese believe emergencies chief Michael Ryan (rate) is reasonably low in com- let alone the next one.” it helped spread the virus and Zagreb: A strong earthquake told reporters at a briefing marking parison to other emerging diseases.” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom should have been halted sooner. hit Croatia Tuesday, with a year since the UN agency first “We need to get ready for some- Ghebreyesus meanwhile voiced Experts said Suga's insistence some injuries reported as learned of the new virus spreading thing that may even be more se- hope that the Covid-19 pandemic on continuing GoTo promotions well as considerable in China. vere in the future.” had helped the world become more until recently sent a muddled mes- damages to roofs and buildings southeast of the Since then, Covid-19 has killed WHO senior advisor Bruce prepared to tackle future threats. sage at a time when the govern- capital. The European nearly 1.8 million people around Aylward also cautioned that while “In terms of awareness, I think ment is urging people to scale Mediterranean Seismological the world, out of over 80 million the world had made huge scientific we are now getting it,” he said. back activity. Center said an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude hit 46 kilometers southeast of Zagreb. Initial reports said the earthquake caused wide BREXIT ENDS BRITONS’ RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN EU damage, collapsing roofs, building facades and even Though the UK left the European Union January 31, it follows the bloc’s rules until the end of this year as part of a transition period to the new economic relationship some entire buildings. ASSOCIATED PRESS economic system and it's going to The exception is people moving Although travelling for holidays happen instantaneously,” said Anand between the UK and Ireland, which will remain visa-free, British peo- Global Covid-19 London, Dec 29: So far, the large Menon, director of The UK In a have a separate common travel area. ple will only be allowed to spend 90 majority of British and EU citi- Changing Europe think tank and a For many in the EU, the freedom days out of every 180 in the EU, cases top 81.2mn zens have not felt the realities of professor of European politics and to be able to travel, study and live while the UK will allow European Washington: The overall Brexit. Though the UK left the foreign affairs at King's College anywhere in the 27-nation bloc is citizens to stay for up to six con- number of global coronavirus European Union January 31, it fol- London. among the most appealing aspects secutive months. cases has topped 81.2 million, lows the bloc’s rules until the end “All of a sudden you wake up in of European integration. For retired British citizens who while the deaths have surged of this year as part of a transition a new world at the start of January.” Yet some in Britain and other have been used to spending more than to more than 1.77 million, period to the new economic rela- Here are some of the changes to parts of Western Europe became three months at their second homes according to the Johns tionship. movement that people will start to more skeptical about the freedom on Spain's sun-soaked Costa del Sol, Hopkins University. In its That’s all set to change. feel almost overnight. of movement after a number of for- the change may come as a shock. latest update Tuesday On January 1, Britain embarks WHAT'S CHANGING? mer communist nations in Eastern British travellers in Europe will morning, the University's on its new, more distant relationship Even though the coronavirus Europe joined the EU in 2004 and also have to have at least six months Center for Systems Science with the EU after nearly five decades pandemic has led to a collapse in the many of their citizens moved to left on their passports and buy their and Engineering (CSSE) of closer economic, cultural and numbers of people traveling be- the UK and other wealthier coun- own travel insurance. Britons will revealed that the current social integration. The change for tween Britain and the EU, the end tries to work. Concerns over im- no longer be issued the European

global caseload and death toll Britain's economy and people is of freedom of movement from Jan. migration were a major factor in Health Insurance Card, which guar-

k y m c stood at 81,249,028 and the most dramatic since World War 1 will represent the most tangible have broadly the same rights as work in the EU, and vice versa. Britain's 2016 Brexit vote. antees access to medical care across 1,772,912, respectively. The US II, certainly more so than when the Brexit consequence so far. they have now. The same applies for People who want to cross the bor- On January 1, the consequences the bloc, but the UK says it is setting is the worst-hit country with country joined what was then the Under the divorce deal agreed more than 3 million EU citizens der to work and live will have to of that decision will become ap- up a replacement system so that the world's highest number of European Economic Community by the two sides December 24, the who are in the UK. follow immigration rules and face parent for British and European UK visitors to the bloc and EU cit- cases and deaths at 19,299,960 in 1973. and 334,830, respectively. roughly 1 million British citizens But British citizens will no longer other red tape such as ensuring citizens alike. izens visiting Britain still have med- “It's a far bigger shock to our who are legal residents in the EU will have the automatic right to live and their qualifications are recognized. NEW TRAVEL RULES? ical coverage. P11 WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR

INDIAN ECONOMY IN DOLDRUMS BATTERED BEFORE OLYMPICS RECORD-BREAKING US PLUNGE ITALY BRACES FOR THE WORST

Data released by the Ministry of Statistics Having endured lakhs of deaths during the rag- Italy is starting to plan for what could hap-

k y m c and Programme Implementation showed As of July 2019, it was expected that the ing pandemic, the US economy faces a dim pen to its economy if the coronavirus that India’s Gross Domestic Product Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensi- pandemic worsens significantly. In a had contracted by 23.9% for the April would have a positive economic impact on fies doubts about any sustained recovery. worst-case scenario, the Italian gov- to June quarter. In gross value added Japan. It was estimated that the economic A huge plunge in consumer spending as ernment sees gross domestic product terms, the economy had contracted impact would be approximately 20 trillion people stayed home and avoided shop- dropping 10.5% this year and expand- by 22.8%, showed the data. The num- Japanese yen in Tokyo Prefecture alone. ping, traveling or gathering in crowds as ing only 1.8% in 2021, according to a bers quantified what was evident all Increase in demand In Tokyo Prefecture the virus raged is estimated to have sent draft budget outlook document. The around: the Indian economy is in dol- alone, the government expected an increase the economy sinking at a roughly 32 per cent scenario draws on a study by Oxford drums. To make matters worse, it is likely in general demand of around 14 trillion yen, both annual rate in the April-June quarter. That would Economics to factor in the impact of a that the numbers will further worsen when the as an immediate and long term result of the 2020 be more than triple the previous worst quarterly eco- renewed virus outbreak on the global economy. estimates are revised with better-quality data. Things have Olympics and Paralympics. Economic ripple effect along with this nomic fall, a 10 per cent drop set in 1958. Depressed activity in such Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s cabinet signed off on the budget never been this bad in recorded history. India has never experi- estimate of increase in demand, the government calculated the over- areas as business investment and government spending also likely outlook. Its baseline scenario forecasts that the economy will enced an economic contraction in at least four decades. all economic ripple effect of around 32 trillion yen as mentioned. contributed to the worst quarterly contraction on records. expand 5.1% in 2021, which might rise to 6%. VIRUS COST WORLD $11.7 TRILLION Out of this global cost, $9.8 trillion (83%) has been spent by 36 rich nations against just $42 billion (0.4%) by 59 low-income State’s economy shrinks ndia bore the brunt of the pan- startups, small and medium en- countries to cope with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic demic that engulfed the world terprises (those that were located Iin no time, with economic in the orange and green zones), so growth getting badly hit. The min- that they don’t get shutdown. The he coronavirus pandemic fort that reached more than a billion school and sell- coronanvirus still spreading and eral-rich state of Odisha was no ex- industrial sector, particularly the has cost the world's econ- more people with social pro- ing their assets. the economic prospects of coun- ception. Starting from automobile MSMEs located across Mancheswar omy an additional $11.7 tril- tection support over 2020 but, Remittance flows tries across the world looking muted. and farming, to MSMEs and and Rasulgarh areas of FUEL Tlion this year. Out of this as of today, more people still from migrants to According to Dun and Bradstreet's tourism, all sectors were affected, Bhubaneswar had to incur severe (global) cost, $9.8 trillion (83%) has have been left behind en- reliant families back Country Risk and Global Outlook literally bringing life to a stand- loss. DEMAND been spent by 36 rich nations tirely. That need not be so,” home has collapsed. Report, that covered 132 countries, still for millions who became job- Debasish Das, director of Alfa elec- against just $42 bil- she added. Global poverty and the wider global context re- less and were made to stay indoors tricals, said that his company witnessed SOARS lion (0.4%) The mains sombre and the owing to the raging a loss of Rs 2.5 crore during lockdown. by 59 need global economy will pandemic.Following the “Janata “Since BMC is declared as a red zone, ndia, the world’s third-largest oil not reach pre-pan- curfew” in March, India was locked the SMEs in Mancheswar Industrial Iimporter and consumer, turned from the worst-performing low- demic levels of activ- down for almost a month, which re- Estate will remain closed for a period demand market in July into one of in- ity again before 2022. sulted in all the core-sector indus- of time,” Das said. the fastest-growing fuel demand come “D&B is currently forecasting tries getting hit in terms of pro- Odisha plunged into a new low markets in November, lending sup- countries to that the global economy will con- duction. The small and medium with a severe drop in tourist foot- port to oil prices together with cope with the tract by 5.2 per cent in 2020 - the enterprises (SMEs) were badly hit, fall. The Hotel & Restaurant strong demand in China and COVID-19 pan- biggest decline since the Second resulting in numerous layoffs and Association of Odisha (HRAO) progress with vaccine develop- demic. World War and a far stronger shutting down of factories. stated that all operations of hotels ment and rollout. On addi- contraction than the 1.7 per Keeping in mind the decelerat- and restaurants across the state India’s demand for all types of tional cash cent recorded in 2009 during the ing economy, the government of were affected due to the lockdown petroleum products has nearly poured specif- global financial crisis,” the re- Odisha maintained considerable resulting in an immense revenue reached pre-COVID levels, prompt- ically into social port said. relaxations for the business firms, loss of Rs 800 crore. ing domestic refineries to crank up protection pro- The Asia Pacific region is crude oil processing rates. The grammes, Oxfam unlikely to shake off the economic rebound in one of the world’s stated that 28 rich na- effects before the end of 2020, it biggest oil growth drivers before tions have spent at the added. RECORD UNEMPLOYMENT the pandemic highlights the two- rate of “$695 per person”, while, “Widespread quantitative easing ndia’s massive Yearly unemployment rate change, 2019-2020 speed global oil demand recovery, low-income and emerging nations, means that financial asset prices glob- I work force was with Asia driving higher con- 2.4% 3% hit hard by Japan sumption and conse- in contrast, have spent “at a per ally are not reflecting the shock to coronavirus. As Germany 3.2% 3.9% quently, oil prices, capita rate of between $28 fundamentals. But with many coun- many as 21 while Europe to as low as $4.” tries easing their lockdowns, a more United Kingdom 3.8% 4.8% million salaried and the Meanwhile, to make varied picture of upgrades and down- 5.7% 7.5% jobs have been Canada United matters worse, the or- grades has emerged,” Dun & Bradstreet lost, according to France 8.5% 10.4% States are ganisation added that Chief Economist Arun Singh said. a recent report by reeling rich countries have Singh further noted that “worryingly, Italy 10% the Centre for from only increased a sharp recession is still forecast, United States 3.7% 10.4% Monitoring Indian renewed their aid to de- and we expect Economy (CMIE). 0% 5% 10% restrictions veloping nations that the Economists say a swift recovery looks unlikely. to fight for social protection by for better social protection pro- hunger are rocketing," it noted. world economy will not attain pre- The job losses cross sectors and skill levels, and include services, record $5.8 billion, which is grammes to help people is huge. Furthermore, Oxfam said that pandemic levels of activity before manufacturing and industry, and white-collar jobs, the report said. COVID-19 infec- equivalent of less than five Half a billion people are now under- over a third of the world’s popula- 2022.” The report said any recovery into Hospitality, aviation, media, entertainment and automobile parts tions. cents for every $100 raised to employed or out of work with twice tion - some 2.7 billion people - have 2021 (even without a second bout of the manufacturers are among the sectors seeing the most job cuts. India’s recovery is tackle COVID-19. as many women affected as men. not received government aid during pandemic) is going to be curtailed by The informal economy is also feeling the heat with thousands of also indicative of the imme- “The coronavirus united the world Workers in low-income countries the coronavirus pandemic, with several factors. Foremost will be the small-scale traders and hawkers shutting shop. The CMIE, an diate support that strengthening in fear but has divided it in re- have suffered the most, losing 23% gaping differences between rich and presence of degrees of social dis- independent think tank that hosts the largest database covering the oil demand in the key Asian mar- sponse,” said Oxfam Executive of their working hours. poor nations. tancing (despite the easing of lock- Indian economy, said India's economic downturn is putting pressure kets, China and India, gives to oil on government finances, as revenues fall short of projections and prices, unlike vaccine news, which Director Gabriela Bucher. “The pan- “People are falling into debt, skip- The global economy is likely to con- downs) and higher levels of post-lock- Indian states struggle to pay their bills. Government figures show contains more forward-looking demic sparked a laudable global ef- ping meals, keeping children from tract by 5.2 per cent in 2020 with the down unemployment and poverty. that India’s GDP contracted by 23.9% from April to June, as expectations of mass vaccinations coronavirus lockdowns brought key industries to a halt and boosting economies and hence, oil rendered millions of people jobless. demand. In India’s case, fuel demand has been boosted by one of the effects of COVID-19 on cus- Markets see roller-coaster ride Pharma: A dose of change LITTLE HOPE FOR SHOPPING MALLS tomer preferences—people avoid he pandemic plunged most countries into recession in 2020, with per capita income ven as the public transportation and prefer he COVID–19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains ANNUAL PERCENTAGE CHANGE OF FOOTFALL IN 14-20 JUNE Tcontracting in the largest fraction of countries globally since 1870.9 The World retail sector is the comfort and relative isolation E CHINA -32% Bank’s baseline forecast predicts a 5.2% contraction in global GDP in 2020 — the Tacross the world. Every sector, including pharma, gradually picking from other people in their own deepest global recession in decades. Investors saw a massive spike in the VIX is suffering from supply chains coming to a grinding up aided by pent- JAPAN -37% vehicles. India continues to fight in early March as COVID-19 hit the U.S., prompting markets to tumble. In late halt. Prices of raw materials have shot up amid limited up demand and GERMANY -49% the pandemic and still has some March, markets began a historic rebound and recovery that brought the VIX supply, production schedules have been interrupted, fac- festival offers, FRANCE -50% restrictions in place on domestic back down — but not down to pre-pandemic levels. In June, the VIX had tories have been shut down and shipping costs are sky- retailers still UNITED STATES -52% bus and airline travel. This addi- another spike (though much lower than in March), and again around the high in most countries. The impact on the Indian expect recovery to -54% tionally boosts demand for gaso- ITALY U.S. election. Shares in the S&P 500 dropped 31% in March before pharma sector is typically evident, given that most raw stretch across line and diesel for private vehicles. CANADA -72% rebounding to new record highs. Industries that took the hardest hit materials are procured from China, the epicentre of the 2021. Many in the In four months, the trend in India’s UNITED KINGDOM -78% include travel and leisure and retail. By the end of outbreak. With the movement of people and goods re- industry fear the fuel demand has dramatically MEXICO -80% 2020, markets had rebounded and the S&P 500 scenario could changed. In July, Indian refiners stricted amid lockdowns, manufacturers of generic had returned more than 12%. The tech- compel mall -100% -75% -50% -25% were cutting processing rates drugs are unable to launch products or conduct clini- heavy Nasdaq soared to returns of over tenants to ask for more rental waivers from developers and landlords post- because fuel demand—up from the cal trials. As a result, timelines for drug filings have got 40%.The global coronavirus pandemic March 2021. However, mall owners, many of whom have extended slab- lows in April and May—had slowed stretched. Furthermore, cash flows from new generic has brought one of the greatest wise discounts till March, say that rents are already down by as much as as fuel prices were higher and drug launches have either been wiped out or delayed. human and economic consequences 25% in some places and rentals as well as footfalls would now be parts of India were again under Indian drug manufacturers face other challenges as the world has ever seen. Stock determined only after government rolls out the immunisation programme local lockdowns, while the mon- well. An Indian pharmaceutical facility can sell drugs markets have rocketed on hopes of a to check the pandemic. The uncertainty on rental negotiations in FY22 is soon rain season was also stalling in the US only after it has been inspected and approved potential breakthrough in the search due to Covid altering shopping decisions as job and income uncertainty and economic activity and transport. for a vaccine against Covid-19. by the US FDA. movement restrictions are feared to further impact consumer and The pandemic has also forced generic drug manu- household spending. BCG, in a December report on how India shops, facturers, both contract and captive, to delay their plans spends and saves in the new reality, said, “In apparel, purchase decision for new product launches. When product launches and was primarily triggered by social/celebratory occasions (accounting for clinical trials by large global pharma companies are de- 42% of triggers). However, due to social distancing norms , the Heavy toll on tourism industry layed, the drug companies from which they source ma- social/celebratory occasions no longer hold much sway in purchase.” terials face the heat. Low sales, therefore, pose efore COVID-19, travel Mauritius, and the Pacific to another major concern THE $10 TRILLION RESCUE Band tourism had become the back streets of Bangkok, for Indian drug man- one of the most important to Africa’s sweeping national ufacturers supplying The COVID-19 crisis is one sectors in the world econ- parks, countries are grap- globally. Some Indian of the worst health omy, accounting for 10 percent pling with how to lure back pharma facilities emergencies the world has of global GDP and more than visitors while avoiding new had to be shut as witnessed for a century, 320 million jobs worldwide. In outbreaks of infection. workers tested and its economic impact 1950, at the dawn of the jet age, The solutions range from positive for the could be just as steep. just 25 million people took wooing the ultrarich who can virus. While it took several quarters for foreign trips. By 2019, that quarantine on their yachts to unemployment to peak in number had reached 1.5 bil- inviting people to stay for pe- other crises, the economic lion, and the travel and riods of up to a year and work shock of the COVID-19 tourism sector had grown to virtually while enjoying a crisis has been larger than almost too-big-to-fail pro- tropical view. In that of any previous portions for many economies. Organization (UNWTO). people feel safe to travel en the first half of this crisis—and it materialised The global pandemic, the first Tourism-dependent coun- masse again. “There is no year, tourist ar- within weeks. Five weeks into the crisis, the weekly number of jobs lost of its scale in a new era of in- tries will likely feel the neg- way we can grow our way rivals fell globally in the United States continues exceeded any pre-COVID-19 record. In terconnectedness, has put 100 ative impacts of the crisis out of this hole we are in,” by more than 65 some sectors, demand came practically to a halt in a matter of days as

million jobs at risk, many in for much longer than other Irwin LaRocque, secretary- percent, with a a result of lockdown measures. Governments’ economic responses to

k y m c micro, small, and medium-sized economies. Contact-inten- general of the Caribbean near halt since the crisis is unprecedented, too: $10 trillion announced just in the first enterprises that employ a high sive services key to the Community (CARICOM), said April—compared two months, which is three times more than the response to the share of women, who represent tourism and travel sectors at a virtual event in with 8 percent 2008–09 financial crisis. Western European countries alone have 54 percent of the tourism work- are disproportionately af- September. From the white during the allocated close to $4 trillion, an amount almost 30 times larger than force, according to the United fected by the pandemic and sand beaches of the global finan- today’s value of the Marshall Plan. Governments have included all shapes Nations World Tourism will continue to struggle until Caribbean, Seychelles, cial crisis. and forms in their stimulus packages: guarantees, loans, value transfers to companies and individuals, deferrals, and equity investments. P12

WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30 | 2020 | BHUBANESWAR sports

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k k y y m m c REDEMPTION AT ITS BEST c Stand-in captain Rahane leads India to a splendid victory over Australia POST-MATCH COMMENTS to level the series at 1-1 after their embarrassing defeat in the first match AJINKYA RAHANE: The talk was all PRESS TRUST OF INDIA about showing attitude, intent and Other reactions on India win character. One hour took the Melbourne, Dec 29: Hungry for re- game away from us in Adelaide, SACHIN TENDULKAR: To win a Test match without Virat, Rohit, Ishant & Shami demption, India recorded a win for but we still have a lot to learn. is a terrific achievement. Loved the resilience and character shown by the team Really proud of all the players, to put behind the loss in the 1st Test and level the series. Brilliant win. Well the ages under an inspirational credit to our debutants Gill and done TEAM INDIA. Ajinkya Rahane, beating Australia Siraj. The way they showed by eight wickets in the second Test character was amazing. VIRAT KOHLI: What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. to level the four-match series 1-1 Couldn’t be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory here Tuesday. TIM PAINE: Very disappointed, amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here. The target of 70 was never a big played poor cricket, sloppy BISHAN SINGH BEDI: (The) 36 all out was terribly ‘freakish’ but an 8-wicket win one but for a team that was bowled cricket. Let’s not take anything is not... I hope Indians can forget both... One as a nightmare & the other as out for its all-time lowest score of 36 away from India, they forced us to nothing to float on cloud nine... Still 2 more Tests to go & plenty of work to do. only 10 days back, one can’t fault make mistakes. We need to just Stay calm Fellas as your Captain (Rahane) & ‘think’ how to outwit OZ! them if that played at the back of bat better, it does not matter who their minds. Shubman Gill (35 n o) is at the crease out there. We need KAPIL DEV: Hats off to Indian cricket team, what a fantastic game after playing and skipper Rahane (27 n o) knocked to be scoring runs, that’s the job of poor cricket in Adelaide, you made us proud. Ajinkya Rahane, you and your off the runs in 15.5 overs to complete the top seven in the team. team, proud of you, you didn’t have your captain but you showed the way and the victory. carry on doing that, well done. RAVI SHASTRI: Rahane is a very This was after the quartet com- VVS LAXMAN: Lot of positives from this win. Rahane led the side brilliantly, prising Jasprit Bumrah (2/54), debu- shrewd leader and a good reader of the game. I thought his calm bowlers were relentless but the biggest positive is the performance of two tant Mohammed Siraj (3/37), composure out there helped the debutants. Both of them were confident and not overawed by the big occasion. Ravichandran Ashwin (2/71) and debutants as well as the bowlers. Strength of Indian cricket is their strong bench strength. Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) showed ma- There was a calming influence out SANJAY MANJREKAR: After the 42, India went onto lose the next Text by an niacal consistency over a period of there despite losing Umesh. See, 100 overs on the flattest of decks, innings and 78 runs. After 36 India go onto win the next Test. Wow! It’s a his- both are good readers of the toric win because it came after a historic loss. where extra bounce became their game, Virat is very passionate, go-to weapon. Ajinkya, on the other hand, is VIRENDER SEHWAG: A really special win at the MCG. Great Determination and Indian teams, since the turn of the very calm and composed, and it’s great character. Rahane led from the from the front,the bowlers were terrific new millennium, have had some their characters. and Gill is chill. memorable overseas victories but when the backdrop and context of RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN: boxes to understand the kind of RICKY PONTING: (Australia) made this Test at the iconic MCG is Getting bowled out for 36 was admiration that was there for the 191 there (in Adelaide), 195 and recorded for posterity, Rahane and never going to be easy. We are way he (Rahane) lead the team 200 here. That’s not batting in Test his magnificent bowling unit will quite a proud cricketing country amongst some of the Australian match cricket. And the worry I’ve find more than an honourable men- and losing Virat was a bit of a legends who were at the got is how long it takes them to tion in the pages of history. setback. But we stuck on really commentary box. So that was such get those runs. That’s my issue. The Indian teams of yore used well. Jinks’ (Rahane) calmness in a heartening thing to see that he They’ve got to show some more the dressing room really to lose stomach for a good scrap was being praised for his intent. They can’t be scared of provided us that stability to go leadership by these guys, someone getting out. They’ve got to go out after humiliating defeats but out there and express ourselves like Ricky ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and bat and score runs and not this one. It stood out for the in this game. Mike Hussey, Shane Warne, they they’ve got to get them quicker manner of its comeback in the had nothing but praise for than two-and-a-half runs an over. I absence of a genius called SUNIL GAVASKAR: You had to be Rahane’s captaincy (in the second think they need to have a good Virat Kohli and a magician in around the Australian commentary Test in Melbourne). look at how they’re playing. Mohammed Shami. India were also hamstrung by Umesh Yadav’s calf muscle injury Mohammed Siraj celebrates a wicket with his teammates in Melbourne, Tuesday PICS: ESPNCRICINFO mid-match which reduced a five- SCORECARD pronged bowling attack to four men. face and giving Ashwin a go be- But in the last three and half days, fore debutant Siraj in the first Australia 1st innings 195 Oz penalised for slow over-rate India 1st innings 326 Rahane, first with his hundred and hour of the match, all the while MELBOURNE: The Australian cricket team were fined 40 per cent of Australia 2nd innings then with solid leadership, showed keeping that leg gully in busi- (overnight 133/6) what Kohli meant when he spoke ness for Steve Smith. their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test, which Cameron Green c Jadeja b Siraj about ‘New India’. It worked wonderfully well and 45, Pat Cummins c Agarwal b Along with skills, it was the men- then he understood pretty quickly concluded here Tuesday. ICC match referee David Boon imposed the sanction after Tim Paine’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the Bumrah 22, Mitchell Starc not out tal fortitude that shone through as that Siraj, with his hit-the-deck 14, Nathan Lyon c Pant b Siraj 3, the team didn't take too much time bowling, could work wonders with target after time allowances were taken into consideration during the second Test, which the hosts lost by eight wickets. Australia (0.766) are Josh Hazlewood b Ashwin 10; to bury the ghosts of Adelaide and the semi-new or old kookaburra currently at the top of the ICC WTC points table followed by India Extras: 8 (lb-5, nb-3); clear the cobwebs in their minds get- when the seam would flatten. (0.722) and New Zealand (0.625) on percentage points won, which will Total: 200 all out (103.1 overs). ting Australia all-out for 195 and While batting, he was like that decide the final placing rather than total points won.] Fall: 1/4 (Burns), 2/42 200 in two innings. bandmaster, who knew how to con- (Labuschagne), 3/71 (Smith), For someone, whose Test match duct his orchestra whether it was 4/98 (Wade), 5/98 (Head), 6/99 place was being questioned during young Gill or the seasoned Jadeja. cision as Bumrah bounced Cummins (Paine), 7/156 (Cummins), 8/177 the last 18 months, Rahane was cer- On fourth morning, Rahane, after to end the stand that consumed (Green), 9/185 (Lyon), 10/200 tainly ‘Captain Cool’ in a new avatar, giving a three-over spell to Bumrah, more than 36 overs. (Hazlewood). bamboozling the opposition with understood instantly that the old ball The second new ball did the trick Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 27-6-54- his tactical acumen and marshalling is not doing anything and took him as Cameron Green (45) and 2, Umesh Yadav 3.3-0-5-1, of resources. off the attack to keep him fresh for Cummins (22) were dismissed after Mohammed Siraj 21.3-4-37-3, Ravichandran Ashwin 37.1-6-71- On the first day, it was about as- the second new ball. their frustrating 57-run stand for the 2, Ravindra Jadeja 14-5-28-2. sessing the moisture on the sur- It was another great tactical de- seventh wicket. It was a well-directed bouncer Shubman Gill drives one through India 2nd innings aimed between the batsman’s jaw the cover region during his Mayank Agarwal c Paine b Starc and shoulder and the awkward fend match-winning knock 5, Shubman Gill not out 35, Cheteshwar Pujara c Green b SCG retained as host for 3rd Test was taken by Mayank Agarwal at Cummins 3, Ajinkya Rahane not second slip. the tail setting a total of 70 for their fire with fire during that brief knock out 27; Total: 70/2 (15.5 overs). SYDNEY: Cricket Australia arrivals from Sydney. Green, who was starting to be- batsmen. and it was poetic justice that he Fall: 1/16 (Agarwal), 2/19 (Pujara). Tuesday decided to retain Sydney “We have met regularly over come a thorn in the flesh, tried to The victory was unquestionable was there till the end. Kohli will Bowling: Mitchell Starc 4-0-20-1, as the venue for the third Test the past week to assess the un- pull Siraj but the extra bounce did but again it was Rahane, a former be back in whites in about a month Pat Cummins 5-0-22-1, Josh against India, ending speculation folding public health situation in him in as Jadeja, fielding at mid- Karate 10th Dan black belt, decided and half when he walks out at the Hazlewood 3-1-14-0, Nathan that the game could move to Sydney and gauge its impact on wicket, timed his spot jump to per- to guide Gill, doing his apprentice Chepauk leading his band of men Lyon 2.5-0-5-0, Marnus Melbourne because of stringent border restrictions around the Ajinkya Rahane won the inaugural fection ending the batsman’s vigil. in Test cricket. but one won’t forget ‘Captain Labuschagne 1-0-9-0. COVID-19 border restrictions that country,” Cricket Australia’s in- Mullagh Medal Siraj and Ashwin then mopped up It was only fitting that he fought Rahane’ in a hurry. would have affected the players’ terim CEO Nick Hockley was movement for the fourth match in quoted as saying by Brisbane. ‘cricket.com.au’. Wins for India at The previous instance of India Years since no Overseas That’s when a the MCG, their winning a Test after losing the toss Australian debutants visiting team’s The third Test will be played “To that end, we have made the 4most successful 2003and bowling first in SENA countries 32batsman scored a 1in Australia 1887spinners last from January 7. The series is cur- decision to keep the New Year’s venue away from (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). That was fifty in a Test match at with better averaged better in Australia. rently locked 1-1 after India won Test at the SCG, which has a won- home. Previously they also in Australia, the famous Adelaide Test of 2003. The home. Incidentally, that was match figures Indian spinners’ figures for this series the second Test in Melbourne, derful recent history of hosting the had won three Tests last time India won away from home in such a situation also at the MCG against than so far read 13 wickets at an which was placed on standby in Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day each at Queens Park was in 2010 in Sri Lanka West Indies Mohammed average of 16.92 the wake of the COVID-19 out- on the third day of play.” Oval in Trinidad, Sabina Siraj. Lasith break in Sydney’s northern The outbreak had earlier jeop- Park in Jamaica and at Previous instances of teams coming back from 0-1 down to The highest score for Malinga is the Run rate for Australia beaches before Christmas. ardised the arrangements for the the SSC in Colombo. No win the second Test in Australia in the last 50 years. West an Australian only bowler to this series – the The fourth and final Test is fourth Test at the Gabba with other team apart from 2Indies came back from 0-1 to win at the WACA in 1975-76. 79batsmen in the last six have taken more 2.52lowest ever in a home scheduled from January 19 in Queensland closing its border for England has won more After that, it was New Zealand in 2011 in Hobart. India had lost Tests between Australia and than Siraj’s five series starting from 1990. Three of the Brisbane, Queensland, which has anyone coming from the Greater than three matches at the first Test on 23 occasions in SENA countries before this and India in Australia. Marcus Harris wickets in such six lowest run rates for Australia in this placed strict border restrictions on Sydney area. the MCG come back to win the second Test only in 2010-11 in South Africa scored this in Sydney last year a scenario period have come against India. ATKMB share spoils with Chennaiyin Chelsea held at Stamford Bridge

POST NEWS NETWORK goalkeeper. In the 50th minute, ASSOCIATED PRESS Chhangte got on the end of a long Olivier Giroud Goa, Dec 29: Both Chennaiyin ball from Chennaiyin goalkeeper London, Dec 29: Not even another (C) celebrates FC and ATK Mohun Bagan were left Vishal Kaith and bore down on goal from talisman Olivier Giroud his goal frustrated as they played out a goal. His shot looked to be going could give Chelsea coach Frank against Aston goalless draw in the Indian Super in but Arindam got a fingertip to it. Lampard the change in fortune he Villa with his League (ISL) at the GMC Stadium Chennaiyin suffered a blow in the needs, as his team drew 1-1 with teammates here, Tuesday. 69th minute when the influential Aston Villa in the Premier League. Chennaiyin, in particular, had Crivellaro went off with an injury. That makes it just one win in multiple chances to put the game to However, that did not stop them the past five games for Lampard, bed, but a brilliant display from from having the better of the game. who recruited heavily during the ATKMB goalkeeper Arindam In the 80th minute, Arindam had summer transfer window to mount Bhattacharja prevented them from to pull off two saves in quick suc- a title challenge yet still seems un- finding a goal. cession to keep his team level. The sure what his best side is. It was Chennaiyin who were on first, acrobatically diverting Reagan Sixth-place Chelsea are six points the attack early on, with Arindam Singh’s shot behind, was his best of behind leader Liverpool, having called into action as early as in the the match. Then, off the ensuing cor- played one game more than the de- John McGinn’s superb 25-minute This allowed Leicester to jump fifth minute. Chennaiyin captain ner, he was there to prevent Eli fending champion. strike rattling the crossbar in the above Everton and into second Rafael Crivellaro, after receiving Players of ATKMB (in black) and Chennaiyin vie for the ball during the game Sabia from heading in. After starting Tammy Abraham 69th minute. place on goal difference, after scrap- the ball from Jakub Sylvestr, fired Antonio Lopez Habas’ team has in the past two league outings, he went Both sides are level on points ing a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace y a shot at goal only for Arindam to things. In the 19th minute, he sup- chance of the half just as it was com- a reputation of scoring late goals and for Giroud this time and the with tough games coming up. Fifth- thanks to a fine equaliser from

block it. Minutes later, Lallianzuala plied Manvir on the right and got ing to a close. Memo Moura diverted they tried to stay true to that, laying Frenchman put Chelsea ahead with place Villa, which lead Chelsea on Harvey Barnes in the 85th.

k k y y m m c c Chhangte found himself in a good into position to receive the ball Crivellaro's freekick into the path of repeated sieges to the Chennaiyin an excellent diving header from Ben goal difference but has played two Leicester trailed 0-1 after Wilfried position but fired wide. back, only for the latter to lose it. A Enes Sipovic, who had a wide target box in the final ten minutes. Chilwell’s cross in the 34th minute. less games. That game could yet Zaha’s 58th minute goal at Selhurst ATKMB grew into the game as it minute later, he chased down a de- to aim at. However, he only managed However, a mixture of their own But Villa showed their resilient be in doubt, however, because Park. But midfielder Ayoze Perez progressed, with their main at- flected ball and nearly scored but was to shoot straight at Arindam. wastefulness and some solid de- streak to level through Anwar El Monday’s match between Everton sliced a difficult chance over with tacking outlet Roy Krishna often flagged for offside. Soon after the restart, Chennaiyin fending from Chennaiyin meant Ghazi in the 50th minute and cre- and City was called off amid City’s Jamie Vardy so close to reaching the finding himself in the thick of Chennaiyin arguably had the best were denied again by the ATKMB that they ended up drawing a blank. ate further chances, with midfielder growing coronavirus outbreak. ball before him.

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