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GENDER STEREOTYPES BLOW TO SUGA GOVT DC FACE RCB TODAY Actor Elnaaz Norouzi feels it is time film PM Yoshihide Suga’s ruling Liberal Democratic Delhi Capitals lock horns with Royal industry stopped looking at actresses Party lost all three seats in parliamentary Challengers Bangalore in an Indian as just glamour quotients Premier League game LEISURE | P2 by-elections Sunday INTERNATIONAL | P10 SPORTS | P12

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 27 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | TUESDAY, APRIL 27 | 2021 12 PAGES | `4.00

IRREGULAR by MANJUL HEATWAVE LASHES STATE; 6 PLACES EC RESPONSIBLE FOR SEE TEMP OVER 42°C POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, April 26: Severe heatwave condition continued to prevail at many places in the state 2ND COVID WAVE: HC with temperatures going past 42°C at six places Monday. AGENCIES Boudh recorded the state’s high- Poll body in soup est temperature of 43°C while it Chennai, April 26: The Madras High was the capital city of Send me to a place where Court Monday castigated the Election n The bench said EC Bhubaneswar that sizzled at a 2nd jab at govt Bure Din prevails. I’ve seen Commission over the COVID-19 second officials may be booked temperature of 42.5°C . The max- enough of Achhe Din! wave in the country, holding it 'singularly' under murder charges- imum day temperature at Bolangir responsible for the spread, called it the was 42.2°C , followed by Angul n "the most irresponsible institution" and Judges orally warned (42.1°C ), Nayagarh (42°C ) and hubs free of cost even said its officials may be booked that they would not Titlagarh (42°C ). SHORT TAKES under murder charges. hesitate to stop the Apart from the above six sta- POST NEWS NETWORK regarding their dates of in- The EC allowing political parties to take counting of votes May 2 tions, 11 other places witnessed oculation and the places. out rallies and meetings had led to the day temperatures of 40°C or more Bhubaneswar, April 26: The third phase of the vac- Ex-Phulbani MP n The Calcutta HC had spread of the pandemic, the court said. Monday. They included Talcher Any person who received cination will wholly depend expressed similar dies of Covid-19 The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib (41.6°C ), Sundargarh (41.5°C ), the first dose of COVID-19 on the quantities of vac- dissatisfaction with the Bhubaneswar: Sugrib Singh, Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Jharsuguda (41.4°C ), Baripada & vaccine at a private centre cines available in the state, EC over enforcement of the former MP from Phulbani Ramamoorthy made the stinging ob- Sambalpur (41.2°C each), Sonepur can take the second shot at he added. Lok Sabha constituency, servation on a public interest writ from Covid-19 safety norms & Bhawanipatna (41 each), Hirakud a government site free of Chief Minister Naveen passed away while undergoing Karur AIADMK candidate and Transport during WB polls (40.9°C ), Cuttack (40.2°C ), Balasore cost, said state family wel- Patnaik Sunday announced treatment at a private hospital Minister MR Vijayabaskar for the April (40.1) and Phulbani (40°C ). fare director Bijay Panigrahi free vaccination for the age in Bhubaneswar. He was 58. 6 Assembly polls, seeking a direction to its active cases are in excess of one The Bhubaneswar here Monday. group of 18-45 during the Singh was elected to the 14th authorities to ensure fair counting of EC trod with caution: lakh. Elections had been held in four Meteorological Centre director The director said this as third phase of vaccination. Lok Sabha after winning the votes May 2 in Karur by taking effective Sources on HC flak states--Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and HR Biswas said the day tempera- the Union government has As many as 19.3 million peo- 2004 general polls from steps and proper arrangements with West Bengal and the Union Territory of ture will remain almost at the decided to not provide free ple will benefit from the in- Phulbani Lok Sabha seat on a COVID-19 protocols. NEW DELHI: After the Madras High Court Pondicherry and the counting of polled same level in the interior pock- vaccines at private facili- oculation exercise for which BJD ticket. He was born August Since as many as 77 candidates are con- observed that the Election Commission votes will be taken up May 2. While vot- ets while the coastal areas are ties with effect from May 1. the government will spend 1, 1963 at Daringbadi village of testing from Karur constituency, it would must be held "singularly" responsible for ing is over in all other states, the seventh likely to witness a fall in the mer- He further said if a person `2,000 crore. Kandhamal. Initially, Singh the second wave of coronavirus in the worked as a journalist. He then be very difficult to accommodate their of the eight-phase polling in West Bengal cury after next two days. tests positive for COVID-19 The state government has agents in the counting hall. It may affect country, sources said Monday that the poll is underway Monday, with the last phase Meanwhile, the India after the first dose, he can placed fresh orders for 10.34 joined politics and was elected panel has trodden with caution all along to as chairman of Phulbani NAC. observance of the protocols, the petitioner scheduled April 29. Meteorological Department pre- take the second shot four lakh doses of Covaxin from alleged. When counsel for the EC told the ensure COVID-19-free polls, first in Bihar Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had dicted a wet spell over several weeks after his recovery. Bharat Biotech and 3.77 and then in four states and a union territo- judges that all necessary steps were un- expressed dissatisfaction with the EC over parts of the country from April 26 He said registration of crore doses of Covishield ry. They said while enforcing the Disaster derway, the bench shot back saying that to 30. Thunderstorms with light- citizens in the age group of from Serum Institute of Bank hours from Management Act to ensure COVID-19- the enforcement of COVID-19 health by allowing the political parties to take ning and gusty winds are likely at 18-45 years for vaccination India (SII). However, the 10 am to 2 pm appropriate behaviour is the responsibility safety norms during the ongoing West out rallies and meetings, it (Commission) of the State Disaster Management Bengal assembly election process, in- isolated places over Telangana, will start from April 28. state is yet to get a reply in Bhubaneswar: In view of had paved the way for the resurgence of Authority, the commission invoked its con- cluding campaigning. On April 22, hear- Kerala and Mahe from April 26. Eligible people have to this regard. COVID-19 surge, the state the second wave of the deadly virus. stitutional powers to place curbs on cam- ing three public interest litigations Heat wave conditions are likely in do registration on CoWin As many as 88,770 people government Monday asked all Irked over the submission of the EC paigning in West Bengal to reduce expo- seeking enforcement of Covid protocol isolated pockets over Gujarat and app or Aarogya Setu app. have been vaccinated at 595 banks to provide customer counsel that all precautionary meas- sure of people to the virus. during the polls, a division bench presided coastal Odisha, the IMD added. After the registration, slots centers Monday while the service from 10 am to 2 pm ures would be taken at the counting by Chief Justice T BN Radhakrishnan On April 27, thunderstorms with will be booked according to government has planned to every working day. However, centres, the Chief Justice replied that may be booked under murder charges. had said issuance of circulars and hold- lightning and gusty winds are the number of Covid-19 vac- conduct the sessions at 602 the bank branches can remain the EC must be 'singularly' held re- The judges also orally warned that they ing meetings on Covid safety were not likely at isolated places over cine doses available with centers Tuesday. The state open from 10 am to 4 pm. sponsible for the second wave of the would not hesitate to stop the counting enough. It later directed the authori- Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, the state government. has 1,23,170 doses of Finance deputy secretary pandemic spike in the country. of votes May 2. On Sunday, Tamil Nadu ties to make the people of WB abide by Maharashtra, Marathawada, The beneficiaries will get Covishield and 3,65,750 doses Tarakanta Bhakta has written a The bench even said that EC officials reported 15,000 new Covid cases, while the curbs imposed by the commission. Telangana, Kerala and Mahe. information through SMSes of Covaxin. letter to convener of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) in this regard. The revised timeframe will continue Govt asks Serum, till May 15 and will be reviewed RBI caps tenure of bank TWO HOOTS TO CAUTION in between or thereafter. P3 MDs & CEOs to 15 years Bharat Biotech to MARKET WATCH lower vax prices AGENCIES Within the overall limit of 70 PRESS TRUST OF INDIA INDEX VARIATION years, as part of their internal pol- Mumbai, April 26: In a major re- icy, individual bank's boards are New Delhi, April 26: The central SENSEX 48386.51 508.06 form step, the Reserve Bank of free to prescribe a lower retire- government Monday asked the India has capped the tenure of bank ment age for the WTDs, including Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech

BOURSES NIFTY 14485.00 143.60 MD and CEOs with immediate ef- the MD & CEO. The change in to lower price of their COVID-19 fect. In a circular to all the com- norms may have a major impact on vaccines amid criticism from var- `0.26 DOLLAR 75.38 mercial banks Monday, the RBI Uday Kotak, the MD and CEO of ious states who accused the com- EURO 90.76 `0.22 said that the posts of Managing Kotak Mahindra Bank who would panies of profiteering during such CURRENCY Director and Chief Executive Officer not be eligible for another term at a major crisis. GOLD `47,490 `42 or Whole Time Director cannot be the helm as per these new norms. The issue of vaccine pricing held for more than 15 years. The circular added that in ex- was discussed at a meeting chaired SILVER `68,672 `2

BULLION Further, the MD and CEO or traordinary circumstances, at the by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. WTD who is also a promoter or a sole discretion of the Reserve Bank, Now the two companies are ex- major shareholder, cannot hold MD & CEO or WTDs who are also pected to come up with revised these posts for more than 12 years. the promoter or a significant share- pricing for their vaccines. WEATHER Banks will have to comply with holder may be allowed to continue The Hyderabad-based Bharat BHUB CTK the instructions by October 1, 2021. up to 15 years. "While examining the Biotech has fixed the price of its The central bank further said matter of re-appointment of such COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, at MAX 42.5° 40.2° that the extant instructions on MD & CEOs or WTDs within the `600 per dose for state govern- upper age limit for MD & CEO and 12/15 years period, the level of ments and at `1,200 per dose for pri- TEMP MIN 26.4° 25.4° Forecast WTDs in the private sector banks progress and adherence to the mile- vate hospitals. The Pune-based Humidity 65% 68% would continue and no person can stones for dilution of promoters' Serum Institute of India (SII), the Heatwave Rainfall Nil Nil continue as MD & CEO or WTD shareholding in the bank shall also world's largest vaccine maker in beyond the age of 70 years. be factored in by the RBI," it said. Bapuji Nagar market in Bhubaneswar witnesses a rush of crowds as it reopens after the weekend shutdown, Monday terms of volume, has announced a price of `400 per dose for its COVID-19 vaccine, 'Covishield', for state governments and `600 per dose for private hospitals. Nomadland best pic at Oscars of many firsts, surprises Both vaccines are available to the central government at a rate of `150 per dose. The Centre has re- AGENCIES plenty to celebrate this year. BEST ACTOR shut as people across the globe strug- laxed its vaccination strategy in the Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins, ANTHONY HOPKINS gled with the coronavirus pandemic. third phase under which the coun- Los Angeles, April 26: It was a who did not attend the ceremony, won "One day very, very soon, take try's large 18-plus population will night of big wins for meditative best actor Oscar for his perform- everyone you know into a theatre, get inoculated from May 1. road drama “Nomadland” which ance as a man suffering from de- shoulder to shoulder, in that dark Under the new strategy, the vac- got the Oscar for best picture as mentia in the relationship drama space, and watch every film that's rep- cine manufacturers would supply well as best director for Chloe Zhao, "The Father". The actor stars op- resented here tonight," McDormand 50 per cent of their monthly Central the first woman of colour to get the posite Olivia Colman in the movie. said in her speech. Based on Jessica Drugs Laboratory (CDL) released coveted trophy, at the 93rd Academy It was a surprise win for the actor Bruder's book of the same name, doses to the central government and Awards, a socially distanced event as many expected the trophy to go "Nomadland" stars McDormand as would be free to supply the re- held in the shadow of the pandemic. to Chadwick Boseman for his turn Fern, a woman who, after the eco- maining 50 per cent doses to state The film, about grief and find- in "May Rainey's Black Bottom". nomic collapse of her company governments and in the open mar- ing connections outside the tradi- The India connection came town in rural Nevada, packs her ket. The government had said the tional structure of a family, also through with the Academy hon- van and sets off on the road to ex- manufacturers would have to make won Frances McDormand her third ouring actor Irrfan Khan and cos- plore a life outside of conventional an advance declaration of the price best actress Oscar after "Fargo" and tume designer Bhanu Athaiya in society as a modern-day nomad. for the 50 per cent supply that "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, its 'In Memoriam' segment. The The pandemic forced the Academy would be available to the state gov- y Missouri" as well as a gong for pro- night clearly belonged to Zhao and to delay its date and shift the ceremony ernments and in the open mar-

ducing it. My Octopus Teacher' won "Nomadland", a front-runner for the best director trophy. acceptance speech. to April even as the entertainment in- ket. Many states have objected to

k y m c the Oscar for Best Documentary. the awards from the beginning. “This is for anyone who has the "I have always found goodness in dustry grappled with shutdowns of different prices for the vaccines, The usual glitter that accompanies Zhao, who moved to the US from faith and the courage to hold on to the people I've met everywhere I theatres and productions. In a break with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Hollywood's most starry night had China as a teenager, is the first the goodness in themselves and to went in the world,” she added. The from tradition, the ceremony an- Kejriwal saying this is not time dimmed but with women and peo- woman of colour and the only sec- hold on the goodness in other no film's star and producer McDormand nounced the best picture winner for profiteering. Kerjiwal also ap- ple of colour creating history as ond woman after Kathryn Bigelow's matter how difficult it is to do that,” struck a chord with her speech in a ahead of the best actress and actor BEST ACTRESS pealed to the vaccine makers to the first-time winners, there was 2010 win for "The Hurt Locker" to win the 39-year-old director said in her year that has seen theatres remain winners. MORE P2 FRANCES McDORMAND bring down the price to `150 a dose. P2 TOP GUN BEST FILM I HAVE KAJAL URGES PEOPLE TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR BEEN A PART OF: McQUARRIE TO DONATE PLASMA Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie, Actress Kajal Pisal, who recently who is a part of the writing team on Tom recovered from Covid-19, has Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick and directs requested people to donate their next two Mission: Impossible movies, has plasma, adding that she plans to y called the aviation drama one of the best do so soon as she is allowed to.

films he has been a part of.

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FORTUNE FORECAST Actresses are more than just Bhanu, Irrfan honoured glamour quotients: Elnaaz Los Angeles: Irrfan Khan and ARIES Bhanu Athaiya were the Indian film Mumbai: Actress Elnaaz Norouzi, “I don’t just want to be part Today you may try to personalities honoured in the In who was recently seen in the film of films where my only job is make your loved one Memoriam montage showcased at the Hello Charlie feels while Hindi film to look pretty and dance. I happy, and perhaps 93rd Academy Awards ceremony industry is undergoing many also want to take up parts even try to woo the per- held here Monday morning ac- changes, the industry has to stop where I can show my acting son in a fresh manner. You may not be too satisfied with your friends and rela- cording to India time. looking at actresses as just glam- calibre, just how I did with tives, but, Ganesha says, you can expect Sean Connery and Chadwick our quotients in the films. Sacred Games,” said the to go to a party in the evening and make Boseman were also among many Asked if B-Town needs to Iranian-German actress. new friends. others that the Academy remem- change the mentality of looking Elnaaz’s role in Hello bered in the special tribute segment. at actresses as just pretty faces, Charlie was that of Mona, Irrfan, who passed away last year Elnaaz says: “It does need to a traditional ‘vamp’ pro- TAURUS in Mumbai at the age of change in our industry. The same totype of Hindi films who This day you are likely be 53 after a two-year bat- OSCARS notion is not followed in many is trying help her lover prone to daydreaming tle with neuroendocrine other film industries but in and the film’s villain and fantasizing. Ganesha tumour, earned global TIDBITS Best Actor award for The versation after winning her first Bollywood every actress needs to (played by Jackie Shroff) sees you losing touch with recognition with his Father. look pretty and for every role, pull off his vile plan. She reality and making errors in judgment, in Oscar as Best Supporting Actress your assessment of facts.You will, by sheer work in projects such as The Warrior, for Minari, on being asked how Brad they have to wear a lot of makeup. triggers off an important force of your tenacity and determination The Namesake, Slumdog Millionaire, Pitt smells like. “I didn’t smell him. It is changing for the better now plot point. ensure that things work out in the end. The Amazing Spider-Man, Life Of Pi, I am not a dog,” she replied and and I really glad about it.” IANS Jurassic World and Inferno. added that Pitt announcing her name Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya was something she found too GEMINI became the first Indian to win an good to be true. You will lend your innova- Oscar, for her work in Sir Richard AGENCIES tive and imaginative spark Attenborough’s much-feted classic to your initiatives, which of 1982, Gandhi. She won the Oscar Kaluuya’s acceptance speech TAAPSEE will be quite a few, says Ganesha. Love will bring you immense sat- jointly with John Mollo. Athaiya amuses many isfaction. And you will develop a special was 91 when she passed away at her Daniel Kaluuya, who won the Best shuts up troll over bond with your spouse or beloved. You, residence in Mumbai after prolonged Supporting Actor for his work in however, are likely to be dragged into a illness last year on October 16. Judas And The Black Messiah tick- offensive remark conflict and will be forced to pick a side. Acting is paid hobby for Hopkins led the funny-bone at the ceremony Actor Anthony Hopkins said being in his acceptance speech. “My mom, Mumbai: Actress Taapsee Pannu “Apni car de de punnu... sab a part of showbiz is like having a paid my dad; they had sex, it’s amazing! Monday shut up a troll calling her kaam twitter per hi karegi... baketi CANCER hobby. “I’m not a method actor. I I’m here! I’m so happy to be alive, so ‘sasti maal’. The abusive tweet was karwa lo iss sasti maal se,” the user Today, you will need to can’t sit in the corner thinking I’m I want to celebrate that tonight,” he later deleted. wrote in a tweet, which was rise above your emo- a plant or anything like that. I get a said. As soon as his speech finished, It all began with a user request- deleted later. Reacting to the tional leanings and will have to choose between cup of tea or a cup of coffee and the camera panned to his mother, who ing actor Sonu Sood for an ambulance tweet, Taapsee wrote: “Can you doing the right thing and keeping your say, ‘Good morning’. Some people had a flummoxed even as the actor’s equipped with oxygen. Taapsee help- please shut up! Like just STFU ! loved ones happy. So far, you have man- want to make a big deal of it. I can’t. sister could not stop laughing. The fully shared the tweet, writing: “am- If this is all u wanna say in aged to strike a balance. It is about time I’ve got a life of my own and acting clip has now gone viral. bulance needed”. these times then hold on until that you learn to deal with your fears, to me is a hobby, a paid hobby, but I Yuh-jung's epic reply on Brad Pitt However, reacting to Taapsee’s this country gets back to suggests Ganesha. enjoy it,” Hopkins said in an inter- Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung tweet, a troll asked her to do- breathing normally and then view with The Sun after winning the had a witty retort during a media con- nate her car instead of spread- get back to your sh*t ways LEO ing the word on Twitter. until then DONT CROWD However, the post was MY TIMELINE WITH The oath of friendship that you once took as a derogatory in the lan- YOUR NONSENSE and bunch of raggedy mis- guage used to ad- let me do what I am fits still holds true, and Rashmika hints dress the ac- doing!” your best buddies are the ones who will tress. IANS stand by your side through hell or high water. Ganesha sees in you the desire to cherish such friends and prove your at third Hindi film appreciation by treating them with graceful munificence. Hyderabad: Actress Rashmika Mandanna held an Instagram live session with her followers Monday, where she revealed she is all set to sign her third Hindi film. Incidentally, Rashmika signed her VIRGO second film in Mumbai even before her debut fea- You are the banner ture is out. carrier for those Rashmika shot to the spotlight in the Hindi around you today, giv- entertainment domain by starring in the ing hope and inspir- popular Top Tucker video filmed on the ing. Clad yourself in robes of the perfect family man. This should spread warmth song by Uchana Amit, Jonita Gandhi, Yuvan and love, and will work wonders in Shankar Raja and Badshah. improving relationships. She will make her Hindi film debut with the spy thriller Mission Majnu, and her second Hindi film is the Amitabh Bachchan- LIBRA starrer Goodbye. Connect and Express — The revelation came when, during the in- these are the two things you must aim for at teractive session, a fan asked about her work today. You tend to other Hindi projects. “I am doing two do both things supremely well, be it in a Bollywood films and soon I will be signing business dialogue on phone, in writing, the third on,” she replied. The actress, how- or in meetings. Getting across to people ever, remains tight-lipped on details during is not an issue today. the virtual greeting session. IANS

SCORPIO You may find yourself sulking in your shell SUDOKU today, feels Ganesha. One event or another PEANUTS post To solve the Sudoku puzzle, fill in the boxes in such a may lead you to shut out work. Hindsight CROSSWORD manner that every row, column and 3x3 box contains and bitterness will not lead you any- the digits 1 to 9, without repeating any. where, so Ganesha advises that you must steer clear of negativity. Soul searching and inner cleansing may best be compli- mented with meditation and yoga.

SAGITTARIUS A nice, easy and pleasant day is on the cards. Your professional approach will bring you much appreciation, especially in the way you handle complicated problems. The way you balance people's opinions will help you make many friends.

CAPRICORN CALVIN AND HOBBES Recognition and rewards are awaiting you at work, and unlike in most cases, colleagues won't be envi- ous of your success. They will, in fact, provide the much-needed motivation for taking up new and chal- lenging projects, says Ganesha. For those SOLUTIONS of you looking to switch jobs, wait awhile, this may not be the right time.

AQUARIUS Today, you social butter- flies will set hearts flut- tering! Also, whatever you have been working on will reach completion now. You do have a great vision, but you're lost when BREVITY it comes to executing your plans. CROSSWORD Ganesha assures success if only you are a little more practical!

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Your day today will be like

k y m a tug-of-war competition. c Try to come out on top in this competition. Ganesha advices you not to underestimate your ene- mies. It is advisable to find a solution or avoid conflict so that you don't need to waste your energy in this. CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS OF THE PUZZLES TOMORROW SUDOKU IN MEMORIAM COVID-19 TRACKER P3 Dignitaries including, Speaker INFECTED RECOVERED DEAD TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR SN Patro and I&PR Minister Raghunandan Das, pay floral World 14,78,86,536 12,54,58,500 31,24,726 tributes to Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati on the birth India 1,73,13,163 1,43,04,382 1,95,123 anniversary of the latter on the

downtown Assembly premises, Monday Odisha 4,14,056 3,67,111 1,997

k y m c SECURITY CELLS FOR State logs 6,599 new cases, 9 more fatalities PNN/AGENCIES BMC focus on slums to curb virus spread Bhubaneswar, April 26: Odisha’s Covid-19 tally Monday mounted to POST NEWS NETWORK ELDERLY IN TATTERS 4,14,056 as 6,599 more people tested positive for the highly infectious n a bid to contain the spread of MANPOWER AND FUND CRUNCH ARE SAID TO BE THE BIGGEST virus, while nine fresh fatalities local infections, the Bhubaneswar pushed the coronavirus death toll IMunicipal Corporation (BMC) IMPEDIMENTS TO PROPER FUNCTIONING OF SCSCs IN CAPITAL CITY to 1,997, a Health and Family Welfare Monday initiated a special drive (H&FW) department official said. of active surveillance, monitoring POST NEWS NETWORK city have been registered them- Of the fresh cases, 3,827 were re- and control in the slums of the selves with the SCSCs at local po- ported from quarantine centres Capital city. Bhubaneswar, April 26: The lice stations. Around 2,000 senior cit- and 2,772 detected during contact With a high density of population Senior Citizens Security Cells izens have been registered with tracing. at slums, the drive has been initi- (SCSCs) opened at all the police the SCSC at Chandrasekharpur PS Khurda district, which comprises ated at all 67 wards. While screen- stations in the Capital city have al- while around 1,500 were registered the state capital Bhubaneswar, ing of the slum residents will be con- most stopped functioning since the at Nayapalli police station. Similarly, recorded the highest number of ducted in rounds, the drive will outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. as many as 2,500 elderly persons new cases at 958, followed by focus on different Anganwadi The Odisha Police had decided have registered themselves with Nuapada at 551 and Kalahandi at 518. Centres (AWCs) and community to open SCSCs at the police sta- Khandagiri police. As many as 950 The remaining fresh infections participation in different slums Vegetable sellers from Unit-I market in Bhubaneswar start operations from tions in urban areas across the senior citizens at Lingaraj, 1,300 were registered in several other spread across the capital. temporary stalls near Mother’s Public School in the City, Monday op photo state in 2008 after several ghastly COVID BLUES at Kharavel Nagar and 950 at Airfield districts. “The slum areas will be given crimes were reported against eld- “We expect the situation will top priority due to the population he nodal officers along with PS have received cards from the erly persons in the urban areas. now improve as the daily infection density there. The special team Tother cops are supposed to police. Satya Nagar crematorium fully functional As per Crime Branch’s circular visit any of the registered However, the SCSCs have almost level reaches a plateau,” Directorate comprising Anganwadi workers, (No. 01/08), the cells will be operated elderly person’s residence every stopped functioning since the out- of Medical Education and Training ASHA and a health activists will be MC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Monday, said that the with a sub-inspector rank cop as the week and advise him/her on break of pandemic barring some chief Prof CBK Mohanty said. reaching out to every individual Bcivic body is well prepared against Covid deaths with the sole nodal officer and two/three con- security related issues random distribution of medicines Taking to Twitter, the H&FW de- and collect data regarding health is- crematorium at Satya Nagar fully functional and other proposed stables at the police stations as and other essentials among them partment said, “Regret to inform the sues, travel history, age, address, crematoriums to be made operational soon. “Even if Puri administration his/her assistants. The senior cit- he nodal officers have also during nationwide lockdown last demise of nine COVID positive pa- occupation, phone number or any plans to close Swargadwar for deaths outside Puri, we are fully prepared izens, especially who were staying Tbeen asked to create senior year. The senior citizen meetings and tients while undergoing treatment flu related symptoms,” said a BMC to handle any added burden. The Satya Nagar crematorium is fully citizen committees in various alone, have been instructed to reg- medical camps used to be held at po- in hospitals.” official. operational and others will also open shortly. There is no need to panic localities of the urban area ister with the SCSCs at their local lice stations at regular intervals Of the fresh fatalities, three were As per BMC data, the city has as we are ready to face any challenge,” Chaudhary said. It can be police stations. They get a senior cit- owever, the SCSCs have have also stopped. reported from Khurda, two from about 500 slums with more than mentioned here that the city here saw massive spike in Covid cases in izen card along with a booklet of Halmost stopped functioning On the other hand, lack of fund Keonjhar and one each from 85,000 households having over 3.06 October last year. A large number of bodies were reported to have “Do’s and Don’ts” clearly advising since the outbreak of Covid-19 and manpower crunch have also Bhadrak, Ganjam, Cuttack and lakh population – roughly 36 per cent accumulated at Satya Nagar crematorium. Observing this, the BMC the card holders about the steps to barring some random distribution turned out to be the biggest im- Sundargarh. of city’s total population. Earlier, be- Commissioner had declared setting up of two more crematoriums – one be taken to remain safe, thereby of medicines and other essentials pediments to proper functioning Fifty-three other Covid-19 pa- tween August and September, Covid in Patia and another in Khandagiri – to reduce the burden. However, the preventing criminal activities among them during nationwide of SCSCs here. Many ASIs have tients have also died due to co- infection was reported from about project is yet to see the light of the day. against them. lockdown last year been appointed as nodal officers morbidities, he said. 20 of these slums with more than The nodal officers along with of the cells due to the absence of ad- Odisha now has 49,075 active half of them being ordered to be and government offices have been lakh population in 377 AWCs. While other cops are supposed to visit mittees in various localities of the equate number of SIs. cases, while 3,62,931 patients have sealed. sealed in the last few weeks, the only 17 people were found symp- any of the registered elderly person’s urban area. The senior citizens can Similarly, the officers at police sta- so far recovered from the disease. Orissa Post had earlier reported spread of virus has largely stayed tomatic, four were found to have residence every week and advise seek the help of cops of the cell in tions are reluctant to organise any Over 99.17 lakh samples, including experts suggesting elaborate plans away from slums. travel history from other states. him/her on security related issues. case of emergency. meetings, health camps or any pro- 39,642 Sunday, have been tested for to be formulated by the BMC to Meanwhile, the BMC in its first All symptomatic persons have been The nodal officers have also been According to sources, more than gramme in this regard for dearth Covid-19, and the positivity rate check the spread of virus in slums. round of Covid surveillance covered asked for home isolation under asked to create senior citizen com- 15,000 senior citizens in Capital of sufficient funds. stands at 4.17 per cent. While certain residential buildings about 397 slums surveying about 2.53 strict vigil of the BMC. Banking hours from 10am to 2pm POLITICKLE by MANJUL administrative offices and branches he revised time frame will of banks to 50 per cent on rotation Tcontinue till May 15 and will basis. be reviewed in between or However, for branches having five thereafter for further course of or less number of staffers, suitable action decision may be taken by the re- he state government has spective controlling offices with re- Tasked the banks to gard to staff requirement keeping implement the weekend in view the business of the branch, shutdown at all urban branches Bhakta said. The banks have been coming under the jurisdiction of asked to ensure uninterrupted bank- ULBs in the state ing service to the public. ll banks are advised to keep Banks were asked to provide sufficient cash in ATMs in mandatory services like accepting FILE PHOTO A all the districts deposits, cash withdrawals, remit- POST NEWS NETWORK Finance department deputy sec- tance and government businesses, retary Tarakanta Bhakta has writ- situation, the deputy secretary said. lending related activities among Bhubaneswar, April 26: In view ten a letter to convener of the State The banks were asked to imple- others. All banks are advised to of Covid-19 surge, the state gov- Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) ment the weekend shutdown at all keep sufficient cash in ATMs in all ernment Monday directed all the in this regard. The revised time- urban branches coming under the the districts. banks to provide customer service frame will continue till May 15 and jurisdiction of urban local bodies However, the instructions of local from 10am to 2pm every working day. will be reviewed in between or (ULBs) in the state. administrations like district However, the bank branches can thereafter for further course of ac- The state government has fur- Collector and municipal commis- remain open from 10am to 4pm. tion depending upon the prevailing ther asked to reduce the staff in sioners will supersede this order. 6 inspectors promoted Wrap up school admissions by May 31: Govt

POST NEWS NETWORK that all Covid guidelines issued by to DSP rank in state RULES TO FOLLOW government are strictly followed Bhubaneswar, April 26: School by the parents. These instructions POST NEWS NETWORK through a notification January 29. and Mass Education (S&ME) de- he admission should be will be applicable to all govern- The promoted officers are: Manoj partment Monday directed all the Tconducted between 7am and ment, government aided and all Bhubaneswar, April 26: Six in- Kumar Rout, Suryamani Pradhan, district and block education officers 9am on all working days BSE/CHSE Odisha affiliated schools. spectors again got promoted to the Iti Das, Rabi Narayan Padhy, (DEOs and BEOs) for admission of For smooth conduct of admis- rank of DSP after they re- Puspalata Barik and Atanu students to elementary and second- he headmaster should ensure sion process amidst the pandemic portedly came clean in Kumar Rout. ary classes for the session 2021-22. Tthat all Covid guidelines and prevailing heat wave, a Standard issued by government are the proceedings ini- The above officers Additional secretary of S&ME de- Operating Procedure (SOP) has strictly followed by the parents tiated against them. have been promoted partment Raghuram R Iyer said been issued. As per the SOP, all ad- Earlier, the state retrospectively with that due to the pandemic, classes per- missions based on promotion within government had de- effect from the date on taining to elementary wing were The government March 16 this year Now, the government is pleased tween 7am and 9am on all work- a school will not require presence moted 28 cops including the which their juniors got pro- closed since March 20, 2020 and ex- had issued instructions regarding to order that new admissions to el- ing days. Not more than 5 parents of students or guardians. These promoted ones to inspectors of po- motion January 29. The state Home amination could not be held. promotion of students of govern- ementary and secondary classes should be allowed at a time to attend are rolling admissions and schools lice rank while the officers junior department also reinstituted their Meanwhile, Classes IX and X have ment and aided elementary and are to be completed by May 31. The school for admission. will update their admission regis- to them got promoted to DSP rank seniority as earlier. been suspended from April 19, 2021. secondary schools of the state. admission should be conducted be- The headmaster should ensure ters accordingly. CAR FEST AHEAD Refund hiked holding tax to citizens, BMC urged

POST NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar, April 26: Following Orissa High Court’s order on hike in holding tax by BMC, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Monday demanded reim- bursement of increased taxes paid by Bhubaneswar citizens. Senior Congress leader and for- mer minister Panchanan Kanungo said the Orissa High Court had ruled that any attempt by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to enhance hold- ing tax is not sustainable under law. The court said transitional pro-

vision, Section 694 (3) of the Orissa

k y m c Municipal Corporation (OMC) Act, Congress leaders including Panchanan Kanungo address the media in Bhubaneswar, Monday OP PHOTO 2003 cannot be invoked by BMC to justify either the raising of the rate mediately return the enhanced BMC has collected over `22 crore collected by BMC ‘illegal’, the leader of holding tax or to continue to property tax collected from various from the people after revising the urged the BMC authorities to stop Third lot of logs from Nayagarh reaches Puri, Monday, ahead of the construction of the mega chariots for Rath Yatra levy and collect it, he said. citizens, he demanded. The taxes. charging higher rates from the in the Holy City OP PHOTO Therefore, the BMC should im- Congress leader claimed that the Dubbing the hiked user fees being denizens of the Capital city. P4 TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR downtown

Odisha sends 1,267.931 MT O2 to other states Collectors told to campaign

k y m POST NEWS NETWORK He added that eight tankers have against child marriages c s many as 67 tankers with carried around 187.512 MT of oxy- Cuttack, April 26: As the nation A1267.931 MT of the life- gen to Gurgaon and Faridabad in POST NEWS NETWORK have requested us to prevent the is facing an oxygen crisis amid a saving gas have been sent to Haryana. Odisha, on the other occurrence of child marriages on massive surge in Covid-19 cases Covid-hit states in the past four hand, has sent four tankers with Bhubaneswar, April 26: The this day and protect the child rights and hospitals demanding more of days 66.39 MT of medical-grade oxygen Women and Child Development in a proactive manner,” said Agrawal. the life-saving gas, Odisha has sent ight tankers have carried to Uttar Pradesh and 30.67 MT of (W&CD) department Monday di- The department directed the at least 1,267.931 metric tonne (MT) Earound 187.512 MT of the life-saving gas loaded in two rected all the district Collectors to Collectors to organise intensive of medical oxygen to badly-hit states oxygen to Gurgaon and trucks to Chhattisgarh in the last start a ‘fortnight campaign’ against drive on prevention of child mar- like Delhi and Maharashtra in the Faridabad in Haryana four days. child marriage from May 1 to 14 to riage and mass marriage, especially past four days, an official said Sources said that the state has sensitise people about protection of in identified vulnerable pockets Monday. our tankers with 66.39 MT of formed 22 enforcement squads to pre- child rights by preventing child and communities. The Covid-19 pro- Addressing media, additional Fmedical-grade oxygen to vent hoarding and black-market- marriages. Earlier, the department tocol and standards of hygiene must director general of police (Law and Uttar Pradesh and 30.67 MT of ing of medicines and medical fa- had written letters to all District be adhered to during the entire Order) YK Jethwa, who has been the life-saving gas loaded in cilities that are essential for the Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) campaign. Child welfare committees designated as the nodal officer in two trucks to Chhattisgarh have treatment of Covid patients. directing the same. may be vigilant during this period. charge of the movement of oxy- been despatched The squads have warned 20 Aravind Agrawal, Director of It also directed that to prevent mass gen supply to other states, said as he state has formed 22 healthcare facilities against hoard- Integrated Child Development child marriages on certain days many as 67 tankers with 1267.931 MT Tenforcement squads to ing the essential medicines in the Services, (ICDS) and Social Welfare such as Akshaya Trutiya, District of the life-saving gas have been FILE PHOTO prevent hoarding and black- period. WCD said that the department has Magistrate shall function as the sent to Covid-hit states in the past marketing of medicines and The squads will not only ensure recently received a letter from Child Marriage Prohibition Officer four days. tankers filled with 291.769 MT of 131.23 MT of oxygen filled in eight medical facilities that are that the Covid medicines available National Commission for Protection with additional powers conferred “While 22 tankers with 458.3 MT the gas. At least six tankers with tankers have left for Madhya Pradesh essential for the treatment of in Odisha be used within the state, of Child Rights (NCPCR) saying under Sub-section 5 of Section 13 of of oxygen were sent to Andhra 102.06 MT medical-grade oxygen in the past four days,” the senior IPS Covid patients but also keep tabs on the violators, that this year Akshaya Tritiya will the Commission for Protection of Pradesh, Telangana received 17 have left for Maharashtra, while official told the media. Jethwa pointed out. be celebrated May 14, 2021. “They Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. Plus II students regroup for HITTING THE STREETS cancellation of final exams

he students group has Tthreatened to march towards Naveen Niwas if no decision is taken within next 10 days

nitially, the police held Idiscussions with the agitating students. However, as they were reluctant, police took immediate steps to disperse them. Two members of the group were also taken into preventive custody

sions with the agitating students. However, as they were reluctant, po- lice took immediate steps to dis- perse them. Two members of the PPE-clad police personnel hold back an agitating Plus II student OP PHOTO group were also taken into pre- ventive custody. POST NEWS NETWORK the dates nor cancelling the exams. Reacting to their previous agi- We are confused. Such apathy will tation April 22, School and Mass Bhubaneswar, April 26: A group create problems for us when we Education Minister Samir Ranjan of Plus-II students Monday staged pursue higher studies,” one of the Dash had advised them to concen- Puri Bar Association members demonstrate at Kacheri Chhak in the Holy City condemning the alleged police atrocity, Monday OP PHOTO a demonstration at lower PMG students said. trate on their studies. He had said square here for the second time The students threatened that if the government would take a final demanding the cancellation of the government does not take any decision on conducting the exam- their final examinations. They decision within the next 10 days, inations soon. had hit the streets April 22 de- they will gherao ‘Naveen Niwas’, Notably, Class X students of var- Special trains cancelled for poor occupancy manding the same. the official residence of Chief ious government-run schools had The agitating students said that Minister Naveen Patnaik. The marched towards Naveen Niwas POST NEWS NETWORK they are in a state of confusion as ‘Naba Nirman Yuva Chatra April 20. They had demanded the can- the government is yet to take a de- Sangathan’ has come out in support cellations of matriculation exams. Bhubaneswar, April 26: The ECoR transports 302 MT oxygen cision on the matter. “They (gov- of the agitating students. A day later, Odisha government had Railways has decided to cancel the ernment) are neither announcing Initially, the police held discus- the examination cancelled. services of 08423/08424 Bhubaneswar- eanwhile, the ECoR said rently on the run from Bokaro Nayagarh Town-Bhubaneswar Special that oxygen trains to Delhi (Jharkhand) to Lucknow (Uttar from April 28 due to poor occupancy. Mand Uttar Pradesh are on Pradesh) carrying 90 MT of LMO DCP flags off It is seen that Bhubaneswar- their way. One train is expected (in 5 tankers) and is expected to nCoV curve flattening: DMET Nayagarh Town-Bhubaneswar to leave Lucknow for Bokaro reach Lucknow by early Tuesday ‘School on wheels’ Special train has less than 2 per cent Monday night to take more oxygen. morning. POST NEWS NETWORK nothing in absolute. Hence, we can occupancy since its restoration. Since the first train of empty Another empty rake will depart POST NEWS NETWORK say that we are in plateau stage as Similarly, it has been decided to tankers left for Vizag from Mumbai from Lucknow to Bokaro to bring Bhubaneswar, April 26: Despite the state has not witnessed a sharp cancel the services of 08413/08414 Region just a few days back, the one more set of oxygen tankers. Bhubaneswar, April 26: the fact that the daily testing has increase in Covid-19 cases in the past Paradip-Puri-Paradip Special from Indian Railways has transported The Railways is responding to Bhubaneswar Deputy reduced Sunday as compared to few days. We hope that the graph both the directions w.e.f April 27, more than 302 MT of oxygen safely all requests received from state

Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saturday, the government Monday will start witnessing a declining 2021. It is seen that, Puri-Paradip- to various states across India. FILE PHOTO governments and is in constant Umashankar Dash Monday flagged claimed that the Covid-19 curve in trend soon,” said Mohanty. Puri has less than 10 per cent oc- Another 154 MT liquid medical touch with the respective author- off special vehicles under ‘schools the state has hit the plateau. Asked about how he was so sure cupancy since its restoration. oxygen is on the way. The Railways (Chhattisgarh) Tuesday morning . ities for additional oxygen train re- on wheels’ by Ruchika, an organ- The claim was made by Director about the declining trend, the di- Special train between has picked up the challenge of For the residents of quirements. ization running a child care in- of Medical Education and Training rector said, “Every epidemic or Trivandrum & Malda movement of the life-saving oxygen Maharashtra, a train carrying 44 ECoR General Manager Vidya stitute, to bring awareness on Covid (DMET) CBK Mohanty. He said that pandemic has an upsurge, plateau The East Coast Railway (ECoR) to the states in dire need of oxygen. MT (in 3 tankers) has reached Bhusan has congratulated the appropriate behavior among the Odisha is witnessing daily Covid-19 and declining stage. This also ap- has decided to run a special train One oxygen express train car- Kalamboli (near Mumbai) from Waltair team led by the Divisional children residing in various slums. cases between 6,000 and 6,500 signi- plies to this pandemic.” between Trivandrum & Malda town. rying four tankers is expected to Hapa (Rajkot, Gujarat) Monday. Railway Manager Sh Chetan As per Ruchika, its volunteers fying that the curve is flattening. Mohanty also admitted that local The Trivandrum-Malda Town- reach Delhi from Raigarh Another oxygen express is cur- Srivastava for executing the task. will visit various slums here and He made the claim even after contact cases are certainly a wor- Trivandrum Special from educate children on how to avoid the daily testing was reduced from rying sign. He appealed to everybody Trivandrum will leave Trivandrum Malda Town at 19:45hrs April 30 at Berhmapur, Khurda Road, important stations between being infected. They will address 43,765 (Saturday) to 39,642 (Sunday). to follow Covid-19 appropriate be- at 18hrs on April 27 & May 1, 2021 and May 4 (Friday & Monday). Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Bhadrak Trivandrum and Malda Town from emergency needs of the children “In medical science, there is haviour to control the virus spread. (Tuesday & Saturday) and from This train will have stoppages under ECoR jurisdiction along with both the directions. including food, clothes, first-aid, medical support and counseling. The outfit will continue to impart non-formal education to street PIPLI BYPOLL AHEAD Odia outfit launches tele-health prog and slum children even after the effects of the pandemic subsides. POST NEWS NETWORK Anyone seeking free consult him through three easy medical consultation steps. The doctor would listen to his Now, WFH for Bhubaneswar, April 26: Odia problems, give prescription and Samaj, New Delhi has launched related to Covid health medication if needed.” visually impaired the ‘Odia Samaj Covid Care’, an issues may give a missed He also added, “We are trying initiative to give relief to the trau- our best to involve more doctors teachers allowed matised patients who are unable to call or try WhatsApp and well-being experts so that more access doctors. on 8882497515 and more Indians are able to ben- POST NEWS NETWORK The initiative will make it easy for efit from this initiative.” patients to consult doctors and seek As the whole country is reeling Viveo Health’s India Head Prasant Bhubaneswar, April 26: The solutions for their medical issues. under the pandemic and a huge Mohanty further explained the ease Higher Education department It will be absolutely free of cost. number of people are affected by of methods which a patient needs Monday said that visually im- A special drive has been made to Covid, this has severely impacted to follow. First the patient will need paired teachers do not have to collaborate with doctors and vol- the country’s health system, he to give a missed call from his phone come to the institution to take on- unteers and make this initiative a stated. “Proper medical advice and or WhatsApp number. Soon, he will line classes. success. ‘Viveo Health’, a multina- right nutrition can help people get get a call from tele-health customer Principal Secretary of Higher tional tele-health platform has agreed back good health. Besides physi- service agent who will fix his ap- Education department Saswat to join this philanthropic activity by cal health, mental health of people pointment with the concerned doc- Mishra said that the visually im- providing the requisite IT infra- is also greatly affected and we also tor. Once the patient gets a text mes- paired teachers, possessing valid structure to run this project. have plans to organise webinars sage confirming his appointment, disability certificates, can “The pandemic has created so and wellness workshops to help he will click on the text message and take online classes from their res- much stress on the health infra- people think positively,” he added. get immediately connected to the doc- idence. structure of the country that we felt Explaining the ease of tele-med- tor via a video call. However, in case of exigency it was imperative to give whatever icine platform, associate professor Anyone seeking free medical they have to come to the institu- support we could to bolster it,” said of ILBS, New Delhi Dr. Ashok consultation related to Covid health tion to perform duties assigned Odia Samaj president Sidhartha Choudhury said, “A patient can fix issues may give a missed call or

by the department, he said. Congress candidate Bishwokeshan Mohapatra files his nomination for the upcoming Pipli bypoll in Puri, Monday OP PHOTO Pradhan. his appointment with a doctor and try WhatsApp on 8882497515.

k y m c P5 TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR state

Drop in Luna water level threatens livelihood Ganjam dist reports

k y m c POST NEWS NETWORK KENDRAPARA WATER WOES year’s highest daily Kendrapada, April 26: Farmlands might remain uncultivated and he river is 73 km in length and was drinking water supply to Tused for maritime trade during the Kendrapara town seriously affected British rule. However, lack of Covid-19 caseload due to a sharp decline in water level maintenance, illegal sand and soil in Luna river, a report said. mining coupled with encroachments Gradual drop in water level in the on the banks have change the course of the river river is being witnessed since December last. Locals alleged that he water level in the river adjoining rampant sand mining has led to a Tthe pump house has dropped change in river’s course and sub- abysmally since January this year. sequently a drop in the water level, Alarmed over the development, the which is threatening the lives and PHEO officials dug up a channel to the livelihoods of the residents. It is pump house from the opposite bank of apprehended that over 10,000 the river to ensure that water hectares of farmland might remain supply to the town is not disrupted uncultivated due to lack of irriga- tion facilities from the river. Organisation (PHEO) and Water Padagayaspur, Gayaspur, Thauri, the mainstay of the residents here cluding cash crops like jute and As a result, drinking water sup- Resources department. Chadheiguan, Rajgarh and Angulai due to absence of any industry or groundnuts as well as vegetables. ply to Kendrapara town might get The water level in the river ad- to supply drinking water to other avenues of employment. Over However, the water level has seriously affected, while the farm- joining the pump house has dropped Kendrapara town and for providing 15,850 hectares of farmlands lacks dropped due to construction of bar- lands on the river basin will be de- abysmally since January this year. irrigation facilities to the farm- drainage facilities for disposing rages on the upstream of the river prived of water for irrigation pre- Alarmed over the development, the lands. However, the water level has waste water, while 32,350 hectares by the Chhattisgarh government. POST NEWS NETWORK This spike in Covid venting the farmers from taking PHEO officials dug up a channel to plummeted in the river with the of farmlands is saline in nature. Famer leader Bidhubhusan up agricultural activities on these the pump house from the opposite onset of summer. Moreover, 34,952 hectares of farm- Mohapatra demanded linking of Chhatrapur, April 26: Ganjam caseload has reminded lands. Senior citizens claimed that bank of the river to ensure that Zilla Parishad member Ganesh lands is flood prone, while 84,910 the seven rivers flowing in the dis- district Monday reported 323 new people here of the initial this problem can only be resolved water supply to the town is not dis- Chandra Samal said that Luna river hectares have been declared as a trict and construction of barrages Covid-19 cases – the highest since by linking the rivers flowing through rupted. However, water flow in the flows through Kendrapara town. drought-hit region. Repeated de- which will help in retaining water the beginning of the second wave. days of the pandemic last the district. channel also dried up soon. It is The river is 73 km in length and mands made in the Zilla Parishad for for irrigating the farmlands. The district is now in the ‘red zone’. year. In those days, Ganjam Khitish Kumar Singh, a resident apprehended that water supply to was used for maritime trade during proper management of river and When contacted, Prabodh Till Monday, the district had reported the highest of Khadianga area in the town, the town might stop altogether the British rule. However, lack of canal water are yet to be addressed. Kumar Rout, executive engineer been reporting below 200 daily said drinking water is being supplied within a fortnight if the situation maintenance, illegal sand and soil Social activist Pratap Kumar of Water Resources department, Covid-19 cases. With Monday’s number of daily cases to Kendrapara town from a pump continues to persist. mining coupled with encroach- Tripathy said that earlier water said that various plans are afoot spike, the district’s caseload has house installed at Kalpada on the Santosh Kumar Panda, a senior ments on the banks have changed from Luna river was used for paddy for the development of the Luna gone up to 23,631. The number of ac- Kulange Monday informed via a banks of Luna river jointly by the citizen, said that check dams have the course of the river. cultivation and growing various river and the benefits will soon tive cases and recoveries are 1,048 tweet that admission of Covid-19 pa- Public Health Engineering been constructed on Luna river at Reports said that agriculture is other crops during Rabi season, in- be reaped by the residents. and 22,318 respectively. The dis- tients has been started at Aska trict also reported one fatality Covid healthcare centre. This med- Monday, taking its toll to 257. ical facility has 100 beds and all 21 held for gambling Notably, over 17,000 migrants are supported by oxygen supply. NEW LIFE have returned from different parts This spike in Covid caseload has during shutdown of the country, including West reminded people here of the initial Bengal, to the district so far. And days of the pandemic last year. In POST NEWS NETWORK the returnees have reportedly been those days, Ganjam was infamous blamed for this surge. However, for reporting the highest number of Jeypore, April 26: Twenty-one per- the district administration is keep- daily Covid-19 cases. However, the sit- sons were arrested for violating ing a close watch on every one vis- uation was brought under control, Covid-19 guidelines and gambling iting the district. thanks to various steps taken by during the weekend shutdown District Collector Vijay Amruta the district administration. near Padmapur jungle near here in Koraput district Sunday. Acting on a tip-off that over 35 persons were gambling near the SEX RACKET BUSTED Padmapur forest, two police teams of Jeypore Sadar police station IN SAMBALPUR led by the IIC Aditya Mahakur raided the place. The gamblers POST NEWS NETWORK were trying to flee the spot when policemen pounced on them and Sambalpur, April 26: Police arrested 21 gamblers. Monday busted a sex racket op- Some of members of the gam- erating from a rented house at bling group were guarding at dif- Sakhipada New Colony locality ferent places to keep an eye on under Dhanupali police limits in police movement. While they man- OP PHOTO Sambalpur. aged flee the spot, others were A team from Dhanupali police nabbed by the police. Forest department officials and locals releasing Olive Ridley hatchlings, rescued from Choumukh beach under Baliapal block in Balasore district, into the sea rescued two young women and arrested two persons during a raid. However, one person managed to flee the spot. Acting on a tip-off, the police con- Youth killed, 3 critical Use of machine defeats the ducted a raid on the house and found the accused persons and the two young women in com- in wild boar attack promising positions. Several ob- objective of rural job scheme jectionable materials were also seized from the house. The incident occurred POST NEWS NETWORK A woman and the owner of the when some people house have been detained in this Naugaon, April 26: The Odisha gov- connection. A detailed investiga- from Tamka-Mahulbadi ernment has been laying stress on tion is underway, it was learnt. village went to collect effective implementation of MGN- Notably, a flesh trade racket REGS projects in rural areas so as operating from a flat in an apart- wood from the forest to create job opportunities for the ment in Bhubaneswar’s Laxmi FILE PHOTO rural populace who have been hit Sagar area was busted, March POST NEWS NETWORK ran to his rescue after his wife hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. 31. After the cops were tipped off raised an alarm. The animal, how- However, in many places under about the sex racket, a team from Kalinganagar, April 26: A youth ever, left Das and attacked another Naugaon block in Jagatsinghpur dis- Laxmi Sagar police station raided was killed while three others sus- villager and two other women. trict, machines are being used in there are a few old ponds and con- the flat and arrested two youths tained critical injuries when a wild On being informed Tamka police MGNREGS projects while job card FACT FILE tractors are carrying out their of Ganjam district and rescued boar attacked them at Mahagiri and Forest department personnel holders are being deprived of work, restoration at night instead of dig- two women. forest under Tamka forest limits in rushed the injured persons to a report said. he Soil Conservation department ging new ponds. had sanctioned pond excavation Jajpur district Monday. Danagadi hospital where doctors Since the authorities have al- T As a result, scores of local peo- project in 15 panchayats under The deceased has been identi- pronounced the youth brought legedly ignored this concern, the Naugaon block ple have been facing shortage of fied as Manoj Das, a casual labourer dead, while the other three are un- rural job scheme has miserably work. Deprived of work, villagers and resident of Tamka-Mahulbadi dergoing treatment. failed in its objective. n many cases, contractors are alleged that the department is tak- village of Kiajhar panchayat under A pall of gloom descended on According to reports, the Soil Iallegedly violating the guidelines and ing no action against the erring Tamka forest limits in Danagadi the village after this tragic inci- Conservation department had sanc- executing the work by engaging contractors. block. The injured persons have dent. Angry villagers also de- tioned pond excavation project in machines instead of the daily wagers They demanded stern action been identified as Mangal Nayak, manded financial assistance for 15 panchayats under this block. cores of local people have been against those who are engaging 58, his wife Kuntala Nayak, 52, and the bereaved family and the in- The department has allowed de- Sfacing shortage of work. Deprived machines. Malati Das, 35. jured persons. Tamka forest velopment of three types of ponds of work, villagers alleged that the Overseer of the soil conservation The incident occurred when ranger Ghanshyam Muduli said and also fixed different rates – department is taking no action department, Tapan Swain said that some people from Tamka- that the bereaved family will get `61,053 for 100 square/ft pond; against the erring contractors beneficiaries (job card holders) are Mahulbadi village went to collect financial assistance worth `4 `1,26,305 for ponds measuring 300 supposed to dig ponds. Job card hold- wood from the forest. A wild boar lakh, while financial assistance sq/ft and `1, 62, 480 for ponds with and executing the work by en- ers have been tasked to do carry out suddenly attacked Das, who was to the injured persons will be an area of 400 sq/ft. gaging machines instead of the pond excavation. He denied the al- washing himself at a nullah. given after the completion of a In many cases, contractors are daily wagers. legation that old ponds are being Villagers accompanying them probe into the matter. allegedly violating the guidelines It has also been alleged that shown in documents as new ones. Sambalpur adds cremation capacity

reduce considerably with the increase in the capacity, said Enforcement Officer of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) Subhankar Mohanty. The civic body has also started cremating bodies of Covid patients at another crematorium, Santidham, so that the burden on Rajghat is re- duced, he said. The crematorium is witnessing a huge rush since the onset of the second wave of Covid-19, said a staffer of Rajghat. “I have never seen queues for cre- mation here before. On many occa- sions, the people are being forced

to wait for hours. Under this cir-

k y m c PRESS TRUST OF INDIA rise, an official said. cumstance, the electric cremato- Three more crematoria beds are rium of the Rajghat has also gone out Sambalpur, April 26: The capacity being added to the existing facility in of order, making our job more of the main crematorium in Rajghat so that 13 bodies could be cre- difficult,” he said. Sambalpur is being increased as the mated at one go, he said. Around 20-22 bodies are being number of Covid deaths saw a steep The waiting time for cremation will cremated at Rajghat daily, sources said. P6 TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR power post

FOCUS VACCINATION We must march on with the quiet

certitude that what has to be

k y m done will be done. c THE MOTHER PENNY-WISE, POUND-FOOLISH

he worldometer shows sick. It will protect a much larger real-time data of Covid- share of the population by sharply 19 infections around the reducing future infection rates EC, The Murderer Tworld. Most recently it and fatalities. It will reduce the is showing India as the country need for harsh lockdowns, which he recent utterances of the Madras High Court Chief Justice Sanjib with the highest infections. Our can reduce GDP sharply. Last Banerjee would have seemed blasphemous a few days earlier while daily infections are more than the year’s nationwide lockdown start- T SA Bobde was still Chief Justice of India. Something seems to have cumulative total of the next eleven ing in March caused GDP during changed. Commenting while hearing a plea concerning the Election countries, including large countries that quarter to fall by 25 per cent. Commission of India (ECI), the Chief Justice said that if authorities had like Turkey, USA and Brazil. The And nearly 12 crore people lost made proper plans and taken measures during last one year, the “tsunami daily number is racing toward their jobs. Later in the year the of infection” could have been avoided. “We were lulled into a false sense of half a million and the daily death economy began to recover, but security,” the CJ said and continued expressing his dissatisfaction by say- count too is above a thousand. this second wave is threatening ing “You (ECI) are the only institution responsible for the situation that we The public health system around that recovery. So, the immunisa- are in today. You have been singularly lacking any kind of exercise of au- the country is struggling to meet tion drive will prevent a fall in thority. You have not taken measures against political parties holding ral- the deluge of demands for oxy- GDP and rise in unemployment. lies despite every order of this court saying maintain Covid protocol,” and gen, Remdesivir, hospital beds. Of The control of the pandemic is a public good. It is for this reason that government added that officials of the ECI should be charged with murder for being the course, simultaneously we are try- Meaning it will benefit both those who fell sick should not act penny wise pound most irresponsible institution over the last few months in not stopping po- ing to get as many people vacci- foolish. The universal vaccine roll- litical parties from wanton abuse of Covid-19 protocols. nated as fast as possible. It is ironic and recovered and those who did not fall sick. It out must be funded from central Such strong words indicate deep exasperation being felt currently by that the world’s biggest manufac- will protect a much larger share of population fiscal funds. sensitive individuals in various fields across the country. The recent trend turer of vaccines is running se- In her Union Budget speech the of government officials and judges at high posts showing great willingness verely short of doses. by sharply reducing future infections, fatalities Finance Minister had said that to please and bend to the desires of the party in power has been blatantly We could have avoided being in she was allocating `35,000 crore noticeable. The Supreme Court, for example, has gone through a turbulent this situation if the vaccine mak- forming, and mutations running this vaccine allotment was done for this purpose, and would stand time in the near past due to a chain of Justices whose credibility has been ers had been given large and con- wild. The new mutations can also centrally to the states, which in by to add more budgetary alloca- questioned. Similarly, the Reserve Bank of India has witnessed a set of firmed orders from the central spread to other parts of the world. turn organised inoculation clin- tion as needed. That need has Governors who have brought shame and dishonor to the organization. In their government in January itself if not That is why India’s Covid-19 chal- ics across the states. From May 1 come now, and the Centre must be quest for personal benefit, these retired individuals, after getting fresh ap- Ajit Ranade much earlier. At a time when the lenge has become a global chal- it is all being opened up. Which willing to spend fully. At a cost of pointments, are found incompetent and incapable to guide the economy of domestic vaccine makers like the lenge. That is why many coun- leads us to the important ques- `150 times 2, for 1.3 billion people the nation in these troubled times. This has resulted in a death blow to the THE FASTER Serum Institute of India had ex- tries on their own have come tion of pricing. For some reason it comes to `39,000 crore which is financial activities of the country and has made the Indian Rupee an unwanted port obligations since its vaccine forward with offers of help in vac- the Centre has seen it fit to fix near the FM’s estimate. But even currency at the global level. Even now, the Ministry of Health declaring that WE GET THE is made by AstraZeneca and Oxford cines (Sputnik of Russia), or cryo- multiple prices for the same vac- if it is double this amount it is India has enough oxygen stock and therefore there is no need to panic is one POPULATION University, it was imperative to genic tanks for oxygen (China) or cine, depending on where you get necessary given that this vacci- more bright example of bureaucratic lock up its production capacity other kinds of assistance. it. The states will be charged `400 nation drive is for the public good. bungling. This message has been given out IMMUNISED THE well in advance for domestic use. Some countries have achieved per dose of Covishield, and the pri- Making it available for free also re- with the intention that the world should EARLIER WE CAN Remember last year, the Indian very high proportions of the fully vate buyers will be charged `600. moves the hassles of payment and know that India under the present leader- Council of Medical Research vaccinated. Leading this pack is The central government paid `150 collection or any possible vaccine ship is sufficiently capable of managing its CONTAIN THE (ICMR) had asked Bharat Biotech Israel, which celebrated freedom per dose for both Covishield and hesitancy. Also remember that affairs. Ground reality is that people are Piate PANDEMIC to be ready for the launch of the from masks this week. But even Covaxin. The pricing on Sputnik vaccine research gets huge public dying on a daily basis due to lack of oxygen. vaccine by Independence Day - the USA is closing toward one is not known. The price of Covaxin funding anyway, so zero pricing Returning to the Election Commission Tathagata August 15? What happened after third of the population in vacci- for private buyers is supposed to makes sense. Of course, adequate issue, the Madras HC opinions need to be car- Satpathy that ambitious early target date? nation coverage, and the UK is be `1200 per dose, which trans- returns i.e. not super-normal prof- ried forward and implemented honestly. It O The Drug Controller General of not far behind. In India, 10 per lates to `2400 per person. In a fam- its to vaccine manufacturers have is known that the charge of murder will India had also fast-tracked ap- cent of the population has got the ily of four, that is `9600, close to to be ensured, but that is still not never stick to the officials who have masterminded the current election sched- proval for phase 1 and 2 trials and first dose and 1.5 per cent fully the full monthly per capita in- inconsistent with a publicly-funded ules. It can safely be assumed that those working and taking decisions at the wanted Bharat Biotech to speed up vaccinated. The strategy was to come of India! With a high pro- vaccine rollout. ECI were fully aware about the dangers to which they were pushing the vot- phase 3 trials and be ready for an cover the frontline people like portion of the population living And lastly, this must not be left ers. In spite of being aware of the threats, their callousness is exemplary. early launch. In fact, Bharat healthcare workers and govern- just above the poverty line, and at as a burden on the state budgets Most prominent leaders were seen campaigning without masks. Some con- Biotech’s vaccine Covaxin seems ment servants, and then the eld- a time of pandemic induced re- since they are already reeling, testing candidates are reported to have been infected by Covid-19. In Orissa, to be the joint intellectual property erly and then others. Because of cession and joblessness it is as- and do not have the fiscal muscle for instance, the Congress candidate for Pipili by-election died of Coronavirus of the government of India and the shortage of vaccines, the gov- tonishing that one of the vaccines to increase their borrowing. It is infection during campaign. This forced postponement of polls. The death Bharat Biotech, so the govern- ernment prohibited private com- to immunise against Covid-19 is the Centre alone which can and of this young politician was not due to natural causes. Someone ought to be ment could indeed have a greater panies from bidding and buying priced at close to the full monthly must fund this drive at the lowest held responsible for this loss of life. Apart from health issues, the incident say in the speed of deployment. (and possibly cornering the sup- per capita income. cost of borrowing. of Central forces, deployed in West Bengal, firing upon and killing several The faster we get the popula- ply) of vaccines. But as of May 1, But the larger issue is this. The voters at a polling booth is an unheard of event. All this muck could be raised tion immunised the earlier we can both public and private sector control of the pandemic is a pub- The writer is an economist because one Chief Election Commissioner, having reached the dusk of his contain the pandemic. This is a companies as well as state gov- lic good. Meaning it will benefit and Senior Fellow, career, obviously desired a new lease of employed life. Therefore, the nation race. For otherwise it can spread ernments and other organisations both those who fell sick and re- Takshashila Institution. has to suffer the pains of a recurring pandemic and loss of many lives. Charging unchecked, with new variants are going to be allowed. So far covered and those who did not fall ©THE BILLION PRESS such bureaucrats with murder may not send them to the gallows but would put the spotlight on the real criminals who always manage to blend into the shadows. Punishing by spotting these individuals could also make those in service currently to be more law abiding and responsible for their actions SPECTRUM HEALTH while in office. WISDOM CORNER The pandemic within the pandemic The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them. ERNEST HEMINGWAY ear of COVID-19 is driving in- be quickly cleared by common an- cialist working on COVID-19 man- sales can be effective if these efforts Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. creased over-the-counter (OTC) tibiotics, may prove impossible to agement front line and also leading are sustained over time. Requiring OSCAR WILDE Fsales and in-hospital pre- treat and become deadly. the treatment of drug-resistant in- pharmacies to display a notice stat- scriptions of antibiotics – and fu- This is particularly true in many fections in Kenya, I have often ing that it is illegal to sell antibiotics Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act. eling a silent pandemic in its wake. African, South American, and struggled to treat patients with se- to customers without a doctor’s PAULO COELHO Globally, antibiotic use in hos- Asian countries, where access to vere bacterial infections that had prescription also has been associ- pitals has surged since the start healthcare workers is limited and developed resistance to all available ated with reduced antibiotic sales. of the pandemic. Even though stud- there are no restrictions on an- antibiotics. Many of the recently Hospitals should adopt so-called WORDSWORTH ies show that only 8 per cent of pa- tibiotic sales. In India, antibiotic developed drugs that could poten- antibiotic stewardship strategies tients admitted to hospital with sales have risen astronomically in tially treat resistant bacteria are to reduce unnecessary prescrip- Mosey COVID-19 also have an infection recent years, largely driven by un- often extremely expensive and not tions. These measures can lead to requiring antibiotics, more than 70 regulated OTC purchases, includ- available in many countries. A ten- reduced antibiotic use and cost, o many British people, it’s a classic word of old-time Westerns — “Well, per cent receive them. In addition, ing of unapproved drugs. day course of one such antibiotic and decrease the risk of antibiotic- TI’ll just mosey down to the corral”. It means to walk or move in a leisurely many people worried about possi- Bacteria that develop resistance in Kenya, for example, costs al- resistant infections in hospitals. manner and is folksy and informal nowadays in North America. A typical Loice Achieng ble or actual COVID-19 symptoms, to multiple antibiotics are re- most $10,000, putting it beyond the Effective strategies could include de- usage appears in Peter Jenkins’s A Walk Across America in 1979: “I made Ombajo and alarmed by global reports sponsible for causing difficult-to- reach of most patients. veloping guidelines for managing plans to walk down to see Governor Wallace, especially since he told about the pandemic, have turned treat infections, which are up to In fact, many patients entering common infections, restricting an- anybody who wanted to talk to him to just mosey on down to the capital.” to buying antibiotics without see- three times more likely to kill peo- the hospital for COVID-19 treat- tibiotic use in viral infections, The experts scratch their heads over the source of this word. It’s possible to THE MESSAGE IS ing a healthcare worker. ple than infections caused by non- ment say that they have already strengthening laboratory capacity trace it back to the 1820s in the eastern states of the USA. The Oxford This is further fueling the global resistant bacteria. And data from taken one or more antibiotics at – especially in low- and middle-in- English Dictionary suggests tentatively that it may be linked to British CLEAR: IF WE DO crisis of antibiotic resistance, as bac- several countries – including China home in an attempt to address come countries – to help clinicians dialect terms. One is mosy, a variation on mossy, which might be applied to NOT ACT NOW TO hair or overripe or decayed vegetables or fruit, presumably from their teria evolve and become immune and Egypt – indicate that up to 50 some of their symptoms. Often, identify the correct bacteria to treat, mouldy appearance; it can also be used of a person befuddled through drink CURB ANTIBIOTIC to these drugs. We must move per cent of bacteria-causing in- using these drugs had made them and providing continuing educa- or who looks foolish or stupid for any reason. The word survives in quickly – with international policy, fections in critical-care units are re- feel that they were being treated, tion for all clinicians. Newfoundland English, where it’s used of the sort of weather that one British USE, WE WILL national laws, and local action – sistant to several antibiotics. In so they delayed going to the hospital. Finally, individuals – despite radio and TV weather forecaster describes as misty and murky. The other INVITE A NEW to control what the WHO has iden- the US, it is estimated that close to What must we do to forestall their understandable fears of candidate is muzz, of obscure origin, which has meant to study hard or tified as one of the ten leading three million people get an an- this next pandemic? For starters, COVID-19 – should not risk harm- intently, to loiter or hang about aimlessly, or to make someone muzzy or PANDEMIC. AND, health threats to humanity. tibiotic-resistant infection each the WHO and other global agencies ing themselves by using antibi- confused. The OED is puzzled by yet another possibility, to mose about, from Antibiotics treat infections year, leading to more than 35,000 must speak out much more strongly otics unnecessarily. South Worcestershire dialect, recorded only in the English Dialect Dictionary UNLIKE COVID, NO caused by bacteria, and have no deaths annually. and explicitly against the use of The message is clear: if we do not at the end of the nineteenth century, which is glossed as meaning to go VACCINE WILL impact on a virus such as SARS- Drug-resistant bacteria are also antibiotics in cases of COVID-19, act now to curb antibiotic use, we about in a dull, stupid manner. Out of that glorious muddle of meaning, we CoV-2. Overusing them merely ac- more likely to spread from person unless these drugs are specifically will invite a new pandemic. And, might guess that there was once a British dialect word, variously spelled and SAVE US celerates the emergence of an- to person, and have been known to indicated for another bacterial in- unlike COVID-19, no vaccine will pronounced, one of whose senses is much like that of “mose about”. As so tibiotic resistance, which will cause large disease outbreaks in hos- fection. In addition, national gov- save us. often, there’s a problem. The earliest appearances of mosey suggest to the undercut our ability to treat com- pitals. Many COVID-19 treatment ernments must tighten restrictions The writer is an OED’s editors that it might have meant “to go away quickly or promptly; to mon diseases. Simple infections wards around the world are cur- on OTC antibiotic purchases. infectious-disease specialist at make haste”, though the first examples don’t read like that to my eye. If it’s such as pneumonia or urinary rently grappling with this prob- Evidence suggests that introducing the University of Nairobi. true, then a link with the British dialect words is less likely. The OED’s entry tract infections, which currently can lem. As an infectious-disease spe- and enforcing laws to limit such ©PROJECT SYNDICATE doesn’t mention another possible source, given in several works, though equally tentatively — that it might be a shortened and altered form of Spanish vamos, let’s go. If so, this would make it a relative of vamoose and would fit with the earliest sense of moving fast. There are good phonetic reasons why a shift from vamos to mosey is unlikely and the earliest Global support Jadeja’s excellence recorded examples from the US east coast are far from the area of Spanish influence in the 1820s. Other theories are way out on the margins. Eric Sir, This is in reference to the news item “US to urgently send raw materials for Covishield”, Sir, This refers to the report ‘Jadeja stops Partridge suggested in his Name Into Word in 1950 that it might derive from (Orissa POST, April 26). The diplomatic consultations, and a huge backlash against RCB juggernaut’ (Orissa POST, April 26). the slouching manner of itinerant Jewish vendors, so many of whom were etters America for its tepid response for the dire pandemic crisis in India and hesitancy to re- Chennai Super Kings’ talismanic captain MS named Moses or Mose or Mosey. Others believe that it originated in the voke the Defence Production Act – which acted as a stumbling block to export the raw Dhoni knows how to pull out the best from his name of Moses because of the Biblical flight of the Jews into Egypt and their materials required for India’s vaccine production -- has brought a change of heart in players. And why not, he has been doing this wandering for 40 years in the wilderness. Neither story survives scrutiny. TOL THE EDITOR Washington. US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin ordered the defence department to use job for more than a decade. Ravindra Jadeja’s Short answer: we can’t be sure where it comes from. Readers of Orissa POST every resource at their disposal to support India to fight against the Covid-19 scourge. Since excellence in the match against the Royal are most welcome to contribute letters the pandemic started last year, India supplied hydroxychloroquine to the US and Europe Challengers Bangalore is an epitome of this. (200 words), articles and with the total number of countries touching 150. India supplied 6.5 crore vaccine doses After a thundering performance with the bat, columns (between 750-1250 LOL words). Contributors are to 93 countries in Asia, Latin America and African countries apart from the UK. the left arm all-rounder gave a jolt to the op- requested to send their Overwhelmed by India’s medical support last year when the US was in trouble former ponent with the ball too. But it was Dhoni Cow on train tracks Ten minutes later, the contact numbers and full president Donald Trump had declared that India could have early access to the vaccine who seemed guiding him from behind the

train resumes its slow postal address/email ID. They may also for coronavirus, if his country develops one. Medical support to India from countries like stumps after each ball. After having a pa-

k y m send in their valuable comments, opinion c passenger train is creeping along, pace. Within five minutes, and suggestions, preferably by email, the US, France, the UAE, Demark, Israel and some EU nations has started to come in as thetic season last year in the UAE, the Chennai Aslowly. Finally it creaks to a halt. however, it stops again. The woman to: [email protected] New Delhi stood firm with the democratic world in supply of much needed drugs and vac- Super Kings seems to have been back in the A passenger sees a conductor sees the same conductor walk again. cine. President Joe Biden’s tweet that the US will stand by India as the latter stood with form with four consecutive wins. It is imper- walking by outside. “What's going She leans out the window and yells, Washington during the first wave of Covid-19 infection is an affirmation that India’s ‘vac- ative for the three-time IPL champions to re- on?” she yells out the window. “Cow “What happened? Did we catch up B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate, cine maitri’ initiative paid off with US medical supplies already on their way. gain its lost glory. on the track!” replies the conductor. with the cow again?” Bhubaneswar-751010 N Sadhasiva Reddy, BANGALORE Tushar Anand, PATNA P7 GUJARAT KERALA

TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR

k y m Saved from ICU fire, 4 Covid Mandatory Covid duty for Guj govt docs c There is an acute shortage of manpower to treat the coronavirus patients against the infrastructure created by the state

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA patients die in other hospitals Ahmedabad, April 26: All MBBS graduates under government bond PRESS TRUST OF INDIA in Gujarat have been asked to im- mediately join duty in the wake of Surat, April 26: At least four crit- a shortage of doctors at COVID-19 ically ill COVID-19 patients died at hospitals in the state. different hospitals in Surat in The state government will initi- Gujarat where they were shifted ate action under the Epidemic along with 12 others from the ICU Diseases Act against the doctors ward of a private hospital follow- who fail to join the ‘compulsory ing a fire, officials said Monday. COVID-19 duty immediately’, said A total of 16 patients were rescued a notification issued Monday by and shifted to different hospitals state health commissioner Jai from the ICU ward of Ayush Prakash Shivahare. Hospital located on the fifth floor of As per the notification, the num- a building after a fire broke out ber of beds in government hospi- there around 11:40 pm Sunday due tals has been considerably increased to a short circuit. to cope up with the high influx of Of the 16 patients, four patients COVID-19 patients. died after they were shifted to civic- However, there is an acute short- Health workers move a COVID-19 patient to OPD of a government hospital in Ahmedabad, Monday. run SMIMER and private age of manpower to treat the coro- Sanjeevani hospital in Surat, a sen- navirus patients against the infra- ficers, are now required to join the their MBBS from government-run working in rural areas. ior Surat Municipal Corporation 16 patients were successfully rescued pitals. As many as fifteen fire tenders structure created by the state, said duty immediately,” the order said. medical colleges. MBBS pass-outs Gujarat Sunday recorded 14,296 (SMC) official said. and taken to other hospitals. were deployed to douse the fire the notification. Shivahare also instructed all the of the Gujarat Medical Education new coronavirus cases, its highest “Three of the patients died at “As far as the fire department is which erupted in the air conditioner “The state government urgently district collectors and municipal & Research Society-run colleges single-day spike since the pandemic Sanjeevani Hospital while another concerned, all the patients were unit in the ICU ward of the Ayush needs the services of doctors as commissioners to take action under also fall under this category. broke out, the state health depart- patient died at SMIMER,” said properly shifted to other hospitals,” hospital located on the fifth floor of coronavirus cases are increasing at the Epidemic Diseases Act against As per rules, they are required to ment said. This increased its in- Deputy Commissioner (Health), said SMC Deputy Commissioner a building on station road. an unprecedented pace,” Shivahare the doctors who do not turn up to serve a specific period in rural fection tally to 4,96,033. Ashish Naik. NV Upadhyay. The fire was brought under con- said in the notification. join the compulsory COVID-19 duty areas under bond with the gov- The state also recorded its high- Fire department officials had Of these 16 patients, eight were trol quickly but all the patients ad- “Around 1,000 such bonded doc- at their respective places. ernment. est one-day COVID-19 fatality count claimed there was no casualty due shifted to the SMIMER and the civil mitted in the ICU ward had to be tors, who were already given ap- Doctors under bond comprise Many such graduates prefer to of 157, which took the death toll to to the blaze at the hospital as all the hospital, and the rest to private hos- shifted to other hospitals. pointments as Class-2 medical of- those who have recently completed pay the bond amount, instead of 6,328, it said. LDF, UDF continue to exude DIRE NECESSITY Kerala cautious as confidence on poll outcome said the critic. UK, SA variants Incidentally, the latest calcula- tions from the three political fronts show that while both the tradi- tional rivals have concluded that traced in samples they are going to be the winners and INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE surprisingly, both of them predict around 80 seats out of the 140 in the INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE the first dose, while 10.39 lakh have Thiruvananthapuram, April 26: Kerala Legislative Assembly, the taken both the doses. Even though the second wave of BJP predicts 12, while their ideo- Thiruvananthapuram, April “Now, we have a problem as our Covid has dealt a severe blow to logical mentor RSS says it's not 26: Kerala Chief Minister request to the Centre to supply us Kerala and various sorts of lock- going to be more than six. Pinarayi Vijayan Monday urged another 50 lakh doses is yet to re- downs are in place at several places Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, people to maintain absolute cau- ceive a response. We will continue across the state, it has not deterred who for the first time in his event- tion as variants of the UK and to ask the Centre, even as we are the political fronts from continuing ful political career was the sole South African virus have been making all efforts to procure the vac- with last minute calculations on star campaigner for the Left when identified in the state. cines as asked by the Centre from who will eventually turn winners, asked what's in store, pat came the “We have been told that the UK the manufacturers,” said Vijayan. when the votes are counted May 2. reply, “none needs to waste time and South African variant virus Monday, a mammoth crowd had A media critic pointed out, just building castles in the air”, clearly have been reported in April. Of gathered at a state-run vaccina- as people are fighting the pan- implying that he is on course to the total cases now detected, 40 per tion camp in the capital city, throw- demic, for the traditional rival create electoral history by becom- cent are from these variants which ing all the mandatory social dis- fronts in the state, all eyes are on ing the first in the state to retain includes 30 per cent of the UK tancing protocols to the winds. “It ‘Super Sunday’. power through the ballot. strain, while 7 per cent is the dou- has now come to a stage that these “Even though nothing is to be Not to be left behind one of the ble mutant strain and 2 per cent is vaccination centres will turn into done now, as their fate has been two candidates set to become the the one from South Africa,” he said Covid distribution centres, as such sealed on April 6, each time the Chief Minister should the Congress after an all-party meeting here. was the crowd... it was absolute ruling CPI-M led Left or the led UDF regains office, the other day Monday, 21,890 people tested mayhem,” said an angry citizen Congress led Opposition or the Ramesh Chennithala's tone and Covid positive after 96,398 samples who was waiting for long. also ran BJP led NDA, pull out tenor sounded, when speaking were sent for testing and as a result, But authorities said that every their notebooks to make one last cal- about on how to tackle the surge in the total active cases in the state have person was given a time and the culation, all of them stay positive, Covid cases, as if he has already 'got' reached 2,32,812 - the highest-ever rush took place because people which is much needed for them,” the coveted post. People carry oxygen cylinders after refilling them in a factory in Ahmedabad, Monday. REUTERS so far. “Since the situation is seri- turned up much before their al- ous, the all-party meeting decided lotted time. Among the other things to ensure that across the state, all that were discussed at the all-party public places like gymnasium, bars, meeting include a wait and watch clubs, pools, indoor stadiums and policy with the present protocols Ahmedabad gets Bride dons PPE kit to marry movie halls should close down. which include the present night The number of people attending curfew from 9 pm to 5 am There was marriages should not exceed 50 also consensus on continuing with and for funerals not more than 20. the semi-lockdown protocols that Covid +ve groom in hospital At no cost should there be any lax- came into force every Saturday 19 more private ity on the part of people as things and Sunday, when only shops sell- AS BOTH THE FAMILIES are grave,” said Vijayan. ing essential items will open and “We are told that there is going all others will remain closed, besides WANTED TO CARRY to be a shortage of blood and hence private transport vehicles also will Covid hospitals OUT THE WEDDING we request all those below 45 to not be allowed and all have to re- see if blood can be donated. We main indoors. RITUAL ON THE say this because from May 1, those Also it has been decided that Ahmedabad has seen a massive surge in COVID-19 PRE-FIXED in the age 18 to 45 will also be eli- there will be no celebrations May cases over the past few weeks, with the daily infection gible to take vaccines. According 2, which is the counting day. “Only ‘MUHURTHAM’, THEY to medical experts, those who take officials, representatives of the count rising from 951 April 8 to 5,790 April 25 the vaccines can donate blood only candidates and the media will be APPROACHED THE after 30 days and hence, we request allowed at counting centre and all PRESS TRUST OF INDIA The Gujarat government as many such people to donate AUTHORITIES WITH Of the total cases now has exempted private blood and then take the vaccine,” Ahmedabad, April 26: Nineteen THE REQUEST TO GET he added. detected, 40 per cent more private medical facilities in clinics, nursing homes, Vijayan pointed out that the sit- MARRIED AT THE are from these variants Ahmedabad have come forward to and multi-speciality uation is so grave because soon serve as dedicated COVID-19 hos- HOSPITAL ITSELF after the local body polls in which includes 30 per pitals and care centres, adding 292 hospitals from December last year the daily num- cent of the UK strain, beds for patients in the city, officials seeking permission to ber of cases reached 2,000 and the said Monday. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA test positivity rate reached 11 per while 7 per cent is the With this, there are now 167 pri- convert to dedicated cent. “In March, the TPR came double mutant strain vate facilities requisitioned by the COVID-19 facilities Alappuzha, April 26: Time and tide down below 3 per cent, but things Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation wait for none, not even coronavirus. went haywire and now the TPR and 2 per cent is the for treating COVID-19 patients, as And this prompted Abhirami to medical college Sunday. and were later shifted to the COVID stands in the range of 20 per cent. per the update made available by over 170 as COVID-19 health centres, don her PPE kit instead of the tra- Marking the ritual, the groom, ward of the medical college, fam- We have decided to open a control one from South Africa an association of city-based hos- and more than 20 as COVID-19 care ditional bridal wear and tie the Sarathmon S, tied ‘thali’, the ily sources said. room for migrant workers and they pitals and nursing homes. centres, the AMC said. nuptial knot with her Covid-in- mangal sutra, and garlanded her As both the families wanted to are best advised to be where they The Gujarat government has ex- These private facilities have fected beau as the families did not with a simple tulsi garland in carry out the wedding ritual on are,” he said. will have to produce a RT-PCR test empted private clinics, nursing added 9,683 beds in various cate- want to skip the auspicious the presence of his mother, also the pre-fixed ‘muhurtham’, they On vaccinations so far, he said result or should have taken both the homes, and multi-speciality hos- gories like isolation wards, Intensive ‘muhurtham.’ Covid positive and another close approached the authorities with so far 57.58 lakh people have taken doses of vaccine,” added Vijayan. pitals from seeking permission to Care Units (ICUs) with and with- The young bride got hitched in relative of the bride at a special the request to get married at the hos- convert to dedicated COVID-19 fa- out ventilators, and High a hospital ward in a small cere- room in the ward. pital itself. cilities. They are only required to Dependency Units (HDUs), the re- mony at a time when Covid cases Fixed a year ago, the wedding Both the district collector and inform the authorities about it, ac- lease said. Out of the 9,683 beds in are spiralling in the southern state. happened Sunday, after permis- hospital authorities granted per- cording to the Ahmedabad these facilities, 7,939 are occupied ‘Muhurtham’ is the auspicious sion from authorities. mission for the function adhering Municipal Corporation (AMC). as of Monday morning, with few time fixed for weddings and other Sarathmon, working in the Gulf, to strict COVID protocols. As part of the policy, 19 more pri- vacancies left in the ICUs or HDUs new initiatives. With the Personal and his mother Jijimol had been ad- In compliance with the health vate hospitals, multi-speciality facil- meant for critical patients, it said. Protection Kit (PPE) replacing the mitted to the hospital recently after department guidelines, the bride ities, clinics and nursing homes came Ahmedabad has seen a massive traditional silk saree and other they tested positive for the virus. was asked to wear the PPE kit and forward in the last three-four days to surge in COVID-19 cases over the wedding paraphernalia, the 23- Though he had placed himself directed that only one or two rela- serve as COVID-19 hospitals and care past few weeks, with the daily in- year-old bride married the virus- in quarantine after arriving here tives should attend the wedding.

centres, the AMC said in a release. This fection count rising from 951 April positive groom, admitted to a gov- from the Middle East for the wed- After the function, Abhirami

k y m c has made 292 more beds available for 8 to 5,790 April 25. ernment hospital in coastal ding and showed no symptoms went back to her uncle’s house the treatment of COVID-19 patients As of now, there are 43,899 active Alappuzha district. for the initial 10 days, the two de- while Sarathmon continued his in the city, it said. Amid the second wave COVID-19 cases in the city which Abhirami, a native of Thekkan veloped breathing difficulty stay in the hospital. of the pandemic, so far over 150 pri- has reported 2,694 deaths so far Aryad here, donned the disposable Wednesday evening. The couple would begin a new life vate hospitals here have been desig- due to the disease, according to of- wear and got married at a COVID They tested positive for the virus after the groom turned COVID neg- nated as dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, ficial figures. ward of the Alappuzha Vandanam at a private hospital at Thathampally ative, family sources added. P8 AMID PANDEMIC, INDIA-B'DESH TRADE ON TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR The government is Amid the alarming spike in the number of Covid-19 getting oxygen as per the cases in both India and Bangladesh, the trade quota. Strict directions between the two neighbouring countries continues have been given to to be unaffected as exports-imports are being check black marketing carried out by strictly enforcing the standard y MANOHAR LAL KHATTAR | operating procedures (SOPs) laid down by the

HARYANA CHIEF MINISTER

k y m national authorities of both the nations c

of the day uote MHA ASKS STATES TO IMPOSE LOCAL CURBS Wet spell over several In addition to AGENCIES the measures, Goa definitely parts of country from New Delhi, April 26: With a large 5 nCoV patients die needs to go under part of the country battling a sec- Hisar (Haryana): Five COVID-19 lockdown on lines of patients, including one from the other states like ond wave of the coronavirus pan- demic, the Centre Monday asked Delhi, died at a private hospital April 26-30: IMD Maharashtra and all states and Union Territories to here on Monday with relatives of Karnataka for a particular period. the deceased holding a protest More than economic activities, the implement an intensive, local and focused containment framework, alleging that they died due to lives of the people matter to us grave shortage of medical oxygen stressing on specific districts and VISHWAJIT RANE | GOA'S HEALTH MINISTER at the facility. The five deaths areas to snap the chain of trans- came within 24 hours of two mission. similar incidents in Haryana, In a communication to all states wherein eight people died in This and UTs, Union Home Secretary two private facilities in Rewari government Ajay Bhalla reiterated the Ministry and Gurgaon allegedly due to (BJP) has no of Health and Family Welfare's shortage of medical oxygen. vision, no planning, April 25 advisory on containment Chief Minister Manohar Lal no accountability or strategy and said the district au- Khattar said a magisterial probe transparency thorities should be sensitised on the has been ordered into the ASADUDDIN OWAISI | strategy for imposing restrictions incidents, responding to MIM PRESIDENT and it should be widely dissemi- questions from reporters nated to the public and to the field in Panipat. functionaries for their effective and control measures, in the surge prescribed criterion. implementation. Bhalla said that areas to bring the situation under “All States/ UTs have also been by MoHFW in their letter, for the Such a in the recent past, a sharp increase control. Accordingly, he said, the advised to consider a further graded implementation of the contain- differential in COVID-19 cases has been ob- Health Ministry has advised all response in accordance with local ment framework, so as to flatten the price served along with high positivity states and UT governments to im- situation, requirements and re- curve," Bhalla said. The coron- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Karaikal. On April 28, thunder- mechanism rate. Considering this unprece- plement an intensive, local and fo- sources. “I would, therefore, urge avirus situation continues to be storms with lightning are likely (vaccine doses) is dented spike, he said, there is an ur- cused containment framework, fo- you to issue directions to district grim in India with 3,52,991 people New Delhi, April 26: The India over Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, inherently unfair gent need for states and UTs to con- cused on specific districts, cities, authorities in your State/ UT, to take testing positive and a record 2,812 Meteorological Department (IMD) Vidarbha, sub-Himalayan West since it placed a sider strict COVID management areas, and identified based on a higher financial burden on states all necessary measures, as advised deaths reported Monday. Monday predicted a wet spell over Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, several parts of the country, in- Assam, Meghalaya, central K PALANISWAMI | cluding central, south and north- Maharashtra, Marathawada, CHIEF MINISTER OF TAMIL NADU US determined to east India, from April 26 to 30. Telangana, Kerala and Mahe. Heavy INNOCENCE OVERLOADED Thunderstorms with lightning rainfall is likely at isolated places support India in nCoV and gusty winds (speed reaching 30- over south interior Karnataka and SHORT TAKES 40 kilometres per hour) are very north Kerala April 28. fight: Biden to Modi likely at isolated places over According to the IMD, thunder- Telangana, Kerala and Mahe from storms with lightning and gusty Weekend lockdown April 26. Lightning at isolated places wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) PRESS TRUST OF INDIA over Gangetic West Bengal, are likely at isolated places over in Punjab Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand, Vidarbha, Chandigarh: The Punjab New Delhi, April 26: US President central Maharashtra, Marathawada, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, government Monday ordered Joe Biden Monday conveyed sol- Rayalaseema, south interior Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, a weekend lockdown and idarity with India in its fight Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, coastal Andhra extended the night curfew by against COVID-19 and asserted Puducherry and Karaikal Monday. Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Kerala two hours in a bid to tackle that his country was determined Heat wave conditions are very and Mahe and with lightning at the surge in coronavirus to support its efforts by quickly likely in isolated pockets over isolated places over cases. The government has deploying resources such as Gujarat and coastal Odisha, the Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, also ordered the closure of therapeutics, ventilators and IMD added. Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, shops by 5 pm. “Due to identifying sources of raw ma- On April 27, thunderstorms with Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, continuous & rapid rise of terials to be made available for lightning and gusty winds (speed Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, #Covid19 cases in Punjab, the manufacture of Covishield reaching 30-40 kmph) are very likely Rayalaseema, coastal and south Cabinet today has decided to vaccine, according to a state- at isolated places over Uttarakhand, interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep impose daily lockdown from ment here. Assam, Meghalaya, central and Tamilnadu, Puducherry and 6 PM to 5 AM and weekend Biden expressed the support Maharashtra, Marathawada, Karaikal April 29. lockdown from Friday 6 PM to of the US to India in a tele- Monday 5 AM. Urge you all to Telangana, Kerala and Mahe. On April 30, thunderstorms with stay at home & step out only phonic conversation with Prime Lightning is also likely at iso- lightning and gusty winds are likely if absolutely necessary. Seek Minister Narendra Modi, dur- lated places over Jammu, Kashmir, over Uttarakhand, Vidarbha, your full cooperation, ” ing which the two leaders dis- Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh cussed the pandemic situation Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, in a tweet said. in their countries, including Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Meghalaya, coastal Andhra India's ongoing efforts to contain Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Kerala a second wave of COVID-19 Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Mahe. through expedited vaccination Konkan, Goa, coastal Andhra On the same day, heavy rainfall Maha nCoV efforts, and ensuring supply of Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, is likely at isolated places over cases, deaths fall critical medicines, therapeu- south Interior Karnataka and south interior Karnataka and north tics and medical equipment. A child looking through the window of a train at Jabalpur railway station UNI PHOTO Tamilnadu, Puducherry and Kerala, the IMD added. Mumbai: In a breather, Maharashtra saw new Covid- 19 deaths and cases fall sharply Monday though the state tally crossed the 43 lakh mark and fatalities went WB Assembly polls: Voting for Phase 7 concludes past 65,000, health officials Storytelling sessions in jail said here. The state recorded PRESS TRUST OF INDIA fight in these districts is between The central forces, however, de- 524 deaths -- down from the INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE in a very creative and engaging TMC and the Congress-ISF-Left al- nied the allegations. highest 832 on Sunday, taking activities, said Monica Agrawal, Kolkata, April 26: An estimated liance, except in a few pockets In Jamuria constituency, Left up its toll to 65,284 now, the Jaipur, April 26: This might DIG, Prisons, Rajasthan.” 75 per cent votes were cast Monday where the BJP has gained strength. Front candidate Aishe Ghosh al- worst in the country. leave you flabbergasted but it is “Unable to do any other task, in West Bengal in the seventh and Although the polling passed off leged that agents of CPI-M were Dropping below the 50,000 true that the women prison here they are collecting books from the penultimate phase of assembly more or less peacefully, but there stopped from entering a booth by mark in over a fortnight, from has become a reg- library and election, which was by and large were a few incidents of scuffle be- TMC workers, a charge which was the record high of 68,631 ular witness to the reading out sto- peaceful, an EC official said. tween rival party workers in some denied by the ruling party. In (April 18), the daily case tally storytelling sessions ries for other in- According to the EC, 75.06 per parts of the state. Murshidabad, TMC district presi- was 48,700, taking the where women pris- mates. Also, cent voter turnout was recorded A few such incidents were re- dent and MP Abu Taher was heck- cumulative total to 43,43,727. oners exchange there are other till 5 pm in 36 seats where polling ported from Asansol in Paschim led by party workers when he was their stories with females who are was held and is expected to go up Bardhaman district where TMC said. The agent was detained after touring the area. other inmates to learning to read as the polling ended at 6.30 PM. candidate Sayoni Ghosh claimed several women voters claimed he Taher, however, claimed that Thailand restricts grow morally and write from Voting began at 7 am in 12,068 polling that BJP activists tried to jam tried to drag them by holding their Congress activists had heckled him. stronger and come these inmates,” stations spread over nine assem- booths in the constituency. The al- hands inside Bidya Bharati School, The Congress dubbed the allega- travel from India out enriched with she added. bly constituencies each in legation was dubbed as baseless a police officer said. tions as baseless. In Bhabanipur New Delhi: Thailand has knowledge. Jaipur pris- Murshidabad and Paschim by BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul, Rao rubbished the allegations constituency TMC candidate decided to restrict entry of “Amid spike in Covid cases, oners last year too had con- Bardhaman districts, six each in who asserted "Ghosh is making and said no such incident had taken Sovandeb Chattopadhyay claimed travellers from India in lockdown has been enforced in tributed during lockdown in a big Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda and excuses sensing defeat". place. "We have received a com- that he too was stopped from enter- view of the coronavirus the state, that resulted in the re- way. They had donated their one- four in Kolkata, including in Chief There was commotion in Rash plaint in this regard and a probe is ing the booth in his area by central crisis. India Monday strictions to the jail's visit by time chapati for have-nots and Minister Mamata Banerjee's home Behari constituency in the city underway," the officil said. forces. reported 3,52,991 new the inmates' family, friends or made containers for birds which turf Bhabanipur. after BJP candidate Lt Gen (retd) The TMC candidate for the con- The security forces denied the al- infections. The embassy of trainers. Hence, the prisoners could be kept outside with water Out of these Malda, Murshidabad Subrata Saha's agent Mohan Rao stituency, Debashis Kumar claimed legations and the office of the chief Thailand in Delhi said in a here have occupied themselves to quench their thirst. and Dakshin Dinajpur are minor- was accused of molesting women that he was stopped from entering electoral officer intervened and statement that certificates ity dominated districts and the voters inside a polling booth, police a booth in the area by central forces. sorted out the issue. of entry (COEs) issued to non-Thai nationals to enter the country from India with the arrival date from May 1 will be cancelled. Delhi hospitals’ struggle for oxygen continues

Delhi Cong sets up PRESS TRUST OF INDIA hospital had received the supply avail," said an official at Ganga and asked the AAP government or not. Bansal Hospital, where 40 STILL ON ‘BEG AND BORROW’ MODE Ram Hospital. The official added the to take action against those in- Covid control room New Delhi, April 26: Hospitals in COVID-19 patients are admitted, elite hospital is on "beg and bor- dulging in it, saying distribution New Delhi: The Delhi the national capital continued to received the supply in the nick of row" mode. The hospital later con- of gas cylinders is "your baby". Pradesh Congress grapple with a shortage of oxygen, time, said Delhi Police officials who firmed they received 64 refilled Hospitals across the national Committee has set up a saying they are still operating on the arranged the cylinders. cylinders and also 10 tonnes of liq- capital and its suburbs have been control room to help those "beg and borrow" mode, while three SOS calls were also raised by uid oxygen during the day. sending out desperate messages who are affected by the of them also raised the issue be- Tulsi Multispeciality Hospital in Jaipur Golden Hospital tweeted, of help on social media and other Covid-19 pandemic in the fore the Delhi High Court Monday, Shahdra and Irene Hospital in "We are trying to get in touch with platforms, flagging their dwindling national capital. It has also stating they were not receiving Kalkaji. Jaipur Golden Hospital, INOX @inoxairproducts since stocks of oxygen. The Railways been decided to set up enough supplies. Maharaja Agrasen Hospital and morning to ensure our daily oxy- had announced that the first Oxygen control rooms in all the Sources at the elite Sir Ganga Shanti Mukund Hospital raised the gen supply reaches on time. Have Express train for the city carry- districts wherein the district Ram Hospital said in the morning issue before the High Court, saying not got any response or dispatch ing around 70 tonnes of the life-sav- presidents shall be in- they had been waiting for three they are not receiving enough sup- note yet. Alerting everyone now ing commodity will depart from charge. Jaikishan has been days to refill their oxygen cylin- made the in-charge of the ply despite SOS calls. in the hope of preventing another Jindal Steel Works plant in Raigarh,

control room, which will be ders, used for transporting criti- "The hospital has 104 oxygen SOS situation today." Twenty peo- Chhattisgarh, Sunday night. y supervised by former Delhi cally ill COVID patients. The hospital cylinders which are used while ple died at the hospital Saturday Central government sources had

received 64 refilled cylinders around moving extremely sick COVID pa- amid a shortage of oxygen. The also said that eight pressure swing

k y m health minister Kiran c Walia, Narendra Math, 4.20 PM. tients in case of emergency which Delhi High Court also took strong adsorption (PSA) oxygen genera- Sushant Mishra, Parvez Alan The Jaipur Golden Hospital in is happening quite frequently now. note of alleged black-marketing tion plants are being installed in and 25 others. The mobile Rohini took to social media, posting All the cylinders were sent three days of oxygen cylinders, reportedly Delhi from the PM-Cares fund and No. 9625777907, at 12 noon that they were still await- ago to different locations for emer- being sold at Rs 1 lakh per unit in they will enhance the capacity of and WhatsApp No. ing their supplies. There was no gency refill. For the last three days, the national capital for treating medical oxygen by 14.4 metric 9625777907 will be update till around 7.30 pm if the our staff is camping there but to no A COVID-19 patient waits in an ambulance outside the LNJP hospital PTI PHOTO seriously ill COVID-19 patients, tonnes. operational round the clock. Corona has caused P9 tremendous suffering all over O2 ENRICHMENT TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR the country. In view of this, the TECH FOR COVID Delhi Government on Monday morning Amid the shortage of oxygen in approved the purchase of one crore 34 hospitals across the country the lakh vaccines. This purchase will be done as soon as possible and all Delhi CSIR-CMERI indigenously residents above 18 years of age will be developed oxygen enrichment

y vaccinated for free technology may be effective in

k y m treating COVID-19 patients c national ARVIND KEJRIWAL | DELHI CHIEF MINISTER

of the day uote COVID SURGE CHILLING OUT

There is an appeal to the Unnecessary panic BSP people all over the country to help corona patients in their neighbourhood as a causing more harm human being according to their ability. But while helping, they must also strictly follow the COVID rules MAYAWATI | BAHUJAN SAMAJ PARTY SUPREMO than good: Centre The BJP should shun PRESS TRUST OF INDIA prescribed drugs. Agarwal said its pride of that however much infrastructure being in power. New Delhi, April 26: As India is created, it will come under stress They should think grappled with a raging second wave looking at the population of the like family members of the coronavirus pandemic, the country and added that it is im- of COVID patients government Monday sought to portant to curb the infection. and ensure availability of oxygen at allay people's fears, saying unnec- The government stressed on con- their homes essary panic is causing more harm tinuing vaccination of people, even AKHILESH YADAV | SAMAJWADI PARTY CHIEF than good. at a faster pase, and maintaining It also pitched for expediting the COVID-19 appropriate behaviours. The elections pace of the vaccination drive and Research has shown that if no were due in asserted that women can take physical distancing measures are December last COVID-19 vaccine during men- followed, one person can infect 406 year. The pandemic struation as well. people in 30 days, it said, adding that led to delay in Addressing a joint press con- if physical exposure is reduced by reorganization and ference with other senior func- 50 per cent then one person can delimitation of tionaries, Joint Secretary in the infect around 15 people during the panchayats. The writ petitions and Ministry of Health and Family period. And, if physical exposure A boy dives in to the water to beat the afternoon heat, at Cuff Parade in Mumbai PTI PHOTO subsequent decision of the high Welfare Lav Agarwal said many is reduced by 75 per cent, then one court compelled the state people have been found to be oc- person can infect around 2.5 peo- government to hold the election cupying hospital beds out of panic. ple in 30 days. It's time people start BATTLE AGAINST PANDEMIC SC advances YOGI ADITYANATH | UP CHIEF MINISTER Hospital admission should only wearing masks inside their homes be on the advice of doctors, he as well, the government said. stressed. Amid a shortage of med- On the vaccination drive, summer vacation ical oxygen, the government said Agarwal said of the 14.19 crore ARMED FORCES RECALL India has enough medical oxygen vaccine doses administered in India PRESS TRUST OF INDIA SHORT TAKES available, but the challenge is to so far, 9.79 crore people aged 45 and transport it to hospitals. above have got the first dose and 1.03 New Delhi, April 26: The Supreme Andhra to hire The government said it is taking crore in the age bracket have re- Court Monday decided to advance various measures to ensure ade- ceived the second dose. RETIRED MEDICAL STAFF its summer vacation, which will hundreds of docs quate supply of oxygen to hospitals. India's daily COVID-19 infection now commence from May 8 in Amaravati: At a time when The government asked hospitals for tally and death toll have touch new PRESS TRUST OF INDIA view of sudden surge in COVID- the Coronavirus pandemic is judicious use of oxygen and to plug peaks in the past few days. The 19 cases. Chief Justice N V raging across the country, the leakage, if any. It also said that ra- country recorded 3,52,991 cases, New Delhi, April 26: All medical Ramana on his first working day Andhra Pradesh government tional use of medical oxygen and the highest so far, taking the tally personnel of the armed forces who held an “emergent meeting” with has decided to temporarily hire appropriate prescription of drugs of cases to 1,73,13,163 while active have retired or have taken pre-ma- bar bodies including Supreme hundreds of specialists, such as Remdesivir, Tocilizumab are cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark, ture retirement in the last two years Court Bar Association (SCBA), general duty medical officers critical in the fight against the pan- according to the Union Health are being recalled to work in COVID- Supreme Court Advocates on and other health staff to tackle demic. The government said ef- Ministry data updated Monday. 19 facilities within proximity of Record Association (SCAORA) the pandemic. "Government fectiveness of Remdesivir on crit- The death toll increased to 1,95,123 their present place of residence, the and Bar Council of India to take has issued orders to engage ical patients is "not well-established" with a record 2,812 new fatalities, government said Monday. stalk of rising COVID situation. 1,170 specialists, 1,170 general yet as it suggested use of other the data updated at 8 am showed. Chief of Defence Staff General Senior advocate and SCBA duty medical officers, 2,000 Bipin Rawat told Prime Minister president Vikas Singh said that staff nurses, 306 anesthesia Narendra Modi about this deci- various establishments will be re- infrastructure will be made avail- “it has been decided in the emer- technicians, 300 FNOs, 300 sion as they reviewed prepara- leased for hospitals. Modi was also able to civilians, where ever pos- gent meeting that instead of May MNOs and 300 sweepers on tions and operations being un- informed that all medical officers sible. Modi reviewed the opera- 14, the Summer Vacation will contract basis purely on temporary basis," said dertaken by the armed forces to on staff appointments at Command tions being undertaken by Indian now commence from May 8 and principal secretary Muddada deal with the second wave of the HQ, Corps HQ, Division HQ & Air Force as well to transport oxy- would end June 27”. Ravi Chandra Sunday. pandemic raging across the coun- similar HQ of Navy and Air Force gen and other essentials in India He said that the CJI also ap- try. Other medical officers who re- will be employed at hospitals. and abroad. proved in principle the opening tired from the armed forces earlier "The CDS informed the prime The Prime Minister also dis- of the COVID care centre in the than two years have also been re- minister that nursing personnel cussed with Rawat that Kendriya Naxals torch quested to make their services are being employed in large and Rajya Sainik Welfare Boards vehicles available for consultation through numbers to complement the and officers posted in various medical emergency help lines, a doctors at the hospitals," the headquarters in veterans cells Nagpur: Three tractors and statement said. statement said. may be instructed to coordinate the one tanker engaged in road Rawat also informed the prime Rawat also said they are cre- services of veterans to extend the construction work in minister that oxygen cylinders ating medical facilities in large reach to the maximum extent pos- Gadchiroli were set ablaze by available with armed forces in numbers and military medical sible, including in remote areas. Naxals, police said Monday. The incident happened late Sunday night in Medpalli village in Aheri taluka, some 170 kilometres from here, an official added. The Maoist ‘Mask up even inside your homes’ 14-day lockdown in ultras left behind a poster at the site informing about a new chamber building of the 'Bharat bandh' Monday. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA in The Lancet journal said there is Supreme Court. consistent, strong evidence to prove K’taka from today “SCBA executive council has New Delhi, April 26: As a second that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, behind approached the Delhi govern- wave of the coronavirus pandemic the COVID-19 pandemic, is pre- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Speaking to reporters after a three ment to inspect the place and Arms, ammunition rips through the country, the gov- dominantly transmitted through hour long cabinet meeting here, submit a feasibility report. recovered in J&K ernment Monday said it is time peo- the air. Paul added that people Bangalore, April 26: The Karnataka he said shops selling essential com- Tehsildar Chanakyapuri is al- ple start wearing masks inside should also avoid stepping out of government Monday announced modities will be allowed to remain ready briefed to make arrange- Jammu: Security forces have their homes as well, and refrain their houses unnecessarily and not more restrictions in what it termed open only from 6 am to 10 am. “The ments for inspection of the build- recovered a cache of arms from inviting guests. invite guests at home. as a 'close down' across the state for agriculture sector, manufacturing ing,” Singh said. and ammunition, including Addressing a press conference AIIMS Director Dr Randeep 14 days from Tuesday night in a bid sector, construction sector and Meanwhile, SCAORA secre- two pistols, during a search here, NITI Aayog member (Health) Guleria, who also addressed the to control the huge spike in COVID- medical and essential sectors will tary Joseph Aristotle said that CJI operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, Dr V K Paul said if there is a COVID- press conference, sought greater 19 cases in the state. continue to operate,” he said. Night has principally agreed to pro- Army officials said Monday. A positive person inside the house, he side our homes if we are sitting community participation to ensure The state cabinet led by Chief curfew, which is in place now between vide suitable area for establish- joint team of the Army and or she must wear the mask so as to with someone," he said. "But, def- optimal utilisation of hospital fa- Minister B S Yediyurappa also de- 9 PM to 6 AM, would continue, the ing medical facilities for at least police launched a search prevent other family members from initely, if there is a COVID-19 pos- cilities. cided to provide COVID-19 vacci- Chief Minister said. The Chief 60 beds and other facilities like RT- operation in Chhatru forest getting infected. "Rather, I'll say itive person, that person must wear "We see now there is unneces- nations free of cost at government Minister said essential services like PCR test and vaccination. area Sunday, they said. that the time has come that we start the mask and others inside the sary panic among people which is hospitals for those between 18-44 banking among others would con- The SCBA and SCAORA have wearing masks even otherwise in- house also must wear a mask and causing more harm than good. years of age. “Strict measures to tinue to operate, as also take-aways both requested the Chief Justice side our homes. We used to talk the positive person should be kept Those who test positive even if control COVID will be taken. From at hotels, restaurants and liquor to advance the summer vacation about wearing it outside homes, in a different room," Paul under- their oxygen saturation levels are tomorrow night till the next 14 days, shops. Karnataka Sunday had re- in the wake of the rampaging Woman charred but the way the infection has spread, lined. His statement came days normal and have mild symptoms, there will be a close down for the ported the biggest single day spike second wave of coronavirus to death in Assam it will be better if we wear mask in- after a new assessment published they also want to get admitted. whole state,” Yediyurappa said. of 34,804 new COVID-19 cases . pandemic. Silchar: A woman was killed and two others injured in Assam's Cachar district after a car hit a pole, snapping live wires which then fell on an Australia-type bushfire ravages Mizoram’s southern dists auto-rickshaw, setting it on fire, police said. The incident IN FEBRUARY, MIZORAM FOREST OFFICIALS HAD SAID THAT AROUND 1,300 FOREST FIRES WERE REPORTED IN THE STATE IN 2020 happened Sunday night at Lathigram in the Udharbond INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE Buckets, to control the raging bush- Serkawn, Chanmari in Lunglei we cannot be complacent," said police station area, they said. fire. town, even engulfing "some build- ADC Rualzakhumthangi. They said The car hit an electricity pole Kolkata, April 26: Indian Air The fire was sparked around 7 ings". But it said the fire in Lunglei around 1,090 incidents were caused along the Silchar- Haflong Force helicopters with Bambi a.m. Saturday possibly by some vil- town "could be contained and doused due to Jhum or slash-and-burn cul- Road, snapping the live wires. Buckets have been pressed into lagers who were trying to clear the before it caused any major loss to tivation, while 210 were due to nat- The wires then fell on an service to put out an Australia-type hills near Lunglei town, possibly for property." "As the fire had spread ural causes. Jhum involves clearing autorickshaw behind it, setting bushfire raging for two days in shifting cultivation common in the close to human settlements, the ad- a forest tract by slashing vegeta- the vehicle on fire, they added. Mizoram's Lunglei district. hills of Northeast India. ministration evacuated residents. tion and burning it before plant- Late Sunday night, the fire had It snowballed into a raging bush- But no death or injuries to citizens ing seeds. spread to Lunglei town and villages fire spreading to ten village coun- or damage to their property were re- The Forest Survey of India (FSI), Woman gangraped in the adjoining district of Lawngtlai. cil areas in and around Lunglei ported so far,' DC Kulothungan told Dehradun says forests of the Mizoram government firefight- town. By Sunday night, it had spread IANS. However, some damage was Northeast and central India re- Agra (UP): A woman in her ers, backed by Assam Rifles and to three rural development blocks reported from Lawngtlai district. gions are the most vulnerable areas y early thirties was allegedly Border Security Force troops and of Lawngtlai district. "In Bungtlang South, the fire to forest fires. Forests in Assam,

raped by a confectioner and local volunteer groups have so far Officials said the helicopters have completely destroyed fourteen Mizoram and Tripura have been

k y m his friends here, police said c failed to put out the fire, officials said. somewhat helped control the fire. Monday, adding one of the houses. Nobody were injured but identified as 'extremely prone' to accused was detained. Late Sunday evening, the Indian "We have controlled much of the livestock perished in the fire," said forest fire, not only because they The woman, a cook, was Air Force, receiving a SOS from fire by Saturday evening itself," Marilyn Rualzakhumthangi, ADC, have substantial forest cover but allegedly gangraped Sunday Mizoram government, pressed into said A. Kulothungan, DC, Lunglei ing. High winds and dry vegeta- to put it out." Mizoram DIPR said Lawngtlai district. "Smaller fires because in recent years, monsoon night when she had gone to service two Mi-17V5 helicopters, district, "However, it erupted again tion have caused the spread of the in a press statement that the fire rav- are still burning but that might not have been delayed and the vege- cater for a wedding. equipped with specialised Bambi Sunday morning and is still rag- fire and it is now a huge challenge aged localities such as Zotlang, jeopardise human settlements but tation dries up. If we were THAI PM FINED FOR NOT P10 to have TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR problems, we have a WEARING FACE MASK plan of how to enter Thailand Prime Minister Gen. the field ... our armed Prayut Chan-o-cha was fined 6,000 forces could one day baht (Rs 14,270) Monday for not go into the streets wearing a mask, as his government JAIR BOLSONARO | BRAZILIAN struggled to combat a new wave of

PRESIDENT coronavirus cases in the country

k y m international c of the day uote Johnson urged to put out pharma lobbying messages Japan ruling party We want to make sure we continue to be UK LAWMAKERS HAVE SIGNED A STATEMENT CALLING FOR PM BORIS JOHNSON TO PUBLISH election loss a blow a good neighbour in the region, that we ALL MESSAGES EXCHANGED WITH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES AND THEIR LOBBYISTS work with our partners and with REUTERS organised the joint statement. to Suga government our allies and nobody wants to see A spokesperson for the UK gov- conflict between China and Taiwan London, April 26: British law- ernment said it prioritised trans- or anywhere else makers Monday called on the gov- parency but stakeholders had a ernment to publish all communi- right to expect a reasonable degree PETER DUTTON | AUSTRALIAN MINISTER OF cations with pharmaceutical of confidentiality in their com- HOME AFFAIRS companies to understand if private munications. lobbying influenced its opposition The UK was one of the biggest to a waiver of intellectual property donors to Covax to ensure global We commend rules for COVID-19 vaccines. all countries access to vaccines and continued that have The United States and a hand- to encourage manufacturers to reached the ful of other big countries, including provide their vaccines on a not-for- ambitious target of the United Kingdom, have blocked profit, transparent basis. zero malaria. negotiations at the World Trade “We are committed to explor- Together, they are Organisation (WTO) involving a such as Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, the statement, including Global ing ways in which we can im- showing the world that a malaria- proposal spearheaded by India and Johnson & Johnson. Justice Now, Just Treatment, prove equitable access further free future is possible and South Africa that now has the A cross-party group of UK law- StopAIDS, Frontline AIDS, and believe this should be done support of 100 WTO members. makers has signed a statement Universities Allied for Essential through the existing Intellectual ANTONIO GUTERRES | UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL The proposal would temporar- calling for Prime Minister Boris Medicines UK, Students for Global Property framework,” added the Monday, adding that fighting the ily waive the intellectual property Johnson, ministers, and senior Health, and Nurses United UK. spokesperson. Prime Minister Yoshihide pandemic is his priority. (IP) rights of pharmaceutical com- civil servants to publish all email, “The UK's opposition to an in- Last week US lawmakers and Suga’s ruling Liberal Anger with a vote-buying and panies to allow developing coun- text, and WhatsApp messages ex- tellectual property waiver on non-profit groups heaped pres- a separate bribery scandal, as well I am Democratic Party lost heartbroken tries to produce vaccines. changed with pharmaceutical COVID-19 vaccines is utterly in- sure on the Biden administration as with the government’s handling by the current The waiver is opposed by the companies and their lobbyists. defensible,” said Heidi Chow, sen- to back the patent waiver ahead of all three seats in of the pandemic and a tortuously situation in India. US Chamber of Commerce and Patient advocacy and vaccine eq- ior policy and campaigns man- the next formal WTO meeting on parliamentary slow vaccine rollout, played about Microsoft will big pharmaceutical companies uity organisations have also signed ager at Global Justice Now, which the issue May 5. equal roles on the election out- continue to use its by-elections Sunday come, analysts said. voice, resources, Though Japan has not suffered and technology to aid relief efforts, Missing Indonesian REUTERS as badly as other nations, the gov- and support the purchase of critical IN SOLIDARITY ernment has struggled to cope with oxygen concentration devices submarine found Tokyo, April 26: Japan’s ruling a recent surge in cases and on SATYA NADELLA | MICROSOFT CEO party suffered a triple blow at by- Friday imposed a third state of elections over the weekend, as emergency on parts of the country broken into pieces voter frustration with scandals just three months before the REUTERS and government management of Olympics are set to open. SHORT TAKES the coronavirus risked weaken- Only one vaccine has been ap- Denpasar, April 26: Amissing ing the influence of Prime Minister proved for use in Japan, with roughly Indonesian submarine has been Yoshihide Suga’s government. 1 percent of the population having Scotland, Ireland found, broken into at least three Suga’s ruling Liberal Democratic been fully vaccinated so far. parts, at the bottom of the Bali Party (LDP) lost all three seats in “Two of the elections were held ease restrictions Sea, army and navy officials said parliamentary by-elections Sunday, due to scandals, so that was defi- London: Scotland and Ireland Sunday, as the President sent con- polls widely seen as a verdict on his nitely in the background,” said eased their lockdown dolences to relatives of the 53 crew. administration and a bellwether Airo Hino, a political science pro- restrictions Monday, as the Rescuers also found new objects, for a crucial Lower House election fessor at Waseda University. two nations slowly returned including a life vest, which they be- later this year. “But anger and frustration on the to the pre-pandemic life. lieve belong to those aboard the The votes, for seats in both the part of the people due to how the Scotland, which has a tier 44-year old KRI Nanggala-402, which Upper House and the more powerful pandemic's being handled, and the system, will allow all shops, lost contact Wednesday as it pre- lower chamber, were the first sig- slowness of the vaccine rollout, gyms and indoor sports pared to conduct a torpedo drill. nificant ballots since Suga took also played a part.” facilities to reopen, while “Based on the evidence, it can power last September. Two of the Suga’s support rating stood pubs, cafes and restaurants be stated that the KRI Nanggala has seats were left open due to political around 70 per cent when he took of- will reopen outdoors for sunk and all of its crew have died,” scandals and a third after the death fice in September last year by re- groups of up to six people, military chief Marshal Hadi of a lawmaker from COVID-19. placing Shinzo Abe, who resigned DPA reported. Non-essential Tjahjanto told reporters. work in other people's homes “I intend to take the people's de- due to health reasons after be- will also resume, including Navy chief of staff Yudo cision with humility, and make coming Japan's longest-serving cleaning, repairs, and Margono said the crew was not The Khalifa University building in UAE illuminated with hues of the Indian Tricolor to express solidarity with the country which amends where amending is nec- premier. His rating plunged to the painting and decorating. to blame for the accident and is struggling to contain the massive surge in COVID-19 caseload PTI PHOTO essary after conducting further 30 per cent level earlier this year but Earlier, only hairdressers and that the submarine did not ex- analysis,” Suga told reporters has since recovered slightly. barbers, homeware shops, perience a blackout, blaming electrical repair shops and “forces of nature”. vehicle showrooms were “The KRI Nanggala is divided allowed to reopen. into three parts, the hull of the Female owner of car repair ship, the stern of the ship, and the Chinese airline retracts plans to main parts are all separated, with Global Covid-19 the main part found cracked,” he said. “There are scattered parts shop blazes a trail in UAE cases top 146.8mn of the submarine and its interior suspend cargo flights to India in the water.” REUTERS Washington: The overall PRESS TRUST OF INDIA including Xian to Delhi, amid hec- global Covid-19 caseload has topped 146.8 million, while Dubai, April 26: Huda al-Matroushi tic efforts by private traders from the deaths have surged to is one of few Emirati women to ven- Beijing, April 26: In a U-turn, both sides to procure oxygen con- more than 3.10 million, ture into the car repair business, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines centrators from China. according to the Johns an industry that has long been dom- on Monday retracted its an- In the letter seen by PTI, the Hopkins University. In its inated by men in the Arab world. nouncement to suspend cargo flights company said, "in the face of sud- latest update on Monday “I enjoy it a lot,” says Matroushi, to take a leap of faith with her. taking crucial supplies like oxy- den changes in the epidemic situ- morning, the University's holding up her oil-stained work “I said: ‘Dad, please trust me gen concentrators to India and said ation (in India), in order to reduce Center for Systems Science glove. “Because I’m on top of my and you will see what I will do.’ that it was working out a new plan the number of imported cases, it is and Engineering (CSSE) President Joko Widodo earlier job, and it's my business, I belong He said: ‘OK, OK!’. Most of my to resume the services. decided" to suspend the flights for revealed that the current confirmed the discovery in the to it: I feel proud of myself.” family are surprised ... because A logistics arm under Sichuan the next 15 days. global caseload and death toll Bali Sea and sent the families of Cars have been a hobby for this project, this business, it’s not Airlines said that it was discussing China, the daily said. The Airlines operates about 11 stood at 146,830,782 and the victims his condolences. Matroushi, 36, since childhood. easy for ladies,” she said. a new plan to resume cargo services “We are re-evaluating the origi- cargo flights to different destinations 3,106,384, respectively. “All of us Indonesians express “I like cars and their models and Matroushi’s male employee, to India, as the country has been nal plan of suspending cargo serv- in India. our deep sorrow over this tragedy, their details. I like sports cars, I Mohammed Halawani, said it was going through COVID-19 resur- ices to India, and actively discussing Sichuan Airlines usually has especially to the families of the sub- like luxurious cars, even normal initially strange to see a woman in gence, state-run Global Times re- a new plan to guarantee cargo serv- two regular flights from the Chinese Germany faces marine crew.” A sonar scan non-luxurious cars, I love them all.” charge of the garage. ported. ices to the region," the report quoted mainland to India, but neither flight Saturday detected the submarine She turned that passion into a “But after I joined and we started The response came after Indian the airlines as saying in reply to its had taken off on Monday, the Global lockdown till June at 850 metres, far beyond the profession and now owns and man- working and she’d tell me: disas- media reported that Sichuan queries. Times report said. Berlin: Germany’s Nanggala’s diving range. ages a car repair shop in Sharjah, semble this, assemble that, (it was Airlines had suspended all its cargo In a letter to the sales agents From April 1 to April 25, the coronavirus infection rate More than a dozen helicopters one of the seven emirates that clear) that she has experience.” flights to India for 15 days, and said Monday, the Sichuan Chuanhang number of cargo flights from the rose at the weekend despite and ships are searching the area make up the United Arab Emirates. Matroushi hopes she can trans- that such a move brings “major Logistics Co. Ltd, the company Chinese mainland to India aver- stricter restrictions and where contact was lost, with the Matroushi's family had doubts form her single garage into a big disruption” to private traders’ ef- which is part of the Sichuan aged five per day, including car- Finance Minister Olaf Scholz United States, Australia, Singapore, about her pursuing a job in car repair centre, or open more garages forts to buy medical supplies, in- Airlines, said the airline has sus- ried by Sichuan Airlines and SF said he did not expect moves and Malaysia providing assistance. mechanics, but she asked her father across the UAE. cluding oxygen concentrators, from pended its cargo flights on six routes, Airlines, it said. to ease curbs before the end of May. “We need a timetable how to get back to normal life, but it must be a plan that won’t have to be revoked World military spending grows despite COVID-19 pandemic after just a few days,” Scholz said. The federal government should be able to outline "clear and courageous GLOBAL MILITARY SPENDING INCREASED BY 2.6 PER CENT TO $1,981 BILLION IN 2020, WHEN GLOBAL GDP SHRANK 4.4 PER CENT opening steps" for the summer by the end of May, allowing restaurants to adjust AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE itary spending, in 2020 at least,” “Other countries, such as Brazil has risen in tandem with its reopening plans and citizens Lopes da Silva said. and Russia, did not explicitly say this growing economy and has seen to plan holidays, he said. Stockholm, April 26: Military ex- He cautioned however that due was reallocated because of the pan- an increase for 26 consecutive penditure worldwide rose to nearly to the nature of military spending, demic, but they have spent consid- years, reaching an estimated $2 trillion in 2020, defying the eco- it could take time for countries “to erably less than their original budget $252 billion in 2020. nomic impact of the COVID-19 pan- adapt to the shock”. for 2020,” Lopes da Silva said. The US also increased its spend- Rocket hits Kunar demic, researchers said Monday. The fact that military spending Another response, as in Hungary ing for the third year in a row in 2020, Guv’s office Global military spending in- continued to increase in a year with for example, was to increase mil- after seven years of reductions. creased by 2.6 per cent to $1,981 bil- an economic downturn meant the itary spending “as part of a stim- “This reflects growing concerns Kabul: At least five people lion in 2020, when global GDP shrank “military burden”, or the share of ulus package in response to the over perceived threats from strate- were wounded after a rocket 4.4 per cent, according to a report military spending out of total GDP, pandemic”. gic competitors such as China and landed at Kunar Governor’s from the Stockholm International had increased as well. Lopes da Silva noted many coun- Russia, as well as the Trump ad- office in the city of Asadabad Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The overall share rose from 2.2 per tries responded to the 2008-2009 eco- ministration's drive to bolster Monday morning, Iqbal Diego Lopes da Silva, one of re- cent to 2.4 per cent, the largest year- nomic crisis by adopting austerity what it saw as a depleted US mil- Saeed, provincial Governor, port’s authors, told this news agency said. The incident happened on-year increase since the finan- measures, but “this time around it itary,” Alexandra Marksteiner,

the development was unexpected. cial crisis of 2009. might not be the case”. another author of the report, said

k y m in the city of Asadabad, the c center of Kunar, where an “Because of the pandemic, one As a result, more NATO members The world’s two biggest spenders in a statement. event on the Holy Quran would think military spending hit the Alliance’s guideline target by far were the US and China, with Lopes da Silva, however, noted competition was underway, would decrease,” he said. “But it’s of spending at least two per cent of Washington accounting for 39 per- that the new “Biden administra- Saeed said. Three students possible to conclude with some cer- GDP on their military, with 12 coun- There were, however, indications and South Korea openly decided to cent of overall expenditure and tion has not given any indica- and two employees of the tainty that COVID-19 did not have tries doing so in 2020 compared to the pandemic had affected some re-appropriate military funds in Beijing for 13 per cent. tions that it will reduce military compound were wounded. a significant impact on global mil- nine in 2019. countries. Nations such as Chile response to the pandemic. China’s military spending spending.” Given the resurgence of APPLE PLEDGES 20K NEW JOBS P11 Covid and the looming TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR uncertainty around economic and Apple Monday announced plans to make new market momentum, the company will contributions of more than $430 billion and continue to maintain a cautiously add 20,000 new jobs in the US over the next optimistic stance for FY22 and five years. Over the past three years, Apple’s evaluate its approach dynamically contributions in the US have significantly VIBHA PADALKAR | MD & CEO, outpaced the company's original five-year

HDFC LIFE INSURANCE CO. goal of $350 billion set in 2018

k y m business c of the day uote Steel plants cut liquid RBI to conduct customer satisfaction survey oxygen storage Being into the to boost supply paper industry The proposed survey will point of customer services. The availing services after the merger'; and most of choice before the customer will be IMPACT OF BANK MERGERS 'I faced problems in the following the educational cover a total of 20,000 to tick one of the following options product(s)/service(s)/area(s)'; and AGENCIES institutions closed, respondents from 21 we were worried -- strongly agree; agree; neutral; 'The nature of problem I faced in the about how we will states. In all, there will be disagree; or strongly disagree. product(s)/service(s)/area(s)'. New Delhi, April 26: Steel cope with Covid-19 but our paper 22 questions The proposed survey will cover The participants will also be asked: plants have reduced their oxygen food packaging products saw a total of 20,000 respondents from "overall, the merger has been posi- stock to just half a day from 3.5 massive growth where consumer 21 states, including Uttar Pradesh, tive from customer service per- days earlier to fulfil the shortage market preferred to buy paper food PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil spective"; and options against this of the life-saving gas being used packaging instead of aluminum foil Nadu, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya are 'strongly agree'; 'agree'; 'neutral'; in the treatment of Covid-19 pa-

ATUL GARG | CEO, ODDY UNIWRAPS Mumbai, April 26: The Reserve Pradesh, and Gujarat. In all, there 'disagree'; and 'strongly disagree'. tients, an official statement said Bank of India (RBI) has decided to will be 22 questions. While inviting quotations for Monday. conduct a customer satisfaction Of the 22, a set of four questions conducting the 'Bank Customers' Steel plants usually keep a min- survey to find out the impact of the has been drafted separately for as- imum stock of over three days of Our continued Satisfaction Survey' from survey focus on recent mergers of state-owned banks sessing customer service and griev- agencies, the central bank said liquid oxygen from which in an cutting-edge on banking services being availed ance redress issues of customers of Vijaya Bank were merged with Corporation Bank with Union Bank the approved vendor will be re- emergency situation gaseous oxy- technologies has by individuals. branches of banks that have been Bank of Baroda; OBC and United of India. Also, LVB was merged quired to conduct interview over gen is extracted and sent for steel expanded client Among other things, the re- merged with other banks in the BoI with PNB; Syndicate Bank with with DBS Bank. phone with recording of customers making process. engagement with spondents will be asked whether year 2019 and 2020. Canara Bank; Allahabad Bank with The questions related to mergers of bank branches falling in iden- large deal wins this the merger was positive from the Among PSBs, Dena Bank and Indian Bank; Andhra Bank and are: 'I did not face any problem in tified states. quarter. We are also witnessing a strong acceleration in demand CP GURNANI | MD & CEO, TECH MAHINDRA ‘Travel restrictions Oxford Economics lowers India’s P&G is committed to playing an dampen fuel, ATF sale’ active role in India’s fight against Covid- GDP growth forecast to 10.2% 19 and will contribute `50 crore towards 10 lakh vaccine doses AGENCIES WATCHFUL EYES "The plants are normally re- quired to keep 3.5 days of safety covering vaccination of 5 lakh The forecasting firm expects New Delhi, April 26: Global fore- stock of LMO (liquid medical oxy- Indians, 100 citizens for every one India’s targetted lockdown employee we have in India casting firm Oxford Economics approach, less stringent gen) in their storage tanks. Monday revised downwards its Through continuous engagement MADHUSUDAN GOPALAN | CEO restrictions, and resilient , India GDP growth forecast for 2021 with the steel producers, the stock P&G (INDIAN SUBCONTINENT) consumer and business behaviour to 10.2% from 11.8% previously, cit- to mitigate the economic impact has been reduced to 0.5 days be- ing the country’s escalating health of the second wave cause of which LMO supply has burden, faltering vaccination rate significantly increased," the AGENCIES ond wave of Covid-19 in certain and lack of a convincing government The global forecasting firm Ministry of Steel said in the state- SHORT TAKES large economies such as India and strategy to contain the pandemic. added it expects GDP to contract ment. Mumbai, April 26: Lockdowns Japan. Oxford Economics also said that sequentially in the second The steel plants supplied 3,131.84 Govt appoints and travel restrictions imposed by Additionally, though many coun- notwithstanding the likelihood of quarter as well tonnes LMO on Sunday to various states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, tries have put travel restrictions on further mobility restrictions, it ex- OXFORD ECONOMICS SAID INDIA'S HEALTH SYSTEM HAS COLLAPSED IN THE health facilities across the states Seth on RBI board Jharkhand and Rajasthan have flights from India, the mutation, pects India's targeted lockdown ap- WORST-HIT STATES, WITH EVEN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL DELHI FACING ACUTE for treatment of COVID-19 pa- Mumbai: The RBI Monday said dampened the sale of auto fuels thought to be behind India's second proach, less stringent restrictions, SHORTAGE OF OXYGEN AND COVID-19 HOSPITAL BEDS tients, the ministry added. the government has appointed and aviation turbine fuel, leading wave, has spread to at least 10 other and resilient consumer and business At 3,131.84 tonnes, the supply Economic Affairs Secretary to refining and marketing compa- countries. As more countries wit- behaviour to mitigate the economic Oxford Economics said India's navirus cases being reported in the was over 8 per cent higher from Ajay Seth on the central bank’s nies reducing throughputs, a re- ness a virulent second wave, oil impact of the second wave. health system has collapsed in the past few days, and hospitals in sev- 2,894 tonnes dispatched by steel board. Seth replaces Tarun port said Monday. demand and GRMs could be damp- "India's escalating health burden, worst-hit states, with even the na- eral states are reeling under a short- plants on Saturday, the state- Bajaj, who was appointed as Going forward, the possibility ened, it said. faltering vaccination rate, and lack tional capital Delhi facing acute age of medical oxygen and beds ment said. Revenue Secretary earlier this of such a trend gathering pace, as "Refining and marketing com- of a convincing government strat- shortage of oxygen and Covid-19 hos- The IMF has projected an im- According to the ministry, the month. A 1987-batch more and more states resort to panies are cutting down on ca- egy to contain the pandemic have pital beds. pressive 12.5% growth rate for India production on Sunday (April 25) Karnataka cadre IAS officer, lockdowns amid a surging case pacity utilisation although the de- prompted us to downgrade our 2021 "While the official mortality rate in 2021, while S&P Global Ratings was 3,468.6 tonnes, while the plants Seth assumed charge of the count and strained healthcare sys- mand slowdown is not as severe as GDP growth forecast to 10.2% from has edged lower, it masks a rapidly has said the Indian economy is pro- had produced 3,474 tonnes LMO on DEA last week. “The Central tem, cannot be ruled out, ratings April 2020. 11.8% previously," it said. rising death count. Deaths are now jected to grow at 11 per cent in the April 24, 2021. Government has nominated agency ICRA said in a note. "Nevertheless, the capacity util- The global forecasting firm added doubling every ten days (as opposed current fiscal. Till a week earlier, the steel Ajay Seth, Secretary, ICRA also notes that the bench- isation and revenues and prof- it expects GDP to contract se- to an average of 29 days in the first In its last policy review, the RBI plants on an average were sup- Department of Economic mark Singapore gross refining itability of the refining and mar- quentially in the second quarter. wave) and even this figure is likely had projected a GDP growth rate of plying 1,500-1,700 tonnes a day, it Affairs, MoF as a Director on margins (GRMs) remain subdued keting companies are likely to be "But if struggling health systems buttressed by delayed or under-re- 10.5% for FY'22. According to India's said, adding the units have been the Central Board of RBI vice due to the global supply overhang adversely impacted owing to the de- force more states to resort to stricter porting of deaths." it noted. statistics office, the economy pro- able to enhance the supply as most Tarun Bajaj,” the RBI said. amid a demand slowdown and are mand slowdown,” said Sabyasachi lockdowns like Maharashtra, we India is struggling with a sec- jected to contract 8% in 2020-21 of the plants have reduced pro- unlikely to materially improve in Majumdar, Group Head and Senior will likely lower our growth fore- ond wave of the pandemic with while the Economic Survey 2020-21 duction of nitrogen and argon the near-term, owing to the sec- Vice-President at ICRA. cast further," it added. more than 3,00,000 daily new coro- sees 11% growth in 2021-22. and are producing only oxygen. Former Maruti MD no more New Delhi: Former Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki ‘Impose anti-dumping duty India, Jagdish Khattar, Nilon’s launches passed away Monday Samsung adds smart morning following a cardiac spices products arrest, according to people classes to JNV schools on stainless steel production’ Bhubaneswar: Nilon’s, one of country’s close to him. Khattar (79), a Bhubaneswar: former bureaucrat, was leading processed food company, POST NEWS NETWORK Samsung India considered one of the most announced that it is introduced a range of new-age blended high profile leaders of the spices. The array of products includes Bhubaneswar, April 26: Odisha adding smart Indian automotive industry, classes to 80 new pasta masala, pizza masala, noodles MSME minister Dibya Shankar laying the foundation for Jawahar Navodaya masala, garlic bread seasoning, chow Maruti's future growth after Mishra Monday urged the Union Vidyalaya (JNV) mein masala, piri-piri masala, magical the government began its Finance Minister to impose anti- schools across the masala and others. Spice is essential in disinvestment in 2002 and dumping duty on stainless steel country as part of any kitchen and this blended spices gradually exited from its joint production with a view to guard its global Samsung category consumption has witnessed venture with Suzuki Motor domestic manufacturers from cheap exponential growth in India. Pegged at Smart School ` Corporation (SMC). imports from China. dumping and countervailing du- less steel production are being initiative, providing 1,000 crore market, the western Mishra said, “The Centre has ties,” requested the minister, in his benefitted from the state gov- digital education to less-privileged students and fulfilling its blended category has shown a growth recently revoked anti-dumping and letter to Union Finance Minister ernment. The state government vision of ‘Powering Digital India’ by empowering the next of 18- 20% CAGR against the traditional CBIC sets countervailing duty for which a Nirmala Sitharaman. has also taken decision to the generation of young India. With this addition, smart classes spices category which has been country like China will be bene- “Odisha is the largest manu- pricing process on manufactured set up by Samsung will be available at 625 JNV schools and 10 growing at a CAGR of 10- 12%. up helpdesk fitted and import price would be facturing state of stainless steel. products in the state. It is also Navodaya Leadership Institutes in 835 classrooms across the much higher.” Over `15,000 crore has been in- planning to set up a metal clus- country, impacting close to 5 lakh students. A majority of the New Delhi: The CBIC “In a bid to provide a friendly en- vested to boost the sector. Also, ter and stainless steel park in new smart classes are being set up in very remote rural Monday said it has set up a vironment to all stainless steel about `8,000 crore is invested on the state in near future. districts. These new JNV schools are spread across 17 states. help desk to handle queries Every smart class set up by Samsung is equipped with an related to Covid related manufacturers and to guard im- small scale industries’ produc- State MSME minister has also re- ports from the countries like China tion,” he added. quested the same to Piyush Goyal, interactive Samsung Flip, Samsung tablets, a printer, a imports for their expeditious server; power backup and digital learning content. Customs clearance. The and Indonesia, Centre government According to the minister, Union Minister for Commerce and Central Board of Indirect shall consider in imposing anti- many industries involved in stain- Industry. Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is the apex decision making body in customs COVID matters, said it has been ` receiving queries relating to IMPACT Sports industry size falls to 5,894 cr in 2020: Report availability of duty exemption benefits, clearance procedures, PRESS TRUST OF INDIA `3,657 crore or 62% of the total The pandemic has by actively engaging with their fol- registration requirements spends, the yearly GroupM ESP lowers on social media and the from various ministries etc. Sporting Report said. drilled a large impact on spontaneity of this online content Mumbai, April 26: The Covid-19 Sponsorship spends, which in- sports in 2020, reducing flow. "And, with the open arms that pandemic and the ensuing event cluded on-ground sponsorships, we welcomed it, is the demonstra- the overall industry size SMIPL launches cancellations have drilled a large im- team sponsorships and franchise fee, tion of the power of sports in our pact on sports in 2020, reducing the stood at `1,673 crore, contributing by over 34% to `5,894 country." new ‘Hayabusa’ overall industry size by over 34% to 28% to the industry pie, the report Karnik said many sports prop- `5,894 crore in 2020 as against over said. crore in 2020 as against erties were either cancelled or post- New Delhi: Two-wheeler `9,000 crore in the year-ago period. Athlete endorsements increased over `9,000 crore in the poned and even sponsorship and manufacturer Suzuki The company's Head (Sports, E- by 5% as compared to 2019 despite media spends were impacted. Motorcycle India (SMIPL) Sports and Entertainment) for South the ravages of the pandemic, the re- year-ago period There are many sporting events Monday launched the third Asia Vinit Karnik termed 2020 as port said. lined up in 2021, and fans might generation model of its an "outlier year" which cannot be During the period of inactivity have to make choices between cer- flagship sport bike, the ‘all compared to any previous ones. in sports, there was a significant step GroupM CEO for South Asia tain events in terms of what, when new Hayabusa’, priced at Rs "The running events in jump in the level of social media in- Prasanth Kumar said, "With the and how much to watch, leading 16.40 lakh. The company launched the ‘All New January/February, IPL in October fluencer activity among popular lockdown being enforced and sub- to a rise in demand for subscription

and Indian cricket team playing in athletes, it said. Cricketers com- the agency’s report said. average time spent per gamer, it sequent stoppage of play on the viewing in live sports, he added.

k y m Hayabusa’ with a full model c change for the first time in 13 Australia were the only events that manded 92% of the pie here as 275 The absence of live sports along said adding that there was a sudden field, the void was stark with no "The year 2020 looks like that years. The new sport bike has took place," Karnik said. of the 377 endorsement deals in- with a sub-optimal supply of fresh boom in e-sports in 2020. visibility on how the anti-Covid-19 proverbial backward step we take been developed to achieve In the overall industry pie, the volved sportspersons from the game, OTT content led to the shift towards Staging of the IPL in UAE de- efforts would pan out. And, even before a giant leap, like the one we comply with the BS6 biggest share went to media, where it added. gaming, and April 2020 alone saw lighted fans, players, franchisees, without any activities, our sports he- are expected to take in 2021, as part emissions standards. advertisement spends on TV, digi- The year gone by (2020) also saw an 11% increase in users per week sponsors and rights holders, the roes stayed close to us." of the making of the sporting na- tal and print media contributed to female athletes pulling in brands, along with a significant jump in report said. He added that they came closer tion," Karnik said. P12 TUESDAY | APRIL 27 | 2021 | BHUBANESWAR sports

y IPL sees early withdrawals

k k y y m m c MORGAN, BOWLERS HELP ASHWIN, ZAMPA, RICHARDSON PULL OUT OF IPL AS COVID-CASE c SURGE RAISES FEAR FACTOR, BUT BCCI SAYS LEAGUE WILL GO ON

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, April 26: Anxiety pierced through IPL’s bio-secure bubble Monday with leading Indian KNIGHTS DETHRONE KINGS off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and some Australian players with- drawing from the league amid the escalating COVID-19 crisis in India even as the BCCI insisted that the glitzy league will go on. The 34-year-old Ashwin, com- peting for Delhi Capitals, decided to take a break saying that his family is currently ‘putting up a fight against COVID-19’ and he wants to support them. He hopes to return to the side ‘if things go in the right direction’. However, Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals) and the duo of Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa (both Royal Challengers Bangalore) withdrew as appre- nervous” about getting back home league to continue for it is a wel- hension set in after a couple of in the wake of the situation here. come escape for a few hours. weeks went by smoothly for the “Everyone is sort of a bit nerv- Cricket Australia and the league being held in front of empty ous about whether they can get Australian Cricketers’ Association stands across six venues. back into Australia. I dare say also issued a joint statement EOIN MORGAN While Zampa and Richardson there will be a few other Monday, saying that they are mon- have not yet spoken about their Australians a bit nervous about get- itoring the situation. ‘personal reasons’ for leaving, Tye ting back into Australia,” Hussey, Several England and New said he feared getting locked out a former Australia international, Zealand players are also compet- it all, tying things down with the new of his own country owing to mount- told the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’. ing in the event but haven’t yet ball, bowling 15 dot balls in his four ing quarantine cases from India However, not all Australians spoken about their concerns. The overs on the trot, before Cummins in his hometown Perth. are willing to leave. Kolkata Knight players from New Zealand, in- and Prasidh tightened the noose The BCCI, on its part, insisted Riders’ `15 crore buy Pat Cummins cluding stars such Kane sharing five wickets between them that the event will continue and it said he has been advised that the Williamson and Trent Boult, are at the death. wouldn’t come in the way of those Indian government views the expected to leave early in any case The pace troika removed the top wanting to leave. “As of now, IPL league as a welcome distraction as they have a Test series against three KL Rahul (19), Chris Gayle (0) is going ahead. Obviously, if any- from the gloom. He also donated England starting June 2. and Deepak Hooda (1) in space of 12 one wants to leave, that’s perfectly USD 50,000 to the PM CARES They will have to head back in balls for six runs to leave PBKS in fine,” a senior Board official said Funds to help oxygen supplies in last week of May to be available a disarray in the first 10 overs. on conditions of anonymity. hospitals. for it because of quarantine rules. On a pitch, where the ball stayed While leg-spinner Zampa was Another pacer Nathan Coulter- The IPL final is scheduled to be held low and gripped a bit, the Punjab bought for `1.5 crore, RCB spent Nile, who has a `5 crore deal with May 30 in Ahmedabad. batsmen failed to apply themselves `4 crore to buy pacer Richardson Mumbai Indians would rather be Australia, it is learnt, might Sunil Narine (R) celebrates a wicket with Dinesh Karthik with Narine (2/22) and Varun at the players’ auction. in the bio-bubble than risk a trip arrange a chartered flight for Chakravarthy (1/24) further dent- India is recording over 3 lakh back home at this point. “I feel its IPL cricketers once their en- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Punjab after the young Shivam was a bit of a blip with Andre ing their progress during the mid- daily cases for the past few days and like it’s safer for me to stay in the gagement is over. As many as 14 Mavi (1/13) bowled an astounding Russell departing in addition of 15 dle overs as well as back-end. the health infrastructure is strug- bubble than try and get home at Australian players now remain Ahmedabad, April 26: Skipper 15 dot balls in his four over spell. runs but Morgan and Dinesh Prasidh had the best figures as gling to handle the rise with short- the moment,” he told in the event. Commentators Eoin Morgan brought in a sense KKR have now ended their four- Karthik ensured that there’s no he ended Chris Jordan's 18-ball 30 age of oxygen and some crucial ‘cricket.com.au’. Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, of calm after early jitters as Kolkata match losing streak and are placed further damage to cruise home cameo which took the total past medicines adding to the crisis. Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Michael Slater and Lisa Knight Riders didn’t let a brilliant fifth with four points from six games. with 20 balls to spare. the 120-run mark. Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Ponting said he is aware of the Sthalekar are also among the bowling performance go in vain Punjab Kings slipped a notch behind Earlier, Rana got out for a golden David Hussey acknowledged that “grim” situation outside the IPL Australians involved with the during their easy five-wicket victory and are now at sixth place. duck in the first over, gifting his BRIEF SCORES Australians in the IPL are a “bit bio-bubble but would want the league right now. over Punjab Kings in an IPL en- Chasing the paltry target on a wicket to Moises Henriques, chip- PUNJAB KINGS 123/9 counter Monday. dew-laden Motera, KKR found them- ping a wide full toss straight to (Mayank Agarwal 31, Chris After the bowlers put up a splen- selves in familiar territory as they Shahrukh Khan at cover. Then the Jordan 30; Prasidh Krishna 3/30, did show to restrict Punjab Kings lost top-three for 17 runs inside Indian cricket’s blue-eyed boy, Gill, Sunil Narine 2/22, Pat to 123/9, KKR scored the runs in 16.4 three overs. continued his woeful run after Cummins 2/31) lost to overs with skipper Morgan re- But Morgan showed perfect intent showing some glimpses of his class, KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS maining unbeaten on 47 off 40 balls to seize control with Rahul Tripathi trapped by Mohammed Shami. 126/5 (Eoin Morgan 47 n o, (4x4, 2x6). in a 66-run partnership off 48 balls Ravi Bishnoi then produced a Rahul Tripathi 41; For KKR, it was a collective bowl- as KKR sealed the issue in 16.4 spectacular diving catch, sprint- Moises Henriques 1/5, ing performance with Prasidh overs to return to winning ways. ing about 30 metres to dismiss Sunil Deepak Hooda 1/20) Krishna (3/30), Pat Cummins (2/31) Tripathi could not finish it after Narine for a duck. by 5 wickets. and Sunil Narine (2/22) choked an impressive 32-ball 41 as there Earlier, youngster Mavi started DC FACE RCB IN BATTLE OF EQUALS Atletico’s loss a

PRESS TRUST OF INDIA to get more runs under his belt. TODAY’S MATCH DC boast of a strong middle order, Ahmedabad, April 26: Seeing the comprising skipper Rishabh Pant loss in their previous game as a DC RCB (125 runs), Australians Steve Smith boost for Barca blip, Virat Kohli-led Royal and Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Challengers Bangalore will have Hetmyer, who can be highly de- to be at their best to beat a formi- structive on their day. dable Delhi Capitals unit in the IPL Delhi will miss the services of ace here Tuesday. TIME 7.30 PM off-spinner Ravichandra Ashwin, who While RCB will have to shrug off has left the team to support his fam- their 69-runs thrashing at the hands Telecast: Star Sports channels ily in the fight against COVID-19. In of Chennai Super Kings in their his absence, left-arm spinner Axar last game and start afresh, Delhi’s Patel and experienced leg-spinner confidence would be boosted by Kyle Jamieson will have to step up Amit Mishra, who had wreaked havoc their thrilling ‘Super Over’ win and deliver while spinners against Mumbai Indians, will need against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington to shoulder greater responsibility. Sunday. start at the Narendra Modi stadium. son against a strong Delhi attack. Sundar, will also have to bowl tightly Delhi is unlikely to tinker with Up against Delhi, RCB will need But the opening duo would need The RCB bowlers will have to to contain a strong DC batting-line, their pace attack, as Avesh Khan, to address their middle order woes, the much-needed support from the forget the hammering received at full of hard-hitters. with 11 wickets from five games has to return to winning ways, in what middle order, which crumbled the hands of the CSK batters, es- For Delhi, their opener and tour- been impressive and South African could be touted as a battle of equals. against CSK. The likes of Glenn pecially league’s leading wicket- nament’s leading run-scorer Shikhar Kagiso Rabada can do the damage For the RCB, it will be important Maxwell (198 runs), AB de Villiers taker Harshal Patel, who was taken Dhawan (259 runs), would be eager early. The team management can play Inigo Martinez (L) reacts after scoring the winner for Athletic Bilbao against that the openers- the in-form Devdutt (129 runs), and the misfiring all- apart by Ravindra Jadeja, as he to carry forward his fine form, Lalit Yadav, who bowls off-spin and can Atletico Madrid; (inset) Antoine Griezmann celebrates one of his goals against Padikkal (171 runs) and Kohli (151 rounder Washington Sundar (25 conceded 37 runs in his final over. while his opening partner Prithvi also bat, in place of Ashwin, instead Villarreal, Sunday runs)- continue to provide a solid runs), will have to perform in uni- Pacers Mohammed Siraj and Shaw (166 runs), would be looking of going in for a pacer. ASSOCIATED PRESS Athletic’s San Mames Stadium. Alex Berenguer opened the scoring Madrid, April 26: Needing a win for the hosts in the eighth minute. India among 6 teams to to stay in control of the Spanish Atletico equalized with a header ‘Dee-Das’ shoots triple gold league, Atletico Madrid stumbled by Stefan Savic off a corner kick again with a 2-1 loss to Athletic in the 77th, but Inigo Martinez’s qualify for T20I at CWG PRESS TRUST OF INDIA 4 (27-26) in an intriguing shoot-off. Bilbao, giving Barcelona a chance header in the 86th sealed the vic- The performance rubbed off on to take over the lead. tory for 10th-place Athletic. PRESS TRUST OF INDIA tournament to be held by 31 January Guatemala City, April 26: Indian the mixed pair of Das and Bhakat Not even the return of Luis Suarez and Felix returned after 2022, details of which will be an- archery’s star couple Deepika as they bagged a bronze, upsetting Suarez and Joao Felix was enough nursing injuries for the last few Dubai, April 26: India is among six nounced in due course,” said the ICC Kumari and Atanu Das led the top seeds USA 6-2 with yet another for Diego Simeone’s team, which weeks. They came off the bench teams which have qualified for the in a statement Monday. show with two individual gold fightback at the Sports Complex could drop to second Thursday early in the second half but could- women’s T20 competition of the Women’s cricket features in the medals as the country capped its best Los Arcos here. when Barcelona plays eighth-place n’t spark Atletico to victory. 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) Games for the first time in 22 editions ever performance in a World Cup, But the icing on the cake came Granada at home. Midfielder Thomas Lemar also re- as cricket returns for the second time and cricket for only the second time claiming three golds and a bronze in the individual events later in Barcelona put pressure on turned from injury. in the multi-sporting event. ever, the first occasion being a men’s in the tournament’s first stage here. the day Deepika and Das bagged two Atletico by coming from behind to Earlier, Griezmann scored twice The six qualifiers who join home ODI competition in Kuala Lumpur Former World No.1 Deepika individual golds in their respec- win 2-1 at Villarreal earlier Sunday, in the first half as Barcelona ral- team England in the eight-team T20 in 1998, when South Africa won. claimed her career’s third indi- tive events. getting within two points of the lied to beat Villarreal and stay close competition are Australia, India, The CWG cricket tournament will vidual World Cup gold to add to Former World No.1 Deepika, who lead with a game in hand. Antoine to the top. Villarreal, sitting seventh, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, take place at Edgbaston, with tick- the team’s triumph, while her hus- Cup finish by India’s recurve archers was seeded third, stayed calm in an Griezmann scored both goals for the played with 10 men from the 65th and a country from the West Indies. ets set to go on sale later this year. band Das grabbed his first ever with two individual and one team intense shoot-off to edge out USA’s Catalan club. Atletico will visit minute after Manu Trigueros was They have secured qualification as CGF President Louise Martin World Cup individual medal in gold medals in their return to the eighth seed Mackenzie Brown 6-5 Barcelona in two rounds’ time. sent off with a straight red card for a result of their standings in the ICC was also excited about the cricket’s style winning the men’s recurve top International calendar year (9-9) by hitting closer to the cen- Defending champion Real Madrid a dangerous sliding tackle on Lionel team rankings April 1. return to the Games. “Cricket is a individual final. event after almost two years. tre. This was Deepika’s third ca- was held 0-0 against Real Betis Messi. Trigueros had his foot up “As per the qualification process, sport that is synonymous with the The two are now automatically Also, this was India’s best ever reer stage win and first since Salt Saturday but also remain in con- when he hit Messi’s left leg, slid- the winner of a designated Commonwealth and we are so ex- qualified for this season’s most- individual recurve men’s result Lake City 2018. tention. It is in second place, level ing his cleats on the Argentine’s y Qualifying event will determine cited to have it back in the Games coveted Archery World Cup Final. since Jayanta Talukdar triumphed But the best show came from on points with Barcelona and two lower shin. Messi was in pain and

which country from the Caribbean for the first time since the men’s “We travel together, train together, in Croatia way back in 2009. her husband Das when he out- behind Atletico. Also still in the needed medical attention but was

k k y y m m c c region gets to participate as athletes competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998. compete together and win together,” India started with the women’s classed Spanish World Cup debutant title race is Sevilla, which defeated able to return. will be representing their indi- “The debut of women’s T20 Das, who got married to Deepika in trio of Deepika, Ankita Bhakat Daniel Castro 6-4. Das’ previous Granada 2-1 to stay only three points The hosts opened the scoring vidual countries and not the West cricket will be a historic moment June last year after a two-year and Komalika Bari winning the best in the individual section has off the lead. with Samu Chukwueze in the Indies as they would at ICC events. for Commonwealth Sport and a courtship, said after claiming the first team gold after seven years. been a fourth place finish in Antalya Atletico had won two straight 26th, but Griezmann equalised in “The last participating team will wonderful showcase for women’s gold medal, Sunday. They scripted a stunning turn- 2016 where he lost to Kim Woojin to remain at the top, but it could- the 28th and netted the winner be decided through a Qualifying sport across the world,” she said. This was the best ever World around to down fancied Mexico 5- in the bronze playoff. n’t recover after conceding early at in the 35th.

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